5 Day Customised Mt Ruapehu Ski Escape

Ski New Zealand have a superb range of cars from all the top companies and with a range of insurance options and inclusions that will suit you perfectly.

Today you will leave Auckland and travel south through the rolling pastures of Waikato. Take the time to detour to Waitomo and experience its network of underground caves before heading inland to the Central Plateau and arriving at Tongariro National Park. A world heritage site, Tongariro is home to three active volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe as well as a host of activities including hiking, fishing, climbing, mountain biking and skiing.

With a two day flexi-ski lift pass you'll have the best of both worlds and ultimate flexibility on Mt Ruapehu. You can decide on the day whether you're skiing Whakapapa or Turoa and the pass is valid for the two days anytime during the season during which it was purchased, the days don't have to be consecutive.
Don't own your own gear or snow clothing, or not sure if your skills are up to scratch?
No worries, chat to us about adding rentals and lessons.

Whakapapa Ski Area on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu is New Zealand's largest ski area. Whakapapa is home to New Zealand's premiere beginners' area, Happy Valley. It's a big complete learners area in its own valley away from the worry of faster skiers/boarders putting you off. It has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. The gentle slope is nice and long, giving you plenty of time to really get the hang of your new sport and there is a slow-moving chairlift that takes you to the top of the slope while giving your legs a rest between runs. There are also more than 30 groomed trails that intermediate skiers and boarders love. The volcanic terrain at Whakapapa gives a massive variety between trails, giving you the choice of bumps, chutes, drops, bowls or nice wide runs. With 24 black and black diamond runs plus the lift accessed Black Magic backcountry area, there is plenty at Whakapapa to get the adrenaline pumping even for the most expert of experts.

Turoa Ski Area on the south-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu offers a massive 722m of vertical descent on New Zealand's highest chairlift - the High Noon Express. The Alpine Meadow at the base of Turoa Ski Area is a wonderful little beginners' area. It has a massive 120m long carpet lift, which is like a conveyor belt over the snow and super easy to use. The Alpine Meadow is right next to the Alpine Chalet where you'll find good coffee, meals, snacks and a well-deserved cold beer after you're done on the slopes. For those who aren't ready for skiing or snowboarding, there's a sledding slope and a free public snow play area too! When you're ready to progress, a short ride up the Park Lane chairlift takes you to a slightly steeper beginner area, the Wintergarden, where you can develop your new skills and enjoy a break at the rustic Snowflake Burger Bar. The intermediate terrain at Turoa is mostly wide and smooth, making it a perfect progression from the beginner runs. There are 12 groomed intermediate runs, all of which are nice and long and many of them link to one another so you can enjoy excellent intermediate skiing and riding all the way from the top of Australasia's highest lift to the base area. With 25 black and black diamond runs and two spectacular lift-accessed backcountry areas you'll find a massive variety of terrain as an advanced skier/rider at Turoa. Enjoy the natural half-pipes and chutes through the Organ Pipes and the Solitude backcountry area or the amazing wide sweeping terrain of the Triangle and the Glacier backcountry area. If you're into steeps Hamilton's Face is for you and the budding big mountain skier will find an ever-changing range of natural terrain features to play on.

Head through National Park and across rich rolling farmland to the limestone regions of Waitomo and the famous Waitomo Caves complex.

The lush farmland of the Waikato and the limestone hills of the Waitomo region provide some great scenery as you head north. Visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House en route for a great look at some of New Zealand's native birds in particular our famous flightless namesake.