Skiing in Ruapehu

About Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu is the tallest of the three volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. At 2,797m above sea level, it's also the highest point of the North Island. The volcano has a steaming crater lake near its summit, letting you know that it's very much alive, but resting. Skiing or boarding down the side of an active volcano is an experience you'll never forget. Where else could you find natural half pipes created by lava flows?

Main snow sport venues

Whakapapa, Mt. Ruapehu
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The Whakapapa ski area is on the northern side of Mount Ruapehu. It’ll show you massive views of the central North Island, including Mount Ngauruhoe which starred as Mount Doom for the Lord of the Rings movies. With 14 lifts and more than 30 groomed trails, Whakapapa is a well endowed snow field. Snowmaking to 2000 metres keeps the cover in great condition.

Turoa
On the southern side of the mountain, Turoa can claim New Zealand's longest vertical drop at 722 metres. The field has nine lifts, more than 22 groomed trails, off-piste glacial skiing and cliff jumps. A purpose-built terrain park keeps life interesting for freestylers and boarders. From Turoa's top lift you can walk the 500 metres to the volcano's crater lake.

Other things to do

	Appreciate the enormity of Tongariro National Park's three volcanoes from the air.
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Places to stay

The towns of Whakapapa Village, National Park and Ohakune provide comfortable accommodation, a great choice of eating places and plenty of après ski activity. Efficient shuttle services are available to take you up the mountain.

Getting there

There are four international airports handy to the Ruapehu region - Hamilton and Auckland to the north; Palmerston North and Wellington to the south.

Key tips

• Ruapehu's snow sport areas are generally open from late June until early November.
• Ruapehu lift passes are valid for both Turoa and Whakapapa snow areas.
• Shuttles to Turoa run from the town of Ohakune.
• Shuttles to Whakapapa run from Whakapapa Village.
• Ohakune hosts a 'Mountain Mardi Gras' around the beginning of August each year.