Central North Island skiing holiday

Ruapehu

With wide open plains, rivers and awe-inspiring mountains Mt Ruapehu isn’t your usual alpine destination. Probably because the ski fields are on a volcano! Whakapapa's dedicated beginner’s area, Happy Valley, is great for learning and kids. Old lava flows make great natural half-pipes and challenging terrain for intermediates and experts. 

Turoa, on the south-western side, caters for beginners to advanced, and snowboarders will love the dedicated terrain park. Mt Ruapehu lift passes give you access to both areas and the bustling town of Ohakune is a great place to base yourself. Part of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, the scenery here is breathtaking. On your days off the snow, hire a mountain bike, take a walk through a pristine forest or relax on a golf course.

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Whakapapa Ski Field

• Skiable area: 1050 hectares
• Vertical descent: 675m
• Altitude: 2300m
• Number of lifts: 11
• Terrain: 25% beginners, 50% intermediates, 25% advanced
• Business hours: 9am - 4pm
• Months of operation: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
• Proximity to town: 19 minutes, 18 kms to National Park. 1 hr 15 mins, 99.6 kms to Taupo
• Read more on Whakapapa

Turoa Ski Field

• Skiable area: 500 hectares
• Vertical descent: 722m
• Altitude: 2322m
• Number of lifts: 6
• Terrain: 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% advanced
• Business hours: 9am - 4pm
• Months of operation: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
• Proximity to town: 30 minutes, 18.3 kms to Ohakune. 2 hrs, 152 kms to Taupo
• Read more on Turoa

Other ski fields

Tukino is a 50 hectare, club operated ski field, nestled on the eastern slopes on Mt Ruapehu.  It offers adventure without crowds, and the opportunity to ski some of Mt Ruapehu's more challenging off-piste terrain. Ski and snowboard lessons are available for beginners. With an altitude of 2020m and vertical drop of 220m, Tukino is sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds, and often open when the rest of Mt Ruapehu is blanketed in cloud. 

Nearby Destinations

Lake Taupo

There's more to Lake Taupo than meets the eye. It can be described as a volcano without a top - created after a supervolcanic eruption over 26,000 years ago. It's New Zealand's largest lake and options for things to do here are endless. Naturally, the lake features in many activities: it's a trout fishing mecca, boat cruises and kayakers visit the Māori rock carvings on the cliffs of Mine bay, walk or cycle around the lake on the waterfront track or visit thundering Huka Falls, where the lake feeds the start of the Waikato river.

Off the water you can bungy, skydive, mountain bike, play golf, visit Craters of the Moon thermal area, soak in a hot spring or wine and dine at the many top-notch bars and restaurants.

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Rotorua

Rotorua is unlike any other place on earth. There are 17 lakes in the region, but it's the lively geothermal activity and rich Māori history that sets this place apart. If bubbling mud pools, sky-high geysers and hot springs don't interest you, immerse yourself in the numerous Māori cultural experiences or indulge in a spa treatment.

For adrenalin junkies, mountain biking, skydiving, Zorb and whitewater rafting will provide a few thrills. For family fun visit Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, Rotorua Museum or the Skyline luge.

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