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MOUNT RUAPEHU SKI AREA

New Zealand
Overview

Image of Mount Ruapehu Mt Ruapehu is home to New Zealand’s two largest Ski Areas. It is the mountain with more terrain, more choice and more pure room to move.

  • NZ’s highest lift access (2,322m)
  • NZ’s largest ski area (1800 hectares of lift accessed terrain)
  • Longest vertical drop in Australasia (722m)
  • World Heritage Park

Mt Ruapehu is the largest of three magnificent volcanoes that make up the Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage Park. The ‘dual’ title is a rarity and is in recognition of Tongariro’s awesome natural beauty and cultural significance.

Mt Ruapehu, along with Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngaruhoe, which make up the Tongariro National Park, are located in the central region of the North Island of New Zealand.

 

Whakapapa Ski Area

Whakapapa SkifieldWhakapapa Ski Area is located on the north western slopes of Mt Ruapehu and on a clear day has spectacular views across central North Island. A short 6km drive up the Bruce Road from Whakapapa Village will get you to the base of Whakapapa Ski Area. Whakapapa is renowned for its world class beginner facilities in Happy Valley. After recently being enlarged by a third, it has become a popular zone for first time ski and snowboarders with its wide gentle slopes. Happy Valley has separate ski hire facilities and a 120-seat cafeteria to re-energize in throughout the day. With its north facing basin, many steep faces, slopes, and gullies, Whakapapa is an adventure playground for beginners to advanced skiers and boarders looking for some challenge.

  • 900 hectares of lift accessed skiable terrain
  • 5 on-mountain licensed cafes
  • Over 30 groomed trails
  • Excellent beginner facilities with separate café, rental and teaching area.
  • Ski/board lessons for all ages and abilities
  • Highest point 2322m above sea level

 

Turoa Ski Area
Turoa Ski LiftTuroa Ski Area is located on the south western slopes and has spectacular views out towards Mt Taranaki. A 17km drive up the Mountain Road above Ohakune village will take you up to the base of Turoa Ski Area. Turoa is renowned for having New Zealand's best Terrain Park. In 2004 our Pipe 'n' Park crew will be back on deck building upon previous successes and producing the best Parks and Pipes in the land.

  • 900 hectares of lift accessed skiable terrain
  • 3 on-mountain licensed cafes
  • Over 22 groomed trails
  • Full time half pipe
  • NZ’s best terrain park
  • Babysitting referral service
  • Highest point 2322m above sea level

 

Turoa Base AreaServices common to both ski areas:

  • Latest rental equipment
  • Workshop and ski/board tuning facilities
  • Snow school lessons available for all ages and abilities
  • Full time Terrain Park
  • Snowmaking