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The Ski Resort of Mount Ruapehu
Mt Ruapehu
Whakapapa (the Wh is equivalent to an F according to Maori pronunciation, and needs to be said carefully in polite company!) is New Zealand’s largest and busiest ski area. It is also probably the most meteorologically challenging. Tongariro National Park on the north-western slopes of Ruapehu, attracts unpredictable weather. Ruapehu also erupts (has a “good cough”, as one wit put it) from time to time. Having done so to startling effect in 1995 and 1996, there was a fairly significant “event” in October 2006 and another in March this year (2007) when the crater lake wall ruptured causing a moderate “lahar” (mud slide). The volcano is meticulously monitored for eruptions and lahars.
Turoa is the lesser-known resort clinging to the “far side” (south- west flank) of the hulking Mount Ruapehu on the other side of the peak from its more famous neighbour. Yet Turoa has Australasia’s biggest vertical drop: 722 m (2,362ft). The layout and terrain seem very different from its sister resort, making it an attractive alternative, and well worth the effort of sampling both resorts. There is no easy way to get from one resort to the other in snow, so driving is the only easy way to visit both areas. The road from Ohakune to the resort is spectacular (but not difficult), lined with exotic semi-tropical vegetation. Mt Ruapehu lift passes can be used in both Whakapapa and Turoa. There is a bus service several times a day each way between the two.
Mt Ruapehu at a glance
On the mountain
Ski area
Whakapapa and Turoa, just under four miles from Ohakune on the south-western slopes of the volcano – are jointly marketed and owned by the same company, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. more...
Skiing and boarding
Mountain restaurants
Mountain restaurants
Whakapapa has three on-mountain cafes, and on fine days, people like to sit on the sun deck outside the Knoll Ridge Restaurant (New Zealand’s highest licensed eaterie) and watch experts cope – or struggle - with the challenges high above on the Pinnacles. At Turoa there’s a cafeteria at the base area, another at the top of the Parklane chair, and another near the top of the Giant chair.
more...
Ski Map
- open Whakapapa map Ski map
- open Turoa map Ski map
Off the mountain
Village
At Whakapapa Village, the large, elegant and expensive Château Tongariro is the focal hotel, with fine dining at the Ruapehu Room. more...
Apres ski
Fairly limited, at least in the number of locations at Whakapapa Village, but a lot more choice in Okahune. more...
Getting there
The resorts are four and a half hours or so from Auckland and Wellington international airports. more...
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Navigation
Turoa facts
Ski Area
| Base | 5,249 ft 1,600 m |
| Summit | 2,300 ft 7,546 m |
| Elevation | 675 ft 2,215 m |
| Area size | 1,359 a 550 ha |
Trails/runs
| Number of trails | 22 |
| Advanced | 25 % |
| Intermediate | 50 % |
| Beginner | 25 % |
Whakapapa facts
Ski Area
| Base | 5,348 ft 1,630 m |
| Summit | 7,546 ft 2,300 m |
| Elevation | 2,215 ft 675 m |
| Area size | 1,359 a 550 ha |
Trails/runs
| Number of trails | 30 |
| Advanced | 25 % |
| Intermediate | 50 % |
| Beginner | 25 % |
Resort shortcuts
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