Mount Ruapehu

With its two companion volcanoes, the World Heritage area of Mount Ruapehu is the location for North Island's only premier ski fields - Whakapapa and Turoa. The massive peak provided some of the locations for Mt Doom in the 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy.


Mount Ruapehu dominates the central North island landscape, rising high above the surrounding countryside to 2,797 metres. Its spectacular neighbours are Mount Ngauruhoe (active, like Ruapehu) and Mount Tongariro. The three volcanoes are a breathtaking sight, particularly in the winter months when they are snow-capped.

Skiing started at Whakapapa in 1913. By 1920 there was a new access road. Sir Edmund Hillary of Everest fame opened New Zealand’s first chairlift here in 1954, the year after his epic climb. Today Whakapapa (1360 acres) and Turoa (1236 acres) are the largest ski areas in the country. The volcanic terrain on the north-west flank of Ruapehu has created a mix of deep gullies (natural halfpipes for snowboarders) narrow chutes and wide-open flanks.

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 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.

Read More...

Whakapapa and Ohakune are approximately four and a half hours drive from Auckland and Wellington international airports. Whakapapa ski area is just under four miles from Whakapapa Ski Village along a sealed road, and 32 miles from Ohakune. Turoa is...

Although there are more than 50 ski lodges (1500 beds) at the Whakapapa base area, these are only for the use of members and their guests. Tourists generally stay in Whakapapa Village, just over four miles down the road, where...

At peak times Whakapapa employs 126 instructors. Turoa has 60. There are special children's programmes with a focus on "Kids' Explorer" sessions for 6-12 year olds. 'Learn to Ski and Snowboard' packages are also available at both resorts.

Mount Ruapehu 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. Whakapapa, purchased its neighbour at the turn...

Mount Ruapehu Ski Lifts & Passes Mt Ruapehu is spending NZ $30 million on on-mountain investments, including three new high speed chairs - two at Whakapapa and one at Turoa: the high-speed six-seat High Noon Express - the longest and...

Mount Ruapehu Beginner Skiing At Whakapapa, beginners have an extremely easy area dedicated to them. With the help of 25 snow guns, Happy Valley, tucked away from the main slopes, normally opens at the end of May, in advance of...

Mount Ruapehu Intermediate Skiing At Whakapapa, the runs off the Waterfall Express chair and the Waterfall T-bar are among the best prospects, with wonderful scenery. Those in search of fairly un-challenging off piste will make for the Far West T-bar...

Mount Ruapehu Advanced & Expert Skiing Depending on the mood of the volcano it is possible - and safe - to climb to the crater lake (45 - 60 minutes) from either side and ski down. Whakapapa's more interesting terrain...

Mount Ruapehu Boarding & Freestyle There's good terrain for all at Whakapapa: a halfpipe on Hut Flat, a beginners' terrain park in the Rock Garden, and a more challenging park under the Waterfall Express chair. Snowboarders are in their element...

Mount Ruapehu 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...

Mount Ruapehu Village At Whakapapa Village, the large, elegant and expensive Château Tongariro is the focal hotel, with fine dining at the Ruapehu Room. Whakapapa is served by a variety of hotels, motels, backpacker accommodation, taverns, and restaurants in Whakapapa...

Mount Ruapehu Bars & Restaurants The numbers of bars and restaurants at Whakapapa Village is fairly limited, but there’s plenty more choice in Okahune. Whakapapa Bars & Restaurants The choice in Whakapapa Village is pretty straightforward. If you want true...

Mount Ruapehu Other Activities There's a dedicated sliding park at Meads Wall (five minutes from the Whakapapa base area), with its own cafeteria. Turoa also has a dedicated area for toboggans and sliding mats, which are available to rent. Tourist...

Search for Hotels, Apartments & Chalets in Mount Ruapehu

Booking.com

Mount Ruapehu Map

Back To Top