Skiing and snowboarding information for Mt Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu is the largest Mountain in a series of three which make up the Tongariro National Park. It is home to the North Islands most substantial ski field which attracts around two – thirds of the nation’s skiers and snowboarders. Whakapapa ski resort and Turoa Ski resort have recently been merged to provide the largest commercial ski field in New Zealand. The area is the North Islands middle earth. Active volcanoes flow down to golden tussock covered deserts and crystal clear lakes and rivers. The region is framed by rich farmland and native flora and fauna.

National Park village at the base of Mount Ruapehu has an excellent range of places to eat out including cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs and food and liquor stores. There are also some excellent shops which offer New Zealand made garments, greenstone and bone pendants. It is the last stop before ascending Mount Ruapehu and you can buy or hire everything you need from hiking and skiing to all outdoor activities. The most popular walk in the area is The Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This one day hike offers some of the finest tramps in New Zealand. Within a few hours you will climb over lava flows, discover geothermal areas, pass beautiful lakes and be offered the opportunity to climb up to the cinder cone of Mout Ngauruhoe. There are walks scattered throughout the Tongariro National Park of various levels and lengths to suit the most enthusiastic tramper. The ski field of Whakapapa offers over thirty groomed trails, a dozen major chair lifts and T – bars and a dedicated learners area. Turoa, known locally as "The Giant" is very popular with snow boarders as there are many natural half pipes created by past lava flows. Shuttle buses run from Whakapapa village, National Park, Turangi and Taupo and Rotorua, or you can drive up to the free car parking at the "Top 'o' the Bruce".

National Park village and the surrounding area offers a choice of accommodation from B&Bs, lodges, motels and hotels. A visit to the majestic Bayview Chateau Tongiriro at the base of Mount Ruapehu is worth the effort. Built in 1929, the Chateau itself is a Category One Heritage Building. Its lavish décor and furnishings is set against a backdrop of truly remarkable scenery. Wake up to the vista of a spectacular mountain view or relax in front of a roaring log fire. Fine cuisine under the glow of grand chandeliers awaits. You can even play a round of golf on the highest golf course in New Zealand here. Take a scenic flight to get the best view of Mount Ruapehu and its surrounds or journey down the Wanganui river with traditional Maori guardians to learn about the area’s fascinating history and heritage. Go on a guided film location tour and discover the secrets and scenes from the Lord of the Rings trilogy or the movie hit River Queen. At nearby Waiouru wander through the Army museum for a glimpse into the history of New Zealands National military heritage.

The main activities surrounding Mount Ruapehu are hiking and climbing in summer and skiing and snowboarding in winter. Other popular activities include kayaking, hunting, mountain biking, horse riding and rafting. The Tongariro National Park is the oldest National park in New Zealand. It is steeped in Maori heritage and legend and is recognized as a World heritage site. The Mt Ruapehu landscape here is unique and the scenery can change from day to day depending on the weather to provide the traveller with a contrast of vistas and experiences.