MOUNT RUAPEHU SKI RESORT (North Island)

Mount Ruapehu is situated within the spectacular Tongariro National Park, a dual world heritage site, and is home to New Zealand’s two largest ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa. It boasts the highest lift access and longest vertical drop in Australasia.

With 1800 hectares of incredible terrain on offer, these two ski areas will delight skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. For beginners, Whakapapa’s Happy Valley is a favourite. It is NZ’s premier learning facility with wide gentle slopes and its own beginner’s chairlift. More confident skiers and riders are spoilt for choice with 50 groomed runs, huge snow-filled basins, steep chutes and secret powder stashes to explore. For freeskiers and snowboarders there are full time terrain parks and extensive lift accessed backcountry skiing/riding at both ski areas. Turoa has just completed a $19 million development that includes a new 1.4km high-speed 6-seater chairlift, making it the longest in NZ.

There are several villages near both ski areas, each with their own characteristics and a wide range of accommodation options.