Mount Ruapehu
Mt Ruapehu offers an incredible natural mountain terrain. There are huge snow filled basins, lifts to accessed back areas, steep chutes, drop-offs and secret powder stashes. Ski, snowboard, toboggan, walk, climb, take the chairlifts there is something for everyone.
Access to the Whakapapa Ski Area is from Bruce Road along a 6km sealed road.
Even if you are not skiing you can enjoy our free tobogganing area, great coffee in our cafés and sightseeing chairlift rides for elevated views from the highest mountain in the North Island.
You can enjoy excellent skiing and snow boarding at Mount Ruapehu’s ski areas – Whakapapa and Turoa. For non-skiers there is tobogganing and tubing or just drive up to see the spectacular view. The ski season usually begins in July and often runs until late spring. In summer, at Whakapapa, scenic chairlift rides and guided hikes to Ruapehu’s Crater Lake are also available.
Walk up, run up or catch the lift! to enjoy scenic sightseeing chairlift rides to New Zealand’s highest café at 2020m above sea level, the Knoll Ridge Café. For the more adventurous, book a Guided Crater Lake Hike.
A scenic chairlift ride is a fantastic activity for whole family whilst visiting the Tongariro National Park. Include our chairlift ride in your itinerary, whether you are on a day trip from Taupo or Whanganui or are staying in the Ruapehu region, it’s a must do.
Turoa Ski Area on the south-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu offers a massive 722m of vertical descent on New Zealand’s highest chairlift – The “Highnoon Express”.
For those looking to experience all the mountain has to offer, book a Guided Crater Lake Hike. Ascend to Mt Ruapehu’s pristine Crater Lake near the highest point in the North Island. Under the care of your Safety and Mountaineering Guide with Ngati Hikairo Cultural Knowledge, you will venture through rugged volcanic terrain and learn about the geological and cultural significance of the mountain and the Tongariro World Heritage and Cultural Park.
Maori Legend
Ruapehu, the beautiful maid, was married to Taranaki. One day, while her husband was away hunting, she was wooed and won by Tongariro. When Taranaki returned at the end of the day he surprised the guilty pair. A titanic battle ensued in which Taranaki was defeated. He retreated towards the west coast, carving out the course of the Wanganui River as he went.With wide open plains, rivers and awe-inspiring mountains Mt Ruapehu isn’t your usual alpine destination.