Snow Activities

We are spoiled for choices in the opportunity to experience snow activities in the Ruapehu Region

If you are interested in skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, sledging, tramping and walking through snow, riding chairlifts, playing in the snow, photographing or just enjoying being in a winter wonderland – Fernleaf Farmstay is handy to all.

Snow activities can be enjoyed at Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruho or, on occasion, at places such as National Park, Owhango, Ohakune etc.

The main places where you can enjoy these snow activities are:

Mount Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu is handy to Fernleaf Farmstay and there’s something for everyone: Fantastic learners’ facilities, exceptional terrain, and terrain parks for free-skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. There are two area or “ski fields” including the Whakapapa, which is close to Fernleaf and Turoa.

Whakapapa Ski Area is the closest snowfield which is on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu and boasts a massive 550Ha ski terrain and premier learning facility, Happy Valley. Visit the renowned Knoll Ridge Cafe, the highest cafe in New Zealand at 2020m above sea level.

Mt Ruapehu offers some of the most amazing natural terrain in the country: huge snow filled basins, lift accessed back country, steep chutes, drop-offs and secret powder stashes. Experience both ski areas with just one lift pass. There’s something for everyone: Fantastic learners’ facilities, exceptional terrain, and terrain parks for free-skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Access to Whakapapa Ski Area is from the Bruce Road, a 6km sealed road.
Not skiing? Enjoy our free tobogganing/tubing area, great coffee in our cafés and sightseeing chairlift rides for elevated views from the highest mountain in the North Island. or just drive up to see the spectacular view.

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Enjoy excellent skiing and boarding at Mount Ruapehu’s ski areas – Whakapapa and Turoa. 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! Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa Summer Magic offers 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.

Although further away, access is available to Turoa Ski Area from Ohakune Mountain Road, a 17km sealed road.
Not skiing? Enjoy our free tobogganing area, great coffee in our cafes and sightseeing chairlift rides for elevated views from the highest mountain in the North Island.

Mount Tongariro

Many people enjoy doing a winter trek of the world-renowned 18.5km Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the Tongariro National Park which often described as the best one-day trek in New Zealand. It provides you with an opportunity to experience walking and tramping in some of the most scenic and active volcanic areas of the Tongariro National Park such as steaming vents, hot springs, old lava flows, beautiful water-filled explosion craters and stunning views. You can enjoy walking through snow, breathing clean air, getting your heart rate up and viewing or photographing spectacular scenery.

Skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or sledging are also enjoyed at Mount Tongariro. Some say that the skiing at Mt Tongariro is both interesting and exciting.

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