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Ski & snowboarding
At Mt Ruapehu, you can enjoy the longest ski season in Australasia (June to October) on New Zealand's largest commercial ski fields. There’s brilliant skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snow play for everyone, from the littlest snow bunnies to serious athletes and adventurers.
Mt Ruapehu ski areas - Whakapapa and Turoa - set to open on 1st July 2020, subject to ski conditions. Find out more here.
There's more room to ski at Whakapapa Ski Area, Turoa Ski Area and Tukino Ski Field than at all the commercial South Island ski fields put together.
Whakapapa Ski Area is New Zealand’s largest ski area with over 65 trails to discover, ranging from beginner and intermediate to extreme. Whether you’re interested in snow play, having a coffee at New Zealand's highest cafe, starting out skiing or snowboarding or you’re looking for a new challenge, Whakapapa Ski Area has the terrain and snow conditions to cater for everyone.
Turoa Ski Area is a favourite with those who enjoy the space and freedom of its wide open bowls and chutes. Snowboarders will love the terrain park, and more advanced skiers and boarders will find long linking runs and access to backcountry areas from the top of Australasia’s highest chairlift.
Beginners can find their feet at the family-friendly Happy Valley learner’s area at Whakapapa or Turoa’s Alpine Meadow. More advanced skiers can head straight for the long runs and big open bowls of the back-country areas, accessible by chairlift.
Plan your ski trip to Taupo
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Activities and Tours
Sky Waka, Mt Ruapehu
Ride New Zealand's most unique gondola, high above the UNESCO world-heritage-listed mountain area. For wild adventure, for supreme beauty, and for an unforgettable dining experience.
$39 Book now -
Cafes
Knoll Ridge Chalet - Whakapapa
From New Zealand's highest dining experience, perched 2,020m above sea level on the edge of Mt Ruapehu, the view is nothing short of spectacular.
$49 - $89 Book now -
Sports & outdoors
Gordon's Outdoor Equipment Taupo
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Ski & snowboard
Turoa Ski Area
Turoa Ski Area lies on the southwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu. It has the longest vertical descent of any ski area in Australasia and also boasts New Zealand’s highest chairlift - the Highnoon Express.
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Ski & snowboard
Whakapapa Ski Area
Whakapapa Ski Area is New Zealand’s largest ski area with over 65 trails to discover, ranging from beginner and intermediate to extreme.
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Ski & snowboard
Happy Valley Beginner Ski Area
Whakapapa Ski Area prides itself on having New Zealand’s biggest and best beginner ski, snowboard and snow play facility – Happy Valley.
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Snowboarding
Snowscene Ski and Board
Welcome to Snowscene Ski and Board Turangi. We have been serving skis, boards and snow clothing to Whakapapa, Turoa and Tukino Skiers and boarders for over 35 years. Our shop holds an extensive range of gear for all ages and abilities
$20 - $100 Book now -
Sports & outdoors
Torpedo7
Torpedo7 is New Zealand’s leading outdoor adventure sport multi-channel retailer, specialising in bike, snow, outdoor, watersports, moto and fishing gear. Shop in our Taupō store or buy online.
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Custom transfers
Backyard Tours Turangi Whakapapa Winter Round Trip Transfer
Let's go to the heart of the Tongariro National Park Whakapapa round trip transport transfer from Turangi to have fun in the snow. Book now.
$60 Book now -
Ski & snowboard
Tukino Ski Field
Tukino Ski Field is a club-operated ski field located on the eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu. It is open to the public and operates just like a small commercial field.
Après-ski, relax after a day of skiing or snowboarding
A fantastic range of apres-ski options are on offer too. Warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate while enjoying breathtaking views at New Zealand’s award-winning highest cafe, the Knoll Ridge Chalet at Whakapapa. Discover the Schuss Hauss at Whakapapa – a cosy refurbished ski chalet perfect for a beer and tasty Mexican food whilst enjoying live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Enjoy a mulled wine in front of a lodge fire, unwind weary muscles with a soak in a geothermal hot spring, or fuel up for the next day's adventure with a meal under the fairy lights of Taupo town.
Getting to the mountain
Take the hassle out of getting to the snow with daily mountain transport from Taupo town and Turangi to Whakapapa (return) with Adventure HQ.
Where to stay
You have a choice of locations in which to base yourself as you explore the Central Plateau and North Island ski areas. Taupo, located just over an hour from Whakapapa, is a bustling lakeside resort town with excellent accommodation options, a buzzing cafe and restaurant scene and mountain shuttles operating daily throughout the winter season.
You might also wish to spend time closer to the mountain in the riverside settlement of Turangi - just 40-minutes from Whakapapa Ski Area and the gateway to the Tongariro National Park.
