Whakapapa

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Introduction

Whakapapa, along with sister resort Turoa,is located on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. The diversity of the terrain here is caused by the way the underlying volcano has formed over millions of years. As the largest recognised ski resort in the country, Whakapapa has something for everyone, with steeps, cliffs, fast chutes, gullies and big natural banks allowing for some big air. The Mt Ruapehu lift pass covers both Whakapapa and Turoa.

New for season

06: $30m in new development over the next two years. New 4-seater Tennants Express chair

05: NZ$1.5 spent extending snowmaking facilities. Road improvements, new groomer and small trail improvments
04:4 dedicated snow guns for the Halfpipe.

Resort Statistics

Resort Type: Alpine
Winter: June to Nov

Lifts

Total Lifts: 13
Chair lifts: 7
Drag lifts: 6
Other lifts: 1 learner rope
Max people per hour: 23,000
Board Leashes required: No

Mountain

Total pistes/trails: 30
Total ride area: 550 hectares
Longest run: 1.7miles (2.8km)

Top lift: 2300m
Vertical drop: 675m
First lift: 1630m

Piste suitability

Green runs: 25%
Red runs: 50%
Black runs: 25%

Lift Passes

Lift Passes: 1 Day pass - NZ$72
5 Day pass - $320
Season $649 valid at Turoa as well.
Lift times:8.30am to 4.00pm

Snowfall

Artificial snowmaking coverage: 20%

Facilities

Night Riding: : 6pm to 9pm in Rockgarden area
Snowboard Schools: Learners package inc equipment & pass $79 per day
Private lessons $70 per hour
Snowboard Hire: Board & boots $47 per day

Heliboarding: : Not available
Snowmobiles: Not available