Whakapapa - Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand
Driving directions
From Auckland, head south on SH1 to Taupo and then on to Turangi then Whakapapa (approx 4 1/2 hrs journey time). From Wellington, head north on SH1 to Waiouru, turn left to Ohakune then continue to National Park Village (approx 4 1/2 hours journey time).
Click on a point on the map or enter from/to. Print directions
Flying
Fly to Auckland airport and inland to either Taupo or Palmerston North airports.
By bus/coach
Nakedbus operates a service Auckland-Wellington that stops in Turangi (www.nakedbus.com). Many accommodation providers and shuttle companies provide transport to Whakapapa Ski Area from Turangi. Intercity runs regular services from Taupo to National Park and Whakapapa Village. There are also services from Auckland and Wellington that stop in National Park Village (www.intercity.co.nz). Kiwiana Tours operates a weekend service Auckland-National Park, departing Sky City at 5pm and returning Sunday 9pm. They have packages that can include mountain transfers, accommodation and breakfast. Call 0800 878 483 or visit www.kiwianatours.com. Mountain Shuttle provides daily coach transport to Whakapapa Ski Area from Whakapapa Village. It runs from Whakapapa Holiday Park in Whakapapa Village every hour from 8:30am. When there are chain/4WD restrictions on the Bruce Road the service runs every half hour from 8am to 11:30am and every hour.
By train
Train services are possible to National Park, which is 12 miles away. Transcenic operates the Overlander passenger train service, which runs Wellington-Auckland and stops in National Park Village. The service runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the winter (www.tranzscenic.co.nz).
Address
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd
Private Bag
Mount Ruapehu
New Zealand
Tel: ++64 7 892 3738
Fax: ++ 64 7 892 3732
Resort Statistics
Resort Type:
Alpine
Winter: June to Oct
Lifts
Total Lifts: 14
Chair lifts: 7
Drag lifts: 6
Other lifts: 1 learner rope
Max people per hour: 15,000
Board Leashes required: No
Mountain
Total pistes/trails: 67
Total ride area: 550 hectares
Longest run: over 3.5km
Top lift: 2300m
Vertical drop: 670m
First lift: 1630m
Piste suitability
Green runs: 25%
Red runs: 50%
Black runs: 25%
Lift Passes
| Low Season | High Season | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZD | GBP | NZD | GBP | |
| Day Pass | 83.00 | 37.73 | 83.00 | 37.73 |
| 6-Day Pass | - | - | - | - |
| 6-Day Linked area Pass | - | - | - | - |
| NZD | GBP | |
|---|---|---|
| Season Pass: | 719.00 | 326.84 |
Lift Passes:
2008 Lift Pass Prices:
1-day Adult All Mountain: NZ$83
5-day Anytime Adult All Mountain: NZ$391
Adult Season Pass: NZ$719
Mt Ruapehu lift passes are valid at both Turoa and Whakapapa skifields. Mt Ruapehu Season Passes are on sale throughout the winter season. For a real bargain, buy an Earlybird Season Pass - reduced rate season passes only on sale in April every year (NZ$419 in 2008).
Lift times:8.30am to 4.00pm
Snowfall
Artificial snowmaking coverage: 20%
Facilities
| NZD | GBP | |
|---|---|---|
| Days Rental of Board & Boots: | 45.00 | 20.46 |
| 4hr Group Lesson (full day): | 39.00 | 17.73 |
| 4hr Private Lesson (full day): | - | - |
Snowboard Schools:
Mt Ruapehu's Snow School offers a huge range of products to cater for everybody's needs, from beginners' group lessons to private tuition, as well as our specialist Adaptive Programme. Our team of friendly, internationally qualified instructors will make your time on the mountain enjoyable and memorable. At Whakapapa we have Happy Valley, New Zealand's premier learning facility with separate rental facilities.
Beginners' lesson package, Discover Snowboard: NZ$90 (2008) - includes Snowboard/Boot rental, 1hr 50min group lesson, beginners' area lift pass and a complimentary sightseeing ride (weather permitting).
Snowboard Hire:
Adult Snowboard & Boots 1 day: NZ$45 (2008)
Night Riding: :
No
Other activities
Heliboarding: :
Not available
Snowmobiles:
Not available
Further information
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Summary
Amazing terrain but inconsistent weather
MONEY WISE: Average, but cheap season passes
Terrain & parks
HALFPIPE:
Yes - 1
TERRAIN PARK:
Yes - 1 beginner-intermediate
BACKCOUNTRY/OFF-PISTE:Yes
TREE RUNS:No
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