Whakapapa Ski Guide: Skiing Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park

Overview

Whakapapa is on the northern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the North Island's highest mountain. It sits inside Tongariro National Park, which holds dual World Heritage status for its volcanic landscape and its cultural and spiritual significance to Māori. Its terrain is formed by solidified lava, with long, gentle learner slopes and freeride terrain higher up.

Since 1 May 2025, Whakapapa has been run by Whakapapa Holdings Limited under a Department of Conservation concession. Tūroa, on the other side of the mountain, is a separate business with its own passes.

The mountain

Who it suits

• Beginners: Happy Valley is a fully separate learner zone with its own lifts, snowmaking, a gentle slope with covered carpet lifts and a slow chairlift. Its café, rental centre and ski school meeting area are on site.
• Intermediates and advanced: 12 lifts spread across 550 ha, up to freeride terrain on the volcanic slopes.

Season

Whakapapa's 2026 season ran from 30 May to 25 October 2026. 2027 dates haven't been published yet.

Getting there

• Where to stay: Whakapapa Village and Waimarino (formerly National Park Village) are the closest bases. Taupō Airport is about 1 hour 20 minutes away.
• The road: from Whakapapa Village it's a short 6 km drive up a fully sealed road. In winter, check the road status before you leave. The road can be open, restricted to 4WD or vehicles with chains, or closed.
• Parking: about 1,800 free car parks at the base area, first come, first served. Paid priority parking is also available.

Volcano safety

Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano. Before you go, check GeoNet's volcanic alert level for Ruapehu, and follow the ski area's safety information on the mountain.

Nearby

Tūroa is on the southern side of Ruapehu, above Ohakune. In summer, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing starts nearby. See our Taupō city guide for accommodation by the lake.