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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.

Combined both Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area are comprise one of New Zealand’s largest ski areas with over 1500ha 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.

Tūroa 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 Tūroa’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.

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  • Sports & outdoors

    Gordon's Outdoor Equipment Taupo

    Gordon's Outdoor Equipment specialise in providing you with all the quality equipment you need for your outdoor adventure. Whether it be skiing, snowboarding, tramping, camping, nordic walking or just walking the dog, we would love to help you!

  • Zoos & wildlife parks

    Timberline Racing Siberian Huskies Kennel and Tours

    A unique opportunity to meet and learn about these beautiful dogs and see a live demonstration, have doggy cuddles and hear about their history.

    $30 - $35 Book now
  • Activities & 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.

    $59 Book now
  • Ski & snowboard

    Whakapapa Ski Area

    Whakapapa is a world-class adventure playground located on the northern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, boasting the countries premier beginner facility, Happy Valley. Terrain is formed by solidified lava making for some of the most exhilarating skiing and snowboarding New Zealand has to offer. Explore everything from cruisy groomers to exhilarating chutes, bumps and drops, made all the more exciting by the natural volcanic terrain.

  • Rental cars

    RaD Car Hire Taupo

    RaD Car Hire Taupo is conveniently located at 7 Nukuhau Street. We are only 500 metres from the bus depot and just a stone's throw away from Taupo Airport, we can meet you at either of those locations. After-hours collection by arrangement.

    $45 - $149.99 Book now
  • 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.

    $100 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.

  • Sports & outdoors

    Turangi Ski

    Sue and Wendy welcome you to Turangi Ski. We hire snow sport equipment and accessories.

  • Skiing

    Snowscene Ski and Board

    Welcome to Snowscene Ski and Board Rental 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 rental gear for all ages and abilities.

    $20 - $100 Book now
  • Sports & outdoors

    Torpedo7 Taupo

    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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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.

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.

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