Mt Ruapehu Snowboarding & Skiing

Snow Sports on the Volcanos

Within the Tongariro National Park there are 2 major fields on for Mt Ruapehu snowboarding and skiing, Whakapapa with the largest learner area in NZ (45 minutes drive), and Turoa with the largest vertical drop in NZ via Ohakune (1 hour 15 minutes drive). Transport to Whakapapa Ski Field can be arranged through Riverstone Backpackers. Gear and mountain passes can be obtained from Tokaanu Ski and Snowboard next door to the Tokaanu Thermal Pools in Tokaanu Village the evening before or on the day at either Whakapapa or Turoa.

Whakapapa Snowboarding & Ski Field

Travel: 45 Min drive
SH47 Via Whakapapa Village

Whakapapa is well setup for learners and offers a variety of terrain for all abilities. The field is 10 minutes past Whakapapa Village where there are a range of sub-alpine walks and the Chateau Tongariro, a great spot for a drink or food after a day on the mountain.

 Turoa Snowboarding & Ski Field 

Travel: 1hr 15min drive
SH47, SH4, SH49 Via National Park & Ohakune

Mt Ruapehu snowboarding at Turoa offers a large vertical drop from top to bottom and a large fast chairlift. The drive to Turoa takes you up a picturesque mountain cabbage tree lined road. You pass through the small snow village of Ohakune, which has some interesting walking options and could be included as part of a round the mountain journey.