Skiing & Snowboarding on Mt Ruapehu – Adventure in Tongariro National Park

If you’re looking to hit the slopes in the North Island, all roads lead to Mt Ruapehu — the region’s most popular maunga for skiing and snowboarding. This mighty volcanic peak is home to two major ski fields, each with its own character and terrain: Whakapapa on the northwestern side and Tūroa on the southern slopes. Together, they make Ruapehu the largest ski area in Aotearoa, offering something for everyone, from families on their first day out to seasoned riders chasing big alpine runs.

Whether you’re based in Waimarino (formerly National Park Village), Ohakune or Whakapapa Village, both fields are within easy reach. Below, we’ll take a look at what each side offers, including directions, parking, facilities, ski hire and terrain highlights.

🎿 Whakapapa Ski Field – North Side Intro

On the Whakapapa Village side of Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa is the North Island’s largest ski field and one of the most versatile. Spanning 550 hectares of terrain, it caters to everyone, from families starting out in the sheltered Happy Valley beginner area to advanced skiers and boarders tackling high alpine runs. It’s also home to the Sky Waka gondola, a 1.8 km ride that soars up the mountain to 2020 m, offering sweeping views of the Central Plateau and dining at New Zealand’s highest café.

✨ Whakapapa Features & Stats

• Terrain size: 550 hectares of ski and snowboard terrain
• Lifts: Up to 12 lifts (dependent on conditions) with one pass granting access to all lift facilities
• Beginner areas: Dedicated zones and lower-mountain slopes suited for learning
• Advanced terrain: Alpine ridgelines, freeride zones and steeper runs for experienced skiers & snowboarders
• Gondola / sightseeing: The Sky Waka gondola, 1.8 km journey up the north face to 2020 m. Restaurant & panoramic views year-round.
• Access: From Whakapapa Village via Bruce Road
• Pass options: Day passes, season passes; lower-mountain/learner passes plus full-mountain all-lift access

🏔 Tūroa Ski Field – South Side

On the Ohakune side of Mt Ruapehu, Tūroa is famous for its wide-open terrain and natural half-pipes carved by ancient lava flows. Often called the “playground of the north”, it’s beloved by snowboarders and advanced skiers chasing long alpine runs. With a vertical drop of more than 700 metres, it’s also home to New Zealand’s highest lifted point, giving riders breathtaking views across the Central Plateau.

✨ Tūroa Features & Stats

• Terrain size: ~500 hectares of ski and snowboard terrain
• Top elevation: 2,322 m (highest lifted point in NZ)
• Base elevation: ~1,600 m
• Vertical drop: ~722 m
• Number of runs: ~34–38 named trails
• Lifts: 8 lifts total (including chairlifts, T-bars, and a magic carpet)
• Difficulty breakdown: ~20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% advanced
• Facilities: On-mountain cafés, rentals, snow school, terrain parks
• Access: Via Ohakune Mountain Road, with shuttles available on peak days

🌄 Closing Thoughts

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding Mt Ruapehu, the side you ride often comes down to the weather. Conditions can vary dramatically between Whakapapa and Tūroa, so many locals decide on the day which slopes to head for. Choosing your side also helps determine where you stay — most visitors base themselves in Whakapapa Village or in Ohakune, with the drive between the two sides of the mountain taking just under an hour.

One important thing to note is that passes are not transferable between the two ski fields. Whakapapa and Tūroa are run as separate entities, so you’ll need to pick the pass that suits your plans best. Whether you’re drawn to Whakapapa’s gondola rides and family-friendly slopes or Tūroa’s vast freeride terrain and big vertical drops, Mt Ruapehu delivers an alpine experience unlike anywhere else in the North Island.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
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• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
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• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.