Whakapapa Ski Area & Pure Turoa
Mt Ruapehu: Ski, Board & Explore the Heart of the North Island
Located in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, Mt Ruapehu is home to two of the country’s premier commercial ski fields—Whakapapa and Tūroa. Just a 4.5-hour drive from both Auckland and Wellington, it’s perfectly positioned for a winter getaway, summer hike, or alpine escape.
Whakapapa Ski Area – NZ’s Largest
Just 20 minutes from Plateau Lodge, Whakapapa is one of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, offering 550 hectares of volcanic terrain. From wide open cruisers and thrilling chutes to natural drops and bumps, there’s terrain for all skill levels:
Beginner: 30%
Intermediate: 45%
Advanced: 25%
Happy Valley, NZ’s premier beginner area, is a fully self-contained learners’ slope with its own rental hub, ski school, and covered carpet lifts—completely separate from advanced terrain, making it safe and welcoming for new skiers and riders.
🎿 Tip: Book your ski passes online at Whakapapa.com to skip the queues. Collect your pass directly from the mountain ticket kiosks.
🚐 Shuttles to Whakapapa are available from Plateau Lodge, or use your own vehicle to easily explore the wider region.
📍 Weather & Snow Reports:
Your Ski Base: Plateau Lodge
We’re a one-stop shop for your winter escape with everything you need:
Drying room for wet gear
Bag & car storage
Local advice on where to ski, park & play
Shuttle bookings
Ski gear hire across the road (open late on Fridays until midnight, and until 7pm on weekdays)
Ski & Board Rentals Nearby
The Alpine Centre – Ski Biz (Directly Across the Road)
From gear hire to snow essentials, The Alpine Centre has you sorted. Offering competitive prices and flexible packages (1 to 5 days), they stock:
Skis & snowboards
Helmets, goggles, thermals, gloves, and more
Sunscreen, sunglasses, beanies & snow accessories
🎿 All equipment is tuned with modern workshop tools after every rental. You're not just another customer here—you’re treated like a valued guest.
Eivins Ski & Board – Waimarino
Located at the foot of Mt Ruapehu in National Park Village, Eivins is your go-to for top-quality ski & snowboard gear.
Open daily from 7am
Open Fridays until midnight
Quick access to the mountain so you can hit the lifts early
On-site servicing and great value rentals
Tukino Club Field – The Wild Side of Ruapehu
Looking for something different? Explore Tukino, a hidden gem on Mt Ruapehu’s eastern slopes. A club-operated ski field, Tukino offers:
Fewer crowds
Epic backcountry terrain
Friendly community vibe
🚗 Access requires a 4WD or arrange transport by calling 0800 885 466. This is skiing the old-school way—raw, rugged, and rewarding.
Whether you're learning to ski, chasing powder, or just soaking in the views, Mt Ruapehu delivers a winter experience like no other.
Let Plateau Lodge be your base—we’ll help you every step of the way. ❄️🏔️