Mt Ruapehu
Ski and Snowboard on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, in the dual World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. Tūroa and Whakapapa ski areas are the largest in New Zealand and boast some of the country's longest ski runs.
Tūroa Ski field
Mt Ruapehu
There is a reason Ohakune has a reputation as the après ski capital of the North Island - it is absolutely the place to be when the lifts close, with a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars plus live entertainment during the winter season.
Mount Ruapehu’s two main ski fields are Whakapapa on the northern slopes and Tūroa situated on the southern slopes overlooking Ohakune. Pure Tūroa operates Tūroa. RAL (in receivership and in liquidation) are still managing the Whakapapa lifts and facilities at this time of writing.
Tūroa Ski field
In a spectacular setting high on Ruapehu’s south-western slopes, the Tūroa ski field is New Zealand’s highest and also boasts Australasia’s longest continuous run. The 500 hectares of groomed trails are accessed by a network of 5 lifts including the 6 seater ‘High Noon Express’, 2 platter lifts and one learner carpet conveyor.
With beginner slopes, 12 mainly linking intermediate runs and 25 black and black diamond runs the Turoa field caters beautifully for all levels of skier. These slopes also feature some fantastic natural half pipes and off-piste areas for the more adventurous skiers.
The field is easily accessible in just 20 minutes via the 17km Ohakune Mountain Road and frequent ski shuttle buses operate during the winter season.
Tūroa Ski field
2025 Ski Season
TBC
Self drive
A 20-minute drive from Ohakune via the fully sealed Ohakune Mountain Road. Drive to conditions.
Tūroa Snow shuttle
A 20-minute drive from Ohakune via the fully sealed Ohakune Mountain Road. Drive to conditions.
Lift Tickets
Lift tickets can be purchased online or at one of the ticket kiosks throughout the region
Whakapapa ski field
Mt Ruapehu
Whakapapa ski field
2025 Ski Season
Happy Valley TBC
Whakapapa upper slopes TBC
Self drive
A 45-minute drive from Ohakune via state highway 49, 4, 47 & 48 all on a fully sealed road. Drive to the conditions. Limited parking available
Whakapapa Snow shuttle
A park and ride snow shuttle service is available from National Park and Whakapapa Village. Charges apply. Click here for Snow Shuttle Details
Whakapapa ski field
New Zealand’s largest ski field is located on Mt Ruapehu’s north-western slopes and features 65 trails including 30 excellent intermediate runs and 24 black and black diamond runs with plenty of interesting natural features including chutes and bowls. Whakapapa is also home to New Zealand’s premiere dedicated beginner area, Happy Valley.
The Sky Waka gondola opens up the slopes of Whakapapa all year round for sightseeing and the highest cafe in the southern hemisphere - The Knoll Ridge, and of course snowsports in the winter months.
Tukino Club Field
Mt Ruapehu
Get Ready to Move In
Tukino ski field
The Tukino skifield is Mt Ruapehu's lesser-known gem, located on the eastern side of the mountain (35km from Waiouru). Tukino is a club ski field, operated and maintained by club members.
Tukino Ski Field offers the rare combination of adventure and lack of crowds, coupled with the friendliness and camaraderie that’s only found on club-operated fields.
The Tukino Skifield is open to the public and visitors are most welcome to visit Tukino to ski, board or just play around in the snow.
You need a 4WD vehicle to get to the Tukino skifield. Be prepared to fit chains if advised to on the Tukino Skifield road status report.
Check out the CAT SKIING, offering 500 vertical metres per run of untracked sun-facing open bowls and ridges.
