Whakapapa Skifield

Whakapapa, on the northern side of Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand's Tongariro National Park, is one of the mountain's three commercial ski fields. The other is Turoa, located on the mountain's south-western slopes.

The ski season is generally from late June to late October, depending on snow and weather conditions. Turoa has a slightly longer season, generally opening a week before Whakapapa and closing early November.

The terrain at Whakapapa Skifield is divided up as 25% beginner, 50% intermediate and 25% advanced. Mount Ruapehu's two skifields, Whakapapa and Turoa, are considered to be the largest ski resort in New Zealand. Both are operated by the company Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.

Whakapapa Skifield

Chateau Tongariro, which has appeared on several New Zealand stamps, is a feature of Whakapapa village. Whakapapa Village, within 10 minutes of the Ski Field, has mild summers, and cold snowy winters, at an elevation just shy of 1200 meters. The average daytime high in July is 7 degrees, compared to the 17 in February. Snowfalls do occur during winter, with some heavy falls, with severe frosts occurring on occasion. Whakapapa is a very wet place, with over 1000 mm of rain accumulating annually.

Getting There

Access to the skifield is by Bruce Road, a 2-lane, 6 km sealed road. Limited accommodation and refreshments are available at 'Top o' the Bruce', at the entry to the skifield, and elsewhere on the mountain. Alpine huts are provided for trampers and climbers.

This tourist attraction is well serviced by public transport including taxis, buses and shuttle.

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