Mount Ruapehu is an incredible natural scenic mountain terrain which is handy to Ranfurly Cottage. The mountain is 2,797 meters high and offers something for everyone.

There are huge snow filled basins, lifts to accessed back areas, steep chutes, “drop-offs” and powder snow craters.

You can ski, snowboard, toboggan, walk, climb, sightsee and take the chairlifts.

Mount Ruapehu
Mountain Panorama

Turoa Ski Field

The Turoa ski field is close to Ranfurly Cottage. And can be accessed from Ohakune Mountain Road, a 17km sealed road. It is on the south-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu offers a massive 722m of vertical descent on New Zealand’s highest chairlift – The “Highnoon Express”.

Alpine Meadow is situated at the base of Turoa Ski Area and is an ideal ski area for beginners. It has a large 120m long “carpet” lift that to make it easy for you to get up the slope. For the littlies in the family, there’s a tobogganing area right alongside Alpine Meadow.

There are a number of groomed intermediate runs at the Turoa ski field with many linking to one another so you can enjoy great skiing and riding from the top of to the bottom of the mountain.

For the more advanced skier there are advanced runs and two spectacular lift-accessed backcountry areas where will find a massive variety of terrain.

Turoa Snow School offers lessons for everyone, from the absolute beginner to the seasoned expert; from skill improvement to off piste to terrain park. Qualified professionals are available for your benefit.

Childcare facilities are available at the Turoa Yeti Childcare Centre and there are a number of local providers that run regular shuttles from Ohakune to Turoa Base.

We would be pleased to tell you more and to assist you enjoy your time at Turoa skifield.

Whakapapa Ski field

Whakapapa Ski Area on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu and boasts a huge 550Ha ski terrain including New Zealand’s premier learning facility, Happy Valley. Fantastic learners’ facilities, exceptional terrain, and terrain parks for free-skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Visit the renowned Knoll Ridge Cafe, the highest cafe in New Zealand at 2,020m above sea level.

Access to the Whakapapa Ski Area is from Bruce Road along a 6km sealed road.

Even if you are not skiing you can enjoy our free tobogganing area, great coffee in our cafés and sightseeing chairlift rides for elevated views from the highest mountain in the North Island. to enjoy scenic sightseeing chairlift rides to New Zealand’s highest café at 2020m above sea level, the Knoll Ridge Café. For the more adventurous, book a Guided Crater Lake Hike. Walk or take a guided tour to Mt Ruapehu’s crater lake.

Walk up, run up or catch the lift! to enjoy scenic sightseeing chairlift rides to New Zealand’s highest café at 2020m above sea level, the Knoll Ridge Café. For the more adventurous, book a Guided Crater Lake Hike.

Fun time for snowboarder

Maori Legend

Ruapehu, the beautiful maid, was married to Taranaki. One day, while her husband was away hunting, she was wooed and won by Tongariro. When Taranaki returned at the end of the day he surprised the guilty pair. A titanic battle ensued in which Taranaki was defeated. He retreated towards the west coast, carving out the course of the Wanganui River as he went. With wide open plains, rivers and awe-inspiring mountains Mt Ruapehu isn’t your usual alpine destination.