Whakapapa is the North Island’s most developed ski area. It’s where most first-timers go, thanks to Happy Valley — a fully separate beginner zone that’s got magic carpets and gentle slopes. Plus, you can jump on the Sky Waka Gondola for incredible sightseeing along with your the best sledding area for the family.
Turoa, on the other side of the mountain, is known for longer runs and steeper terrain — great for intermediate and advanced riders. But there’s still a beginner area at the base, and it’s usually quieter than Whakapapa.
If this is your first time to Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa, or Turoa please read and become familiar with what we list out below. It will make your trip so much better!
Gone are the days of just driving to the mountain and expecting to drive up the road and park…to avoid disappointment you NEED to PLAN your visit in advance, whether you are skiing and boarding or just playing or sightseeing.
First of all CHECK the mountain conditions and weather
Typically, each ski field updates their website at 6:30am daily, updated regularly during the day as conditions change.
We recommend Metservice.co.nz, the official NZ Govt weather agency for the most accurate weather forecast information.
The Bruce Road [Whakapapa Ski field] and the Ohakune Mountain Road [Pure Turoa Skifield] are the two roads that allow you to access the ski areas, each monitored by their respective ski field companies
The two ski field operators determine on a daily basis whether the road will be -
If the road conditions are icy or dangerous they may make it RESTRICTED in which case they will enforce the use of 4WD vehicles, or 2WD vehicles with chains, or both 4WD and 2WD vehicles with chains.
The only place to find out the road status [open, closed, restricted] is here:
Whakapapa Road Conditions
Pure Turoa Road Conditions
Before leaving to the mountain, make sure you have the correct vehicle and accessories for the road conditions of the day.
If you need snow chains you can buy them here at Snowscene – 357 Puanga St Tokaanu. Check availability first on our website www.snowscene.co.nz.
Snow chain rental – we don't hire chains and there is NO snow chain rental availability anywhere in the district – you need to plan your visit and ensure you have snow chains organized before your visit.
In previous seasons, car park spaces would have to be booked online prior to your arrival.
For 2025, there is no need to book a carpark space at Mt Ruapehu
Carparking is now First in - First serve. Simply drive up to either Whakapapa or Turoa, and find yourself a car park space.
TIP: Whakpapa Ski Field's sightseeing activities are becoming very popular in the weekends, which is causing the carparks to fill up or reach capacity sometimes very early morning. Skiers and boarders - make sure you get on the road early Sat/Sun [arrive top of whakapapa or Turoa at 9am at the latest] so you at least get up the road and get a carpark. Get your gear from us the day before for no extra charge. Late night Fridays until 9pm [not October] Check our website or Google for our up to day trading hours.
More information:
The best and quickest option is to buy your mountain pass online:
Whakapapa Ski field Tickets
Mt Ruapehu is but one part of the Tongariro National Park and so you are able to play in the snow anywhere away from the skifield and ski runs – you can play and sled around the carparks or non ski areas. Anywhere you can find a slope or hill go for it – lots of family fun.
We have sleds here at Snowscene for this purpose for only $10. Pop in and grab a couple before heading up.
Both ski fields have a dedicated sledding area and equip with lifts allowing you to loop their sled areas without walking back to the top. Both fields sledding tickets are around $30 - $40 per person, per hour. See here for Whakapapa's prices and Pure Turoa's prices
2025 UPDATE:
Both Whakapapa and Pure Turoa offer great sledding facilities. They can be in high demand at times, and tickets need to be brought online. We recommend buying these in advance or as early as possible to avoid missing out.
Extra info
Remember, you are on a mountain and it is 1600m above sea level at the base area.
NZ weather conditions can change very quickly from a beautiful bluebird day to closed in and windy conditions within a few hours. BE PREPARED.
Snowscene has a great range of rental clothing and boots – perfect for your sightseeing or playing trip to the mountain. Rental Pricing | Book Online
Whakapapa Road, Weather and Lift Report, updated daily: https://www.whakapapa.com/report
Turoa Road, Weather and Lift Report, updated daily: https://www.pureturoa.nz/snow-report
Weather Forecast: https://www.metservice.com/mountains-and-parks/national-parks/tongariro
Gear Checklist: https://snowscene.co.nz/blogs/snowsceneblog/handy-mountain-gear-checklist-that-you-need-to-read
Planning your Mt Ruapehu Holiday Guide: https://snowscene.co.nz/blogs/snowsceneblog/complete-guide-to-planning-a-trip-to-the-snow-2018-updated
Shuttles & Buses: https://snowscene.co.nz/blogs/snowsceneblog/everything-to-know-about-mt-ruapehu-carparking-and-shuttles-2020-season
Full Whakapapa Guide: https://snowscene.co.nz/pages/whakapapa-survival-guide
Full Pure Turoa Guide:
https://snowscene.co.nz/pages/turoa-survival-guide
9.00AM - 4.00PM
Weather dependant, these hours change
PLAN – your trip…at least a few days in advance