2025 UPDATED -Ruapehu Snow Trip Planning Guide:
Where to stay, what to do and more!

Whakapapa: The biggest ski area in NZ. Great for first-timers and families, thanks to Happy Valley. Plus, the Sky Waka Gondola is a hit with sightseers. Big variety of terrain, but can get busy in peak times.

Pure Tūroa: Best pick for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Loads of open bowls and natural features. Less busy, and no T bars (a big win for boarders). Epic terrain park too.

Tukino: A bit of a hidden gem on the eastern side. Small, club-run, old-school ski field with rope tows and serious community vibes. Needs a 4WD to get there, but you’ll beat the crowds and get a truly unique experience.

Day Trip:
The good:

• Easy option if you’re only a few hours out. If your 3+ hours out, you'll have an early start and long drive.
• Less cost - no accommodation required.

The bad:

• Driving a long distance after a day of skiing could be tiresome
• Less time to experience other activities, towns or sights (more congested day)
  

Staying in local town:
The good:

• Have more time to relax after your day on the mountain.
• More time to experience other activities, local hotspots
• If you stay for multiple days, you can choose the better weather day instead of having to commit to just one day

The bad:

• More expensive due to accommodation costs
  

Key Takeaway:

Many Kiwis opt to stay in the region for a ski holiday, especially if skiing multiple days. Below, we’ll cover the best town options around Mt Ruapehu, what each offers, and why you might choose them. From the lakeside calm of Tokaanu/Tūrangi to the buzzing ski town vibe of Ohakune, there’s a base for every style of trip.

Overview:
These three towns are based close together at the Southern end of Lake Taupo.

Closest ski field: Whakapapa (~40 mins)

Vibe: Laid-back lakeside town with hot pools, trout fishing, and local charm. Turangi is a great all-round base, especially for families. It’s also where you’ll find Snowscene Ski & Board – your go-to for gear rental and local snow advice.

Things to do if the mountain’s closed:

• Soak in the Tokaanu Hot Pools
• Fishing along the Tongariro River
• White Water Rafting with Tongariro River Rafting
• Visit the Trout Centre
• Easy local walks or riverside bike trails
• Scenic drive around the lake
• Check out nearby cafes or take a short trip to Taupō

Accommodation ideas:

• Tokaanu Lodge Motel (Recommended, close to our shop and thermal pools)
• Oasis Tokaanu (Free private thermal pools)
• Parklands Motel (Turangi, onsite restaurant)
• Turangi Leisure Lodge (Turangi)
• Oreti Village (Pukawa)
• Omori Lodge (Omori Lodge, excellent for large groups)
  

Hikes, walking trails:

• Tongariro river trail - Scenic walk following the Tongariro River
• Tokaanu Thermal Pools Walk
• Bush walks around Omori and Pukawa
• Lake Rotopounamu Walk, short drive from Turangi
  

Good to know:

• Has a New World supermarket, Z petrol station, and plenty of food options
• Quieter than Taupō or Ohakune

Closest ski field: Whakapapa (~1hr 15)

Vibe: The biggest tourist town in the area. Loads of shops, restaurants, bars, and activities. Best if you want a mix of snow and everything else.

Things to do if the mountain’s closed:

• Hot pools (DeBretts, Wairakei, Spa Park)
• Jet boat to Huka Falls
• Bungy jump or skydive
• Geothermal parks
• Craters of the Moon walk
• New adventure center for the family - The Landing

Accommodation ideas:

• Recommended Airbnb for families and friends - Rifle Range Lakefront House
• Suncourt Hotel (central location)
• Wairakei Resort (close golf course)
• Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort (thermal pools)
• Findlay Jacks Backpackers
  

Hikes/walking trails:

• Lions Trail - leisurely trail along the Lake Taupo waterfront
• Mt Tauhara - Adventurous hike for the family to the Summit of Mt Tauhara
• Huka Falls Trail - A nice bush walk trail along the Waikato River, and views of the Huka Falls
• Rangatira Point Walking Track

Good to know:

• Has multiple supermarkets, heaps of fuel stations
• Plenty of dining options and boutique shops to browse
• Taupo Winter Festival is a popular event during June
• Great nightlife atmosphere

Closest ski field: Whakapapa (15–20 mins)

Vibe: Alpine village set at the foot of the mountain. Great access, peaceful at night, but fewer services. Stay here if you want to be close to the action and don’t need much in-town entertainment.

Things to do if the mountain’s closed:

• Walks to Taranaki Falls or Tawhai Falls
• Visit the Visitor Centre
• Scenic drives through Tongariro National Park
• Stargazing on clear nights
• Indoor board games and lodge life

Accommodation ideas:

• Skotel Alpine Lodge
• The Park Hotel (National Park)
• Plateau Lodge
• Whakapapa Holiday Park (Good for self contained vans, motorhomes

Good to know:

• Small shop for groceries, one petrol station and a few nice cafes and pubs

Closest ski field: Whakapapa (0–5 mins)

Vibe: Right on the mountain. Ski out your door, build a snowman, or watch the weather roll in from the lodge window. You’ll need to bring food or join a lodge with catering, but it’s a pretty epic experience if you’re into the alpine lifestyle.

Things to do if the mountain’s closed:

• Sledding or snow play around the lodge
• Hike to Meads Wall
• Chill by the fire with a cuppa
• Play cards or board games with fellow snow lovers

Accommodation ideas:

• Club lodges (bookable via ski clubs)
• Rangatira Ski Club

Good to know:

• No shops or restaurants open at night, so come prepared, however resort operated cafe's are open during the day
• You may need to walk to your lodge from the carpark
• Stunning views and peaceful vibe

Closest ski field: Pure Tūroa (20 mins)

Vibe: The après ski capital of the North Island. Lively bars, good food, and a fun local crowd. Ideal for intermediate to advanced riders.

Things to do if the mountain’s closed:

• Bike or walk the Old Coach Road
• Visit Waitonga Falls
• Snow play at the Carrot Park
• Chocolate eclairs (classic kune' treat)
• Chill in local bars and cafés

Accommodation ideas:

• Powderhorn Chateau
• Rocky Mountain Chalets
• Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park

Good to know:

• Big New World supermarket, petrol stations, dining experiences
• Mardi Gras is the big winter party in June
• Plenty of nightlight options such as live bands, DJ's