Snowscene/Turangi Ski Hire: 357 Puanga St, Turangi

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Helpful Info

2025 UPDATED:
Make the most out of your trip to Whakapapa Ski Field!

The team at Snowscene have compiled a guide to help you have the best day for your visit to Whakapapa ski field! We update this guide often with the latest information and updates regarding Whakapapa Ski Field.

In this article:


  • 📍 Welcome to Whakapapa
  • 🧭 Know Before You Go
  • 🚗 Getting There – Road to the Snow
  • 🏨 Where to Stay & What to Bring
  • 🎟️ Ski Passes, Prices & Lessons
  • 🍔 Food, Facilities & Gear
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Visitor Types & Scenarios
  • ⚖️ Whakapapa: Pros & Cons
  • FAQs & Quick Tips

Whakapapa Day Lift Pass Prices 2025

All Mountain Lift Passes Weekend Price Weekday Price
Adult All Mountain $159 $109
Youth (5–17) All Mountain $99 $69
Infant (0–4) All Mountain $0 $0
Lower Mountain Passes (Happy Valley, Rangatira Only)
Adult Lower Mountain $99 $79
Youth (5–17) Lower Mountain $79 $59
Beginner Area Passes (Happy Valley Only)
Adult Beginner Area $79 $59
Youth (5–17) Beginner Area $59 $39

Multiday Lift Pass Prices 2025

Lift Pass Weekend Pass Weekday Pass
When you buy 2 to 5 day passes in one transaction,
a discount is automatically applied —
saving you up to 20% on your total.
Up to 20% off Up to 20% off

Sky Waka Sightseeing and Sledding Prices 2025

Lift Pass Sat/Sun Price Weekday Price
Sightseeing
Adult Sky Waka Sightseeing $59 $49
Youth (5–17) Sky Waka Sightseeing $39 $29
Infant (0–5) Sky Waka Sightseeing FREE FREE
Family Sightseeing (2 Adults + 2 Youth) $159 $129
Sledding
Adult Sledding (1 Hour) $39 $29
Youth (5–17) Sledding (1 Hour) $25 $15
Infant (0–5) Sledding FREE FREE
Sightseeing + Sledding Combo
Adult Sky Waka & Sledding Combo $64 $64
Youth Sky Waka & Sledding Combo $44 $44
Other Activities
Sky Waka + High 'Tea at 2020m' Adult $79 / Youth $59
Snowplay in Happy Valley Free with sledding or Sky Waka ticket, or $10 at gate

If its your first time, or one of your first times hitting the slopes on your skis or snowboard, we recommend:

Very first time:
We recommend starting off in happy valley - the main beginners slope at Whakapapa. This is a great place to practice the basics in a safe, controlled area

Progression:
-From here, once you have the basics down and have graduated from Happy Valley, we recommend heading to either the Delta or Rangatira Chairs. Both feature long, rolling mild runs for you to continue to advance your skills on

Intermediate Skiers and boarders will enjoy:

Warm Up Trails
Both the Rangatira and Delta Chairs feature a range of beginner and intermediate trails to get your ski legs back and the muscles warmed up

Progression
Both the Valley Tbar and Westridge Chair will feature your next advance in terrain, with a range of intermediate to easier-advanced trails

If you are an advanced skiier, the field is your oyster! We would recommend the Knoll Ridge and Far West tbars for some of the best advanced black to double black terrain.

During the season, Whakapapa will generally operate a small beginners snow park on the upper mountain. The location changes season to season depending on snow levels, so best to check the Whakapapa Snow Report for the latest park updates

At the top of the Skywaka, in and around the 'Knoll Ridge' café is going to be your best for family, friends and snow experience photos for the gram! The Pinnacles ridgeline makes for an iconic backdrop looking out afar into the horizon.

  • Night before: Collect rentals from Snowscene the afternoon before. Check weather for what to expect on the day.
  • 7:30am–8:30am: Leave Turangi/Snowscene Shop. Adjust departure time depending on where you are staying. Check for weather/vehicle road restrictions BEFORE you leave.
  • 8:30am–9:30am: Arrive at Whakapapa, park, gear up.
  • 9:00am–10:00am: Hit Happy Valley or head to chairlifts. Weather dependent.
  • 11:30am or 1:00pm: Early/late lunch to avoid the main lunchtime crowds inside the cafés.
  • 2:30pm: Snack break or sightseeing ride.
  • 3:00pm–4:00pm: Final runs, start to head down before facilities close at 4PM

Typically, refunds are not offered on any Whakapapa pass - unless specifically stated. If you have not scanned your pass, or have only used it for under an hour - you could visit Whakapapa Customer service and try your luck

Note: Whakapapa passes are 'undated' which means you can use your pass at any date during that season.

Things to keep in mind when parking at Whakapapa:

  • Peak times (Weekend, School and Public Holidays): We suggest arriving to the top of the Bruce Road before 9AM.
  • Weekdays and Spring: We suggest arriving to the top of the Bruce Road before 10AM.
  • There is a drop-off zone if you continue to the very top of the Bruce Road (top of Whakapapa). Nominate someone to drop everyone off with their gear, and then head back to the next available carpark.
  • There are 10 large carparks, with carpark 1 being the closest to the base/lifts, and 10 being the farthest.
  • Typically there will be a roaming bus to pick up people who parked in the further carparks, so it could be a good idea to park in a carpark that is close to the roaming bus pickup flag. This will mean you can be close to a ride to the base area, as otherwise it can be a bit of a walk!

You can purchase your lift ticket either:

  • Online: Via Whakapapa.com. You will either need to load your pass onto an existing Whakapapa Snow Card – or purchase a new one ($5 fee).
  • Snow Cards: You can collect new Snow Cards from one of the multiple click and collect kiosks situated at the base area of Whakapapa. Your Snow Card will be printed and dispensed to you.
  • Make sure to screenshot the QR code that comes with your pass purchase email. You will need this to click and collect your Snow Card.
  • In person: You can purchase any Whakapapa pass on mountain from the customer service desk. We recommend purchasing online for a faster option

There is no timetabled “public” bus or shuttle available. There are many small independent bus/shuttle operators to choose from.
More info here: Snowscene Shuttle Blog

Yep! The mountain is closely monitored. Eruption risk is low and there are strong safety protocols.

NO. Not anymore.

Parking is now first in – first serve, so we recommend arriving earlier rather than too late to avoid being delayed to park your car.

From what we know, you are unable to rent snow chains or snow socks. You can purchase them new however from shops like Snowscene.

Yes, you can either rent a sled at Whakapapa and use their maintained sledding zone. Or bring your own! See our sledding section for more info.

Group lessons usually age 4+ (ski) and age 6+ (board). No children allowed in carriers on the slopes.

You cannot access the Happy Valley ski/snowboard snow area without a ski or snowboard pass.

No daycare is currently offered. However, your ski lessons will be run by qualified instructors who will look after your children for the duration of their lesson. Time for a shred without the kids ;)

Baby gear like backpacks or front carriers is okay for sightseeing but not on ski trails. Strollers are not recommended.

In a nutshell, yes you can but it can be dangerous to ski out of bounds so you need to be prepared and do this at your own risk. We do often get questions regarding backcountry skiing, however we feel we are not knowledgeable enough to provide guidance on this. Your best bet would be to check out social media for North Island backcountry groups who can answer your questions. We do not rent backcountry equipment such as touring skis or avalanche kits.

Yes! Whakapapa is committed to making the mountain accessible for everyone, including visitors with disabilities or mobility challenges.

See more info on this: