Operating Hours:

Weather-dependent, Tukino lifts generally operate 9am–4pm. The season generally runs from late July/late September.

Travel Times:

• Tūrangi: Approximately 40–45 minutes
• Waiouru: Approximately 20–25 minutes
• Ohakune: Approximately 45–50 minutes
• Taupō: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
• Auckland: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours​
• Wellington: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
  
  NOTE: These travel times only take you to the entrance of the access road. You may also require another 30 minutes to travel to the ski field base itself.

Terrain Overview:

With around 170 hectares of terrain, Tūkino might be smaller than the big commercial fields — but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm, variety, and untouched snow. You’ll find wide-open faces, natural gullies, steep pitches, and cruisy beginner runs — all framed by stunning views across the eastern side of Mt Ruapehu.


Weather Conditions:

The weather at Mt Ruapehu can change very quickly and is known for its strong winds that whip over the mountain. Always be prepared with the right gear so you're ready for any situation. Even on a hot spring day, conditions can change relatively quickly. Before you go, it’s a good idea to check out the 'Mt Ruapehu Essentials' checklist to make sure you have everything packed, and double-check the MetService website for weather conditions.

Best Times to Visit:

• Tūkino is at its best during the heart of winter — typically late July through to early September — when the temps are low and natural snowfall is at its peak. Snowmaking is minimal here, so conditions can vary from season to season.
  

How Busy Does It Get?

Being more difficult to access, and a club member operated field - typically there are little to no queues all season long. You'll mainly find keen club members packing out the slopes

The Tukino Access Road:

Heading up to Tūkino? Here's the key info you need to know about the access road, vehicle requirements, and parking:

Access Road Basics:

• The road to Tūkino starts from around half way on State Highway 1 (Desert Road)
• Is about 14km of gravel/dirt road from the highway to the ski field
  
• Scenic, but definitely rugged — especially the top half!

2WD Vehicles:

• Depending on conditions, 2WD cars can reach the Lower Carpark (7km up the Tukino Access Road)
  From here, 2WD cars are restricted and not permitted any further. You will need to organise a ride with someone with a 4WD car

4WD Vehicles:

• The 4WD only access road continues a further 7km direct to the ski field, and lodges.
  Please do not attempt to drive up the Tukino mountain road until you have confirmed the road is open.
  
• The final 7km is steep, rough and can be icy — proper off-road driving
  
• Even if you have a 4WD, it's still recommended to carry chains
  
• Below trying to access Tukino, YOU MUST CHECK IF THE ROAD IS OPEN. See their road report here.
  

Shuttles/buses:
From what we know, Tukino does not offer a shuttle service to take you to the base of the ski field and lodges. This is subject to change, so it would be best to check their website for the latest updates.

Extra things to note:

• No fuel or services on the access road or State Highway One Desert Road— fill up before you go
  
• Limited reception — let someone know your plans
  
• Always check Tūkino’s website for current road updates

Let’s briefly go over some key information. However, we do also offer these two in-depth articles on this topic:

• Planning a Snow Holiday
• Ski Gear Checklist
  

Accommodation Options:

Closest and our recommendation:

One of the best parts about visiting Tūkino? You can actually stay right on the hill. No early drives, no carpark chaos — just wake up, chuck your gear on, and hit the snow. There are three club lodges up on the maunga, and they’re all welcoming to both members and casual visitors.

🛌 Tūkino Alpine Sports Club (TASC) Lodge
This is the main lodge on the field, located at 1,700m. It’s fully equipped with a kitchen, dining area, cosy lounge with incredible views, drying room, hot showers, and flush toilets. Great for individuals, families or groups, and a good base for weekend missions or longer stays.
🔗 Book via tukino.nz

🏔️ Tukino Lodge (Aorangi Ski Club)
Aorangi Lodge has all the creature comforts — modern bunkrooms (with ensuites!), a self-catered kitchen, and shared dining and lounge areas. It's a great pick if you’re after a few more homely touches while still staying slope-side.
🔗 Book via aorangi.org

❄️ Desert Alpine Club Lodge
Simple, no-fuss alpine accommodation with all the essentials — kitchen, bunks, communal areas and a warm, social feel. A good option if you're looking for something low-key and connected to the club scene.
🔗 Book via desertalpine.club

Planning Tips:

Book in advance:
Accommodation is best to book in advance to ensure you get the accomodation that best suites your family and friends.

Check the road report:
Tūkino’s access road is 4WD-only for the top section. If you’re in a 2WD, you’ll need to park at the lower carpark, and organise a ride the rest of the way. Road status can change daily, so check tukino.org the night before and morning of.

Sort your gear before you go:
There are no rentals at Tūkino. Make sure you’ve got all your gear sorted ahead of time — we can help with that at Snowscene in Tūrangi!

Bring food and some backup amenities:
There's limited/no catering on-mountain (especially if you're not staying in a lodge), so pack lunch, snacks and plenty of water just in case. You also may need to bring your own food, bedding and toiletries if your lodge is un-catered.

Dress for the conditions:
Even on a bluebird day, the weather can turn fast. Bring proper snow gear, goggles, sunscreen, and extra layers. See our checklist for help with this

Mobile coverage is patchy:
Let someone know where you’re going, and when you expect to be back — especially if you’re travelling solo.

Be flexible:
Tūkino is a bit more wild and remote than the commercial fields — and that’s the beauty of it. But it also means you’ll need to go with the flow and adapt to the conditions on the day.

Ski Passes:

Tūkino keeps things simple — affordable pricing, no queues, and different options for all ages and club commitments.

Pass Types:

• All Mountain: Access all terrain. There is no lower mountain option for Tukino
  

How to Purchase Your Pass:

To purchase a day pass for Tūkino, you’ll need to visit the on-mountain ticket office on the day. There are a range of discounts available depending on your age, your commitment to the club, and whether you’re a lodge club member.

See full ticket price lineup here:

Season Passes:

• Season passes are typically available either near the season end, or a few months before the ski season starts.
• They will start out at a cheaper price and gradually rise in price.
• They are a great idea for someone who is committed to skiing or boarding many days throughout the season. Plus you get amazing perks like half-price passes for friends, discounts on retail and food and discounted season passes for children.
• Support the Tukino crew that keep the field running
• For the latest information on this, please visit the official Tukino website
  
  

Lessons / Learning to Ski:

Tūkino offers ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, tailored to individual or group needs.​

Lesson Availability:

• Weekends only, between 10am and 1pm, subject to instructor availability.​
  Tukino Skifield
  
• We would recommend contacting Tukino directly before arrival to see if lessons will be available during your visit

• Tūkino is a great spot for a bit of classic snow fun — and that includes sledding. There’s no formal sledding zone like you’ll find at larger commercial fields, but when there’s good snow around the base area, you’re more than welcome to bring your own sled and find a quiet slope to play on.
• Just make sure to stay well clear of ski tows and high-traffic areas. It’s a fun, low-key option for families or anyone keen to enjoy the snow without strapping into skis or a board.
• You can rent sleds from Snowscene in Tūrangi before heading up — just $10 a day and heaps of fun for all ages!
• You will get to experience incredible views of Ruapehu, amazing 'first to see the sunrise' mornings, and views out toward the Desert Road vista
  
  

Tūkino offers a classic Kiwi ski experience — minimal crowds, natural terrain, and a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe. The lift setup is simple, and that's part of the charm.

⛷️ Lift Facilities
Tūkino is serviced by three nutcracker rope tows, giving access to a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. It’s a great field for those wanting to challenge themselves, learn rope tow skills, or just enjoy a quieter mountain experience.

Beginner Tow: A shorter, gentle slope perfect for first-timers

Intermediate/Advanced Tows: Two higher alpine tows offering steeper, more technical terrain and access to the upper mountain

Cat Skiing: On days with good conditions, you can access the upper slopes via snowcat — great for a bit of adventure or to get into the powder. is a special occasion-only activity at Tūkino, so we recommend following Tūkino on Facebook for updates on when it’s available.

Riding the rope tows
🧤 Nutcracker belts are included with your pass, and there’s always someone around to give you a hand learning how to use them if it’s your first time.

🏂 Rental Gear
There are no rentals available on-mountain at Tūkino. You'll need to organise all your gear before you go. We recommend renting from Snowscene in Tūrangi for a quick, easy fit-out and friendly local advice before you head up.

☕ Food Options
Tūkino has no permanent café, so it’s best to bring your own lunch and snacks. Occasionally, there may be a few treats available at the ticket office — or the BBQ might be fired up if you’re lucky!

🧼 Other Facilities
Toilets: Available on-mountain

Drying rooms & lounges: Located and available for lodge guests

No lockers or storage areas, so keep your valuables with you

No/limited Wi-Fi or mobile coverage — it’s a true off-grid vibe

No EV charging — plan your fuel stop before heading up the access road

No gear workshop, so check or tune your equipment before you come up

Pros
Uncrowded slopes: No long lift lines, no packed trails — just wide-open space and fresh tracks.

Authentic club-field vibe: A welcoming, tight-knit atmosphere where everyone helps out and looks after each other.

Great terrain mix: From mellow beginner runs to steeper upper slopes

On-mountain accommodation: Stay right on the hill in one of the three club lodges — no traffic, no early starts.

Affordable pricing: Lift passes are cheaper than Whakapapa and Pure Turoa

Epic views: The eastern side of Mt Ruapehu serves up incredible views over the Central Plateau — and the sunrises are unreal.

Less wind exposure: Often more sheltered than the western side of the mountain, so it can stay open when others are on hold.

Cons
Access road is rough: 4WD required beyond Base Camp, and no access if the road’s closed. You’ll need to plan ahead and check reports.

No rentals on-mountain: You’ll need to sort gear before you go (Snowscene in Tūrangi has you covered).

Nutcracker rope tows only: Great once you get the hang of it — but there’s a learning curve if you’re new.

Limited services: No permanent café, limited mobile reception, and no gear workshop — it’s BYO everything.