Turoa

Turoa sits on the south western slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the highest mountain on the North Island in New Zealand. Its uniquely wild volcanic terrain, wide trails and huge snow bases gives riders an extraordinary wilderness experience that doesn’t mean having to go back-country.

The scale of Turoa gives riders more choice and more freedom giving everyone at any level ample space for fun. Alpine Meadow is a separate beginner’s area ideally located at the base of the resort. Intermediate skiers and boarders can catch Australasia’s highest chairlift to enjoy the 722m vertical drop and the wide smooth trails. Turoa has 25 black and black diamond runs with gullies, drops and natural hits to entice the experts and if that doesn’t get the blood pumping the world class terrain parks surely will.

Turoa has good access roads that are even suitable for people travelling in motorhomes. Located only 4 hours south of Auckland this alpine playground is the resort that guarantees an unrivalled snow holiday odyssey.

Whakapapa

With 550 hectares of mind blowing terrain on top of an active volcano, Whakapapa harnesses the natural assets of the North Islands most rugged landscape propelling skiers and snowboarders over the relics of lava flows and criss-crossing around the vestiges of ancient creator rims.

There’s no shortage of choice in this spectacular resort. Newbies can take advantage of Happy Valley, the country’s premiere beginner facility that has a slow chairlift specifically designed for those just starting out. More advanced and intermediate riders can catch The Sky Waka, NZ’s longest gondola and revel in the splendour of over 30 trails and 24 Black Diamond runs. Whakapapa ski fields are operated by Ruapehu Ski Lifts, this means that visitors who purchase a lift ticket also have access to the neighbouring resort of Turoa. This is outstanding value for money.

Whakapapa Trail Map

Turoa Trail Map