Skiing New Zealand
Skiing in NZ – Central Park is home to the North Island of New Zealand’s only two commercial ski areas, Whakapapa and Turoa – both located on Mt Ruapehu, almost dead centre in the middle of the North Island.
Mt Ruapehu is home some of the most natural skiing and snowboarding terrain in the country, including huge basins, steep chutes and drop-offs. It offers something for everyone, from fantastic learners’ facilities, terrain parks for snowboarders and freeskiers of all abilities, and some of the best spring skiing around.
Mt Ruapehu also offers a ski experience you’re unlikely to get anywhere else – the opportunity to ski on a live volcano. It is also part of a World Heritage Area and is surrounded by the Tongariro National Park.
The Whakapapa skifield is located on the northwestern slopes of Mt Ruapehu and is New Zealand’s largest ski area. It has more than 65 trails across 1050 hectares. The Turoa skifield is located on the southwestern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, nestled over Ohakune, a true alpine village. The terrain at both ski areas is varied and vast, making them suitable for all ability levels and you can access both ski areas with one lift pass.
Both ski areas have fully sealed access roads and world class facilities, including licensed cafes, retail stores, equipment hire and ski schools. Both are supported by a huge range of accommodation options, from backpacker to five star, and you can be transported from anywhere across the Central Park region.
