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Whakapapa
Seasons: Happy Valley: 30 May - 04 Oct 2020 / Whakapapa: 13 Jun - 26 Oct*
WHAKAPAPA Located on the northern side of Mt Ruapehu, in the North Island of New Zealand, and offers an expanse of varied terrain and arguably some of the most interesting and challenging runs in the country.
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Whakapapa Ski Area. Photo Credits: Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Areas Book a 3 day Lift Pass and get 4 days $ 288 pp Book by 30 Apr
LOCATION Centred in the middle of the North Island, half way between Wellington and Auckland, 4hr drive each way. Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano and Whakapapa (pronounced fukkapuppa) is located on the North-west slopes. Driving Distances Auckland 4 hrs Wellington 4 hrs 45 mins Rotorua 2 hrs Taupo 1hr 15 mins
TERRAIN Whakapapa has 3 quad lifts, 1 brand new gondola, 3 t-bars. Happy Valley has a double chair and 3 carpet lifts.
WHY WE LOVE Brand new in 2020 is the Sky Waka Gondola. The 10-seater cabins will transport you in style to Knoll Ridge Cafe, NZ's highest eatery. Ideal for quick access to the snow, or for the non-skiers in the group.
Te Heuheu 2,755m
Whakapapa Trail Map
Paretetaitonga 2,751m
D ouble H ap p y Chair HappyValley Happy Valley Beginners Area Ski Area Boundary 2,300m
F a r W est T - B ar W est R id g e Chair Knoll R id g e T - B ar D elta Chair V all e y T - B ar S k y W aka S ki A r ea B oundary S ki A r ea B oundary Cirque Three Pin Ridge Black Magic Wizards Milk Run Turner’s Gully Riveria Paradise Dreamer Turn Pipe Goomie Bowl Far West Trail Downhill Easy
Murphie’s Schuss Home Run Twin Rocks
S Bends Cornice Bowl Delta Trail East Delta Trail West Stebbings Screamer Haensli Face The Gut Shirt Front Traverse of Fear Knoll Face Valley Traverse
Turtle Run K Road Valley Highway Bilbos Pinnacle Valley Gollum Valley Exit Terraces Staircase Broken Leg Gully Couloirs Pinnacle Traverse Front Stage
Tennants Headwall Yankee Face Yankee Slalom Aeroplane Gully
Amphitheatre Honeymoon Valley McKenzie’s Mistake Steve’s Bowl Chute Chimney First Waterfall Third Waterfall Angus’ Face Knoll Ridge Café Schuss Haus Corona Bar 2,245m 2,170m
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WHAKAPAPA PLAZA - Top of Bruce Road WHAKAPAPA PLAZA - Top of Bruce Road
RUAPEHU KIDS Mt Ruapehu offers a full day package for kids (4+) that includes lift passes, lessons, lunch and full care while parents enjoy the upper mountain. Valid for levels 1-4 and is a great chance for kids to improve their snow skills.
GETTING THERE National Park village is closest to Whakapapa ski area and is only a 20 min drive from the village to the ski field. The roads can easily be self-driven and are tarsealed or you can catch a shuttle from Taupo or your Whakapapa hotel for ease and comfort heading up the slopes.
HOT TIP Ruapehu is a busy region during the weekend in winter months from the local North Islanders heading out for a day on the slopes so stay mid-week to enjoy uncrowded laps and more accommodation choices.
Per Day - Valid till 2020 2 Day Flexi - Ski Lift Pass 1 Day Ruapehu Ultimate Lift Pass Equipment - Skis, boots & poles OR snowboard & boots Helmet Clothing - Jacket or Pants Group Lessons 1 Day Ski Combo 1 Day Ride Combo Night Skiing Return Mountain Transfers Ex Taupo
One Mt Ruapehu lift pass gives you access to both Whakapapa & Turoa ski areas!
