Whakapapa Travel Guide

  NZ´s Mount Rapehu - but beware of kiwis...
by Vaughanie
 
  • NZ´s Mount Rapehu - but beware of kiwis when skiin
      NZ´s Mount Rapehu - but beware of kiwis...
    by Vaughanie
  • Mt Ruapehu
      Mt Ruapehu
    by wkcsmt
  • Sledging @ Happy Valley
      Sledging @ Happy Valley
    by wkcsmt
  • Iwikau village Sept 2012
      Iwikau village Sept 2012
    by kiwi
  • Mountain taxi
      Mountain taxi
    by kiwi
 

Explore Whakapapa

Things to Do  

Skiing and Toboganning

Skiing and Toboganning, Whakapapa

 skyangel_k1 Says:  Most people go to Whakapapa to enjoy the snow activities. You can get your ski passes at the main counter which includes skiis and chair lift passes. Specify whether you want beginners or advanced slopes. Also, for beginners, you can ask for the ski lesson package which is... 

Whakapapa

Whakapapa, Whakapapa

 irish147 Says:  Image taken on Whakapapa on the Nth island in NZNew Zealand's North Island contains a number of active and potentially active volcanoes.This photo has 11 images in it:) 

Mount Ruapehu -Whakapapa-

Mount Ruapehu -Whakapapa-, Whakapapa

 irish147 Says:  Skiing & snowboarding at Mount Ruapehu ski area. Mt Ruapehu is home to New Zealand's two largest ski areas with 1800 hectares of some serious room to move. Whakapapa and Turoa ski resorts located on the north-west and south-west slopes respectively, provide a winter paradise... 

Whakapapa Ski Area

Whakapapa Ski Area, Whakapapa

 wkcsmt Says:  This is NZ's largest ski and snowboard area offering a huge variety of terrain for all levels of skiing and snowboarding. It is located on the sunny northern facing slopes of Mount Ruapehu. Whakapapa's winter season runs from June to November with some of the best conditions... 

Ohakune - Carrot Capital

Ohakune - Carrot Capital, Whakapapa

 wkcsmt Says:  Ohakune is located on the southwestern slopes of Mt Ruapehu and is the southern gateway to the Tongariro World Heritage Park. It's also know as the carrot capital of New Zealand.During summer months, this pleasant country town serve as a base for a number of outdoor... 

Hotels  

Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park: Quiet in the Woods

Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park: Quiet in the Woods, Whakapapa

 wkcsmt Says:  It is situated in a park environment by a small stream just 2 minutes walk to town centre. Accommodation options varies from tent sites to park motels.We'd (4 of us) a 2-bedroom unit for NZ$107. There's bathroom & kitchen facilities within the unit and also a lounge & dining... 

Transportation  

Parking and catching a bus to Whakapapa Ski fields
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skyangel_k1 58 reviews
Road to Whakapapa Ski Fields

It is not inconvenient, but you cannot take the car all the way up to the doorstep of the ski area. You need to leave your car at the carparks provided. Remember to take note of which car park you left your car at. And do arrive early or the car parks tend to fill up quickly. A shuttle service bus takes you from the car park to the mountain area.

State Highway (SH1) is also called the Desert Road passes on the eastern side of Tongariro park, SH4 on the west, SH47 on the north and SH49 on the south. SH48 is the main road into the park leading to Whakapapa Village and the ski area.

Written Jun 21, 2005

Phone: 07 892 3729

Related to:
 Skiing and Boarding
 National/State Park
 Road Trip

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Warnings and Dangers  

Car thefts while you are having fun on the slopes
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skyangel_k1 58 reviews
Frolic on the slopes

Car thefts and having car windows smashed and your valuables stolen is getting more rampant around holiday areas as thieves know that you will be leaving your car for at least a day or two.

Do not keep valuables in the car. Do not offer any temptations, not even a coat or jacket or a bag or groceries. Keep it bare and visually untempting.

Written Jun 21, 2005

Related to:
 National/State Park
 Family Travel
 Skiing and Boarding

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What to Pack  

Skiing+Snowboarding / Guided Walks @ Ruapehu
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wkcsmt 263 reviews

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Skiing+snowboarding equipments are available for hire, but you'll need:
- Water proof jacket and over trousers
- Sunglasses
- Warm hat and gloves

Extra item if you're doing the Crater Lake guided walk or other mountain walks:
- Sturdy tramping boots (not runners or gumboots)

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: - Sunscreen

Miscellaneous: - Lunch and refreshments (for Crater Lake Guided Walk)

Written Jan 18, 2005

Related to:
 Mountain Climbing
 Hiking and Walking
 Skiing and Boarding

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Off The Beaten Path  

Stop at Turangi for Golf
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skyangel_k1 58 reviews
Tee off in Turangi

Most people head for the ski fields of Whakapapa. However, if you like, there is a nice golf course in Turangi, 4km from Lake Taupo on its southern side. It is very near the Tongariro National Park.

Golf here is quiet and reasonable in price ($20), as everybody is off skiing. It sometimes snow on the golf course, which makes it quite a pleasant experience.

There is an information centre at Turangi which also offers info on the Tongariro National Park.

Written Jun 21, 2005

Related to:
 Skiing and Boarding
 Golf
 National/State Park

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Sports & Outdoors  

Skiing, snowboarding & chair lift rides

Skiing, snowboarding & chair lift rides, Whakapapa

 skyangel_k1 Says:  The skiing is great for all levels at Whakapapa Ski fields. There is a beginners slope for the first and second timers, and more hardcore challenges for those up to it.And those who prefer snowboarding or would like to try it, lessons are offered on site as well.If you... 

Golf in Turangi

Golf in Turangi, Whakapapa

 skyangel_k1 Says:  Most people head for the ski fields of Whakapapa. However, don't forget your golf clubs, as there is a very pleasant golf course in Turangi, 4km from Lake Taupo on its southern side. It is very near the Tongariro National Park. Golf here is quiet and reasonable in price... 

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Map of Whakapapa