Mt Ruapehu – Whakapapa Ski Area

Located on Mt Ruapehu’s northwestern slopes in the heart of the North Island, Whakapapa is New Zealand’s largest ski area. It is also home to the nation’s premier beginners’ playground: Happy Valley.

Happy Valley is renowned for its expansive volcanic terrain, spectacular views of the Tongariro National Park, extensive beginner facilities and vibrant night skiing. The huge variety of terrain provides mellow slopes for first-timers, and epic chutes, drops and bumps for the most experienced.

Residing in a dual World Heritage site, the local residents and iwi hold a strong connection to Whakapapa and we’re sure you will too. Whether it’s a big day or a big night, a trip to Whakapapa Ski Area is a must-do!

Whakapapa is also open in summer for dining, sightseeing, short walks and sledding.

Resort stats

Skiable area
550 hectares

Lifts
12

Terrain parks
3

Runs
60

Minimum age for ski lessons
4

Minimum age for snowboard lessons
6

Child Minding 
For children aged 4 to 12 years

Grading of runs
Beginner: 25%
Intermediate: 50%
Advanced: 25%

Summit height
2,300 metres

Length of season
June to October

Average snowfall
4.5 metres

Village to mountain
6 kms

Whether you’re a first-timer, seasoned skier or snowboarder or simply here to play in some snow, there’s a variety of on- and off-mountain activities for the whole family to enjoy.

On-mountain family activities

Sledding area in Happy Valley with its own designated carpet lift

Great progression up the mountain: Happy Valley to Whakapapa

NZ’s highest and world’s best-designed cafe, Knoll Ridge

Ski and ride school

Happy Valley Beginner Area

Off-mountain family activities

Whitewater rafting

Jet boating

Sky diving

Trout fishing

Mountain biking

Lake cruises

Geothermal parks

Hot pools

Prawn Park

Summer activities

Whakapapa remains open during summer (November to April)

Dining at NZ’s highest cafe, Knoll Ridge

Sightseeing

Summer sledding in real snow

Self-guided short walks

Kids’ ski school

Learn new skills with experienced kids’ instructors, meet new friends and have an awesome time on the snow. Enjoy the benefits of being with the same group and same instructor throughout a five-day program.

All ski and ride school programs also enjoy lift line priority. Get the kids organised for the day with an all-day package, which includes everything they need including a healthy, supervised lunch.

Accommodation

There are a multitude of local operators that offer family-friendly lodging, with breathtaking views of the mountain. Stroll along the Mangawhero River, which runs serenely as a border for many lodge surroundings; or, if you’re looking for a place to relax after a long, hard day on the slopes, enjoy the recreational spaces, including hot tubs and lounge areas, that many of these establishments offer.

On-mountain dining

Knoll Ridge Café

The Knoll Ridge Café is a modern 400-seat café boasting incredible 180-degree views, a stunning selection of food and fantastic barista-made coffee. Situated at 2020m above sea level, there is no experience like it in New Zealand. Named ‘World’s Best Designed Café’ in 2015 by Design Curial.

Lorenz’s Bar & Café

Lorenz’s Bar & Café is situated in Whakapapa’s base area. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon refuelling at the end of a hard day’s riding and for night skiing on Friday and Saturdays, as well as NZ July school holidays.

Happy Valley Bistro

Situated in the Happy Valley beginner’s area, the Happy Valley Bistro offers casual grab-and-go-style food for the busy beginner snow enthusiast. A relaxed, friendly space for families to enjoy homemade pizzas, tasty Roti rolls and fresh sandwiches.