Whakapapa Resort rundown: Located on Mt Ruapehu’s north-western 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, renowned for its expansive volcanic terrain, spectacular views of the Tongariro National Park, extensive beginner facilities and vibrant night skiing.
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.
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.
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
Whitewater rafting
Jet boating
Sky diving
Trout fishing
Mountain biking
Lake cruises
Geothermal parks
Hot pools
Prawn Park
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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