Getting Here
With Mt Ruapehu conveniently located right in the central North Island of New Zealand, approximately half way between Auckland and Wellington, it is easy to get here and there are many ways of making the journey.
Drive
| From | To Whakapapa | To Turoa |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Approx 4 hrs | Approx 4 hrs 30 mins |
| Wellington | Approx 4 hrs 45 mins | Approx 4 hrs 15 mins |
| Rotorua | Approx 2 hrs | Approx 2 hrs 45 mins |
| Taupo | Approx 1 hr 15 mins | Approx 2 hrs |
| Palmerston North | Approx 2 hrs 30 mins | Approx 2 hrs 15 mins |
Bus
Nakedbus.com operates daily services to Ohakune, Whakapapa and National Park from most major towns in the North Island, with fares from as low as $1 + booking fee. Once in the area there are plenty of local shuttles to get you to and from Whakapapa or Turoa ski area.
Train
KiwiRail Scenic Journeys operates the Northern Explorer train service, which runs between Wellington and Auckland, stopping in both National Park Village and Ohakune. The service travels northbound on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, and Southbound on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. See www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz
Fly
Fly My Sky has four twin engine aircraft seating nine people and operates charter services direct between Auckland Airport and the Chateau airfield at the base of Whakapapa. The one hour flight means you can be on the mountain by 9am and back in Auckland by 6pm. See www.flymysky.co.nz
Mt Ruapehu Snow Express has a weekly same-day return service from Paraparaumu Airport to Whakapapa. See www.flightours.co.nz.
Air New Zealand also have flights flying direct into Rotorua, from there it is only a 2.5 hour drive till you're on the slopes!! See if you can grab yourself a deal www.airnewzealand.com
