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.
From Auckland
From Wellington
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
From Thursday 17th June 2010 nakedbus.com will be travelling to Ohakune, Whakapapa and National Park every day from most major towns in the North Island. Once in resort there are plenty of local shuttles to get you to and from Whakapapa or Turoa ski areas.
Another new service for 2010 is skibumbus offering direct transport from Auckland to National Park twice a week. Departs AKL on a Tuesday and returns Thursday or departs AKL Friday and returns Sunday.
Kiwiana Tours operates a weekend service between Auckland and National Park/Ohakune, departing Sky City at 5pm and returning Sunday 9pm. They have packages that can include mountain transfers, accommodation and breakfast. Call 0800 878 483 or visit www.kiwianatours.com
Train
Transcenic operates the Overlander passenger train service, which runs between Wellington and Auckland and stops in both National Park Village and Ohakune. The service runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the winter. See www.tranzscenic.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
