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Getting Up the Mountain
Once you're in the Ruapehu district getting to the slopes is easy. The access roads to both of the ski areas are by far the best in New Zealand. They're fully sealed, two lanes and suitable for campervans.
Drive
The roads to both ski areas are fully sealed and two lanes the whole way so driving yourself to the slopes is a piece of cake! They're totally suitable for campervans and buses as well as normal two wheel drive cars.
Turoa
The Turoa Mountain Road runs for 17km from Ohakune to Turoa Ski Area and takes approximately 20 minutes by car. The first half of the road takes you through beautiful rainforest before giving you stunning views of Turoa Ski Area.
There is ample free parking and free carpark shuttles will take you from lower carparks to the base of the ski area
Whakapapa
Whakapapa's Bruce Road runs for an easy 6km from Whakapapa Village to Whakapapa Ski Area. Like Turoa, there is ample free parking and free carpark shuttles will take you from lower carparks to the base of the ski area.
Chain hire and fitting
On occasion snow chains or 4WD may be required. In this case just sit back in your warm car while our staff rent and fit chains for you.
$30 at Turoa
$25 at Whakapapa
Shuttles
Matai Shuttles
Daily service from Ohakune to Turoa Ski Area. When Turoa is closed the service goes to Whakapapa Ski Area. The service departs the red Board Shed on Clyde Road every half hour from 8:30 to 11am. For a schedule and route information call
Dempsey's Snow Express
Snow Express is a mountain transport service running a regular shuttle service between Ohakune and Turoa Ski Area. When the conditions on the mountain road are extreme they use 4 wheel drive vehicles or vehicles with automatic chaining systems. For information and bookings call +64 6 385 4022.
Mountain Shuttle
Daily coach transport to Whakapapa Ski Area from Whakapapa Village. It runs from the Transport Terminal, located on the right hand side of the road when you first arrive in Whakapapa Village, every hour from 8:30am. When there are chain/4WD restrictions on the Bruce Road the service runs every half hour from 8am to 11:30am and every hour thereafter. For information and bookings call 0800 11 76 86.
Howard's Lodge Snow Bus
From National Park Village to Top o' the Bruce, Whakapapa. Howard's Lodge has a Snow bus running Saturdays, Sundays and all school holidays (July 6-17 and September 28- October 9 inclusive). 8am departure, 4pm return. Bookings essential. Phone +64 7 8922827.
Accommodation & Activities
Forward planner? Plan your adventure!
