Nearest Towns
There are some great towns and villages surrounding Mt Ruapehu that are a short drive from either of our ski areas. And, if you're looking for all the amenities and excitement of a big tourism-based town, Taupo is little more than an hour away from Whakapapa Ski Area.
Ohakune
45 mins from Whakapapa Ski Area
20 mins from Turoa Ski Area
Ohakune proudly serves as the winter capital of the North Island and is the southern gateway to the adventure playground that is Ruapehu.
The opening of Turoa Ski Area in the 1970s saw this rural town transform into the apres hub for snow-goers of every sort. More recently the increase in popularity of activities on the Whanganui River has seen it grow as a year-round destination. The, now bustling, tourism centre boasts fantastic views of Ruapehu and is well serviced, with an information centre, boutique gifts and clothing, ski and board shops, movie theatre, supermarket, medical centre, pharmacy, bookshop and banks.
Ohakune’s night life is the best in the region, with two distinct areas of town offering their own unique characteristics. The “Junction” part of town features the iconic Powderkeg bar and restaurant and Turoa Lodge. The “town end” has a variety of restaurants and bars.
There is a leisurely walking trail right through the town along the Mangawhero stream and many other beautiful walks in the surrounding area. The Waimarino Golf Club, just five minutes’ drive away has stunning mountain vistas and well maintained greens.
Visit www.ohakune.info for more information.
National Park Village
20 mins from Whakapapa Ski Area
40 mins from Turoa Ski Area
At 800m above sea level, National Park Village is renowned for its fantastic views of the surrounding volcanoes, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. National Park Village is a great base for both sides of the mountain.
Once a rail and milling town, National Park Village has shifted its focus to adventure and alpine tourism. Being well situated has made it a popular adventure hub, both in winter and summer. Shuttles leave regularly for both of the ski areas, the 42 Traverse mountain bike trail and the Tongariro Crossing. A number of guiding operations are based in National Park Village and in nearby Erua karting and paintball are available.
In winter the town is abuzz with activity with the wet day favourite being the climbing wall at National Park Backpackers. A collection of quaint, delectable cafés and restaurants can be found throughout the town, and for later on, there are the town’s signature taverns.
For more info see www.nationalpark.co.nz
Taupo
1 hr 15 mins from Whakapapa Ski Area
2 hrs from Turoa Ski Area
Taupo is the Queenstown of the North Island - a fun tourist town with a big Lake and plenty of adventure on offer. It's a vibrant community with a buzzing café and restaurant scene, varied nightlife and some great pubs and lounge bars. The outdoor lifestyle is second to none here with easy access to the bush, lake and mountains.
For the adventurous, Taupo has a huge range of adrenaline-pumping activities, including bungy jumping, skydiving and even driving and open-wheel race car.
Whakapapa Village
10 mins from Whakapapa Ski Area
50 mins from Turoa Ski Area
Nestled at the base of Mt Ruapehu, and overlooking the breathtaking Tongariro Forest Park, Whakapapa Village is the last community before reaching Whakapapa Ski Area, just 10 minutes up the road. Known for the iconic Bayview Chateau Tongariro, the village sits inside the dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park. Services in the village include campgrounds, hotel/motel accommodation, rental services and formal and casual dining.
Home to New Zealand’s highest golf course, numerous sub-alpine scenic walks and plenty of snowfall, Whakapapa Village is also home to the Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Information Centre. The centre is a must see and a great experience for young and old. Visitors can learn about the natural and cultural significance of the area, as well as find out about how the volcanic landscape has been formed.
Raetihi
30 mins from Turoa Ski Area
45 mins from Whakapapa Ski Area
Conveniently situated close to both ski areas, Raetihi is a town with a rich history going back more than 100 years. It features the well stocked Waimarino Museum, has a monthly Country market, an Information centre, FourSquare supermarket, petrol station, cafes, takeaway shops, and an Art Gallery.
As the first stop for many skiers and boarders who come from the Wanganui and Taranaki areas, it’s well set up to cater for visitors with a variety of accommodation options. From backpackers to luxury B&B, we even have one of the Turoa shuttle companies based here in Raetihi.
The Cosmopolitan Club has the rugby on big screens, and the locals are very welcoming to visitors.
Only ten minutes away from Ohakune, there are local transport operators who will bring you home safely if you decide to partake in a little Apres Ski activity.
Visit www.raetihi.com for more information.
Turangi
45 mins from Whakapapa Ski Area
1 hr 30 mins from Turoa Ski Area
Historically a tiny fishing retreat and Maori tribal homeland, Turangi today is a fishing and adventure mecca.
Turangi is an angler’s heaven, and accesses the plentiful Tongariro River and neighbouring streams, teeming with Rainbow and Brown Trout. Nearby, the Kaimanawa and Tongariro Forests are prime hunting lands, offering great walks with panoramic views. There are supermarkets, medical facilities, petrol stations, shops, cafés and plenty of accommodation.
The area around Turangi is full of all weather activities, including indoor rock climbing, whitewater rafting, guided fishing, water sports on Lake Taupo, mountain biking, off road motor biking, the National Trout Centre and the thermal pools of nearby Tokaanu.
