Welcome to NZ's Largest

Ski & ride the largest ski area in the country, home to NZ's longest gondola Sky Waka. Many kiwis have discovered their love of snow here in Happy Valley and we can't wait to welcome you to the whānau.

The area of Mt Ruapehu on which Whakapapa is located is of particular significance to Ngati Tuwharetoa.

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Trail Info

550 hectares of incredible terrain awaits you! Whakapapa is NZ's largest ski area & boasts the country's premier beginner facility Happy Valley along with vast intermediate and advanced trails. Explore everything from cruisy groomers to exhilarating chutes, bumps & drops, made all the more exciting by the natural volcanic terrain.

Whakapapa's Happy Valley is THE place to learn to ski or board. With its own cafe, rental outlet, 5 lifts plus a ski & ride school, it's like its own mini ski area just for beginners.

Beginner 30% | Intermediate 45%| Advanced 25%

Happy Valley

Learn to ski & ride at NZ's best beginners' facility. A fully self-contained learners’ area, Happy Valley boasts its own café, rental complex and ski school meeting area, while also being free of advanced skiers and snowboarders.

The slope is nice and long with a gentle gradient, allowing you to really get the hang of turning and stopping. Progress from covered carpet lifts to you first chair lift in this one great area.

Whakapapa

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