Turoa
Turoa Ski Field – Mount Ruapehu
Turoa Ski Field is situated on the south-western slopes of Mount Ruapehu New Zealand. Apart from sitting on the most active volcano in New Zealand, Turoa has lots of other claims to fame. Turoa has Australasia's longest vertical descent and highest chair lift, and is one of only two commercial ski areas on the North Island of New Zealand.
The treeless terrain at Turoa has huge variety thanks to past volcanic activity; from groomed open runs, natural half pipes, to gullies and cliffs, and a 4km long run that will test your endurance.
The Mt Ruapehu Lift Pass is not only valid for Turoa, but also for the
Whakapapa ski area located on the north western side of the mountain accessed via Whakapapa Village.
Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The pride and joy of Turoa is the 6 seater high speed chair lift that is 1.4km long and the highest in Australasia. The High Noon Express is able to handle up to 3,200 people an hour, so the opportunities to rest the legs are fairly minimal.
Beginners can enjoy the purpose built Alpine Meadow area with a 120 metre “magic carpet”. Intermediates can make the most of Australasia's longest vertical descent at 722m and many wide and smooth long runs that are well inter-connected. The longest run provides 4km of thigh burning pleasure!
Three huge off-piste areas provide the expected challenges for the advanced rider, whilst the Mangaehuehue glacier and Solitude area offer outstanding lift-accessed “slack-country” for experts. A decent traverse is required to access these out of bounds areas, and always check with ski patrol regarding the status of conditions.
Turoa Snow and Weather
Powderhounds are not likely to experience face-shot heaven at Turoa considering the meagre 240cm of average annual snowfall. Another shortcoming is that the treeless slopes leave the snow exposed to the mercy of the weather gods, so rip up any fresh powder as quickly as you can.
As the weather at Mt Ruapehu is extremely changeable and hard to predict, and the treeless ski area is open to the elements, always check the forecast and then prepare for all weather conditions anyway!
Where is Turoa Ski Field?
Turoa is located on Mount Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park (a dual World Heritage Area) in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand. Turoa is halfway between Auckland and Wellington.
The drive from Wellington takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes as you head north up Highway 1, before turning left into Highway 49 at Waiouru, turning right into the Turoa Mountain Road at Ohakune, and driving 20 minutes to the Turoa ski area, travelling through a beautiful rainforest and enjoying stunning views.
From Auckland you could be parking your car in the lower carparks of Turoa within about 4.5 hours. Head south down Highway 1 then Highway 4 before veering left into Highway 49, then another left at Ohakune into the Turoa Mountain Road.
Both routes are fully sealed and easy to navigate and drive. There is ample free parking, and complimentary shuttles will take you from lower carparks to the base of the ski area.
Taking a tour bus is another transport option from Auckland or Wellington. Alternatively there’s a train service between Auckland and Wellington that runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during winter and stops at both National Park Village and Ohakune. From Ohakune there are daily shuttle services up to the ski area.
Turoa Accommodation
Turoa has no accommodation on the mountain itself. Located approximately 20 minutes away from the Turoa ski area lower carparks, Ohakune and the adjacent Turoa Alpine Village offer the closest places to stay. Both locations offer a good range of accommodation options to suit various budgets.
Instructor Programs
Turoa offers one of the world's most affordable instructor training programs and one of very few that are run directly within a Snow School environment. This provides the advantage of valuable paid experience actually teaching classes as a bona fide instructor whilst training towards internationally recognised ski and snowboard instructor qualifications (NZSIA /SBINZ Level 2).
Why Ski or Snowboard at Turoa?
Right through to mid October, Turoa provides a good value ski adventure for those who love long runs. Turoa also offers the novelty factor. You can tell your friends you have glided down the slopes of an active volcano. And on a nice weather day it’s possible to hike (or tramp as the kiwis like to say!) to the Mount Ruapehu crater lake and then ski or board back down to the ski field. Wicked eh?
Turoa Listings
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Raetihi Backpackers
Located in central Raetihi near bars & restaurants. 30 mins from Turoa car park & 45 mins from Whakapapa car park. Self- catering home stay style lodging. 2 bedrooms of 4 available.
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Ohakune Court Motel
Budget self-contained studio, 1 & 2 br units for up to 6 people. TV/video, wireless BB & heating in rooms. Facilities inc Spa & laundry. Cooked breakfast available delivered to units.
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Tussock Grove Boutique Hotel & Cottage
Located in Ohakune, the hotel features 8X2 storey rooms all with ensuites & tea/coffee making faclities. The self-contained cottage comprises of 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms.
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The Peaks Motor Inn - Ohakune
Features studio rooms (for 1-3 people) and one bedroom self-contained aparts (1-5 people). Outdoor spa pools, wifi, Sky TV, sauna & gym. Located at shuttle bus stop for Turoa.
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