Welcome to Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge – gateway to your Turoa and Whakapapa ski field sightseeing, skiing and snowboarding adventure.

Our Location

Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge is ideally situated in Ohakune at the beginning of the mountain road to Turoa Ski Field on Mt Ruapehu. We are a short 20-minute drive away from the top of the road and putting on your skis at Turoa. It is 17 km drive up the Mountain Road. We are only a 30-minute drive to Whakapapa Ski Field.

The Ski Fields

Turoa and Whakapapa are New Zealand’ s two largest ski fields. The ski season is from late June to early November depending on snow and weather conditions. The fields are open (weather permitting) from 9am-4pm every day of the season. There are beginner areas and many intermediate and advanced skiing trails at both Turoa and Whakapapa.

Turoa ski field has the largest vertical drop in the Southern Hemisphere –722 meters of uninterrupted sliding joy. Whakapapa is NZ’ s biggest ski area, with over 30 trails and hosting the newly constructed Skywaka Gondola. Turoa lifts are capable of taking up to 11,300 people per hour on a busy day, including a high-speed six-seater chairlift. ‘ Happy Valley’ is an extensively developed beginner area at Whakapapa and is considered the best in the country.

Both ski areas have extensive snowmaking to ensure top to bottom skiing and boarding throughout the season, with average natural snowfalls of 2 – 3m. Sightseeing trips can also be purchased at both ski fields which include a ride up the Gondola and chairlifts to the top cafes. Or you can enjoy sledging and just playing in the snow with the family on the special areas set aside for this.

PHOTO opportunities of you and this wonderful playground are limitless.

CAR PARKING – We understand that you will need to BOOK a car park for the peak weekend days only (Saturday and Sunday) from Saturday 31st July – Sunday 5th September. You will be able to  book your car park at www.mtruapehu.com on the week prior to your visit. 
This may be subject to change so we suggest you keep up to date with these requirements at www.mtruapehu.com 

Winter Mountain Shuttles to Turoa Ski Field: 
Shuttle services are yet to be confirmed for the 2021 winter season. We suggest that you visit www.mtruapehu.com to keep up to date with this information.
The mountain roads up to both of the ski fields are of good quality – tar sealed and well maintained. On a “normal” day it is possible to drive up to the skifields unaided in your usual privately owned vehicle.
After any snow/storm event it may be necessary to have 4WD and/or chains fitted. Road decision requirements are made on a daily basis and can be viewed at Mt Ruapehu – Report.
Generally the SH roads around the Ruapehu district are open and clear. However snow does fall to lower levels a few times each year, which can close these roads at short notice. Keep an eye on the NZTA website Traffic map (nzta.govt.nz)

Weather conditions can be changeable over the day and mountain visitors are advised to be prepared and carry basic survival equipment. Water proof coat, hat, gloves, good footwear, sunglasses or goggles and 2 layers of thermals are considered necessary on any winter visit.

Don’ t forget your sunscreen. Mountain clothing can be hired in town or on the mountain. Snow reports and live cams for both ski fields can be viewed on www.mtruapehu.com.

Reports are available from approximately 7.00am on a daily basis and are updated throughout the day as required.
Turoa and Whakapapa are both owned by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL). The two are operated together, with a combined lift ticket for both fields.

See www.mtruapehu.com for more information on up to date ticket, lesson and hire prices and options including beginner packages and special midweek passes.
Ski and snowboarding equipment hire, including ski clothing, and ticket purchase can also be obtained from a number of outlets in Ohakune as well as on the mountain.
We recommend www.SLR.co.nz for all your hire needs.
Turoa Ski Field Trail Map