Whakapapa

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Weather at Whakapapa

⛅cloudy

Low: 0°C / High: 0°C

Wind: SE 5 km/h

Recent Snowfall

24 hours: 0 cm

7 days: 15 cm

Snow Depth

Base: 55 cm

Season Total: 92.7 cm

Resort Status

Last Updated: Aug 21, 2025View Full Report →

Resort Overview

Whakapapa Ski Resort is located on the north-western slopes of Mount Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island. As the largest ski resort in New Zealand, Whakapapa offers extensive terrain suitable for all skill levels. Operating during the winter months, typically from June to October, the resort is situated within a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing dramatic volcanic landscapes. Whakapapa is known for its beginner-friendly areas, including Happy Valley, as well as challenging upper mountain terrain.

Trails & Terrain

Trails

Total Runs

Total Area

1359 ac

550.0 ha

Difficulty Distribution

Beginner

30%

Intermediate

45%

Advanced

20%

Expert

View Full Trail Map

Whakapapa Lift System

Whakapapa features an extensive lift network, including chairlifts, gondolas, and surface conveyor lifts, providing access to its vast skiable area. The Sky Waka gondola offers scenic access to the upper mountain. The resort's lift infrastructure is designed to cater to a high volume of visitors and efficiently transport them across different areas of the mountain. Trail maps clearly indicate lift access to designated runs for various ability levels. Regular safety checks and maintenance are conducted on all lifts.

Lifts

Total Lifts

Lift Types

Lift Breakdown

T-Bar

Quad Chair

Triple Chair

Gondola

View Complete Lift System

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Location & Getting There

Whakapapa Ski Resort is located within the Tongariro National Park on the North Island of New Zealand. The nearest towns offering accommodation and services include National Park Village and Turangi, both within a convenient driving distance. Access to Whakapapa is via a sealed mountain road. The resort's location on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu offers unique geological features. The Tongariro National Park is readily accessible from major North Island cities. Visitors should be prepared for alpine weather conditions and check road status before travelling.

Whakapapa

, north-island

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Hotels & Accommodation near Whakapapa

⛷️ Season runs until Sep 29, 2025

Dates:

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Season Info

The snow season at Whakapapa typically runs from June to October, benefiting from its high altitude on Mount Ruapehu. The resort generally experiences significant snowfall, providing a reliable snow base throughout the winter months. Early season often sees good coverage on higher slopes, with conditions building through July and August. Spring skiing in September and October can offer pleasant conditions. Snow conditions can be influenced by the volcanic activity of Mount Ruapehu, and the resort provides regular updates.

Current Season

2025

Opening Day

6/29/2025

Closing Day

9/29/2025

Days Open

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