The rugged terrain of New Zealand is a great place for Southern Hemisphere skiing. The volcanic, mountainous countryside of Tongariro National Park on the North Island is the largest ski holiday area in the country. Central to the snow covered landscape is the dramatic peak of Mount Ruapehu, a still active volcano, where the powdery snow provides the perfect skiing surface.
The largest resort area at the base of the volcanic plateau of Tongariro is the town of Ohakune. Providing a base for both summer hikers and winter skiers the town is an excellent all year round location. This heritage site is a culturally diverse area of outdoor action and traditional crafts, providing swimming, fishing and kayaking in the summer as a complement to its winter pursuits.
The ski resort areas here are Turoa and Whakapapa, with its 11 ski lifts and three beginners slopes. The landscape around Whakapapa is well maintained for ski tourists and there are over thirty cross-country trails, a well-constructed snowboarding park and the safe learning environment of Happy Valley. The rocky, forested countryside around is also an excellent place to go off-piste and explore the area by yourself.
Turoa is famous as the highest single drop and highest altitude resort in Australasia. This resort is constructed with all in mind; challenging for the professionals, entertaining for freestyle skiers and snowboarding and with easy slopes for those learning and less confident. The area is serviced by six ski lifts to the upper levels and a further two for the beginner’s slopes.