Explore the North Island’s Top Winter Getaway and Spring Ski Haven
As the snow blankets the majestic slopes of Mt Ruapehu, we had the opportunity to sit down with the marketing managers of Whakapapa and Tūroa Ski Areas. In this interview, they share their excitement for the season, what's new, and key events you won’t want to miss.
Q&A with Phil Lemalu - Whakapapa Ski Area's Marketing Manager
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Wellington. This is my second season at Whakapapa – my first season was 17 years ago in 2007 in Guest Services! I’m the Marketing Manager at Whakapapa and an avid snowboarder and qualified instructor. My favourite trail at Whakapapa would have to be Broken Leg Gully, a natural, giant size half pipe that leads back towards the top of Rangatira Express. Absolutely magic after a big dump of snow!
What are some key things first time visitors need to know about visiting Whakapapa?
Weather: Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu experiences varying weather conditions, from stunning bluebird days to sudden snowfall accompanied by strong winds and road restrictions. We encourage guests to check our daily mountain report updated each morning for the day’s conditions.
Sky Waka gondola: Launched in 2019, has transformed year-round sightseeing at Whakapapa and provides faster access for skiers and snowboarders to our upper mountain lifts and trails during winter.
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What are you most excited about this winter season?
Twilight skiing in August and September, offering more ride time on Saturdays at no extra cost!
Fast facts: Whakapapa at a glance
- Size of ski field: 550 hectares, the largest in New Zealand!
- Lifts: 12
- Trails: 55
- Season open/close dates: 1 June – 27 October 2024
- Ski/Mountain Clubs onsite: 47
- Pricing: Skiing and snowboarding from $39, Sky Waka sightseeing from $29, Sledding from $15, Season Pass from $449
- Cafes/ eateries: 7
- Sightseeing
- Sledding
- Platinum Parking
- Mountain shuttles
- On-mountain gear hire
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What’s new this season?
We’ve adjusted our prices, offering a variety of passes suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. This includes passes for lower mountain or all mountain, weekday and weekend and a 3-day pass, usable throughout the season and allowing you to ski or snowboard at your own pace.
Any upcoming key events you want to highlight?
North Island Primary and Intermediate Schools Ski Championships 2024: One of the largest skiing competitions in New Zealand taking place for the first time since 2019
- Intermediate Schools: Saturday 24th – Tuesday 27th August
- Primary Schools: Saturday 31st August – Tuesday 3rd September
What’s your favourite activity to do off-the mountain?
Hiking around Ruapehu is awesome. There are loads of short day hikes and multi-day hikes in the region as well as two official New Zealand Great Walks.
Q&A with Jess Till - Tūroa Ski Area's Marketing Manager
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a skier and long-time-lover of Mt Ruapehu – I learnt to ski on Tūroa standing between my dad’s legs when I was 3! I’d describe my ski-style as “happy to be here”, you won’t find me breaking any records but I love a good run from top to bottom, perhaps with a stop at the cafe at some point.
What are some key things first time visitors need to know about visiting Tūroa?
‘Freddies’ at Tūroa Base is the best spot for lunch – the nachos are the way to go, but if you love burgers and tacos head up to the Snowflake Cafe. Buying your pass online before you get here means that you get to skip queues, it’s worth it.
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What are you most excited about this winter season?
Tūroa is looking better than ever. The vibe is electric, as soon as you hit Tūroa base it’s on! The team is excited to show the world what we’ve got – and it’s good! There’ll be new events, we’re bringing back old events, and we’ve been busy renovating a lot of things, including integral chairlifts and our guest services area.
Fast facts: Tūroa at a glance
- Size of ski field: 500 hectares
- Lifts: 7
- 722 metre vertical descent, the biggest in New Zealand!
- The highest lift reaches approximately 2,322 metres (7,620 feet) above sea level offering unparalleled views of the surreal, surrounding landscape.
- Trails 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% advanced
- Season open/close dates: End of June to end of October (mother nature allowing!)
- Pricing: Sightseeing from $25, Sledding from $35, Day Passes from $49, Season Passes from $299
- Cafes/eateries: 3
- Sightseeing
- Sledding
- Platinum Parking
- Mountain shuttles
- On-mountain gear hire
What’s new this season?
Since Pure Tūroa took the reins in March 2024, so much is new at Tūroa this year. You’ll see the most changes at Tūroa base so it’s worth popping up for a visit even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder. The food at ‘Freddies’ alone is worth the trip. It’s true restaurant quality food, not the type you often expect at ski fields.
Any upcoming key events you want to highlight?
We’re looking forward to the ‘Peak to Keg’ this year, after 5 years away it’s back! It’s a triathlon with a twist, participants ski or board from the top of Tūroa Ski field, run down Mountain Road, and finish with a bike to the Powderkeg. You can do it solo or in a team, and you still have time to train! It’s on the 5th of October. Crowd favourite, Retro Day, is back on the 28th of September too so get our retro gear out and get amongst it! To see our other events visit ‘ What’s On’ at www.pureturoa.nz
What’s your favourite activity to do off-the mountain?
The Ruapehu region is nature’s playground, it’s why I live here! It’s hard to pick one thing… but that river! When it warms up, you’ll find me on or in the Whanganui River, drifting with the current, enjoying the stunning NZ native bush.
Start planning your winter escape to Ruapehu! Head here for packages and deals.
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