Whakapapa Ski Area, New Zealand’s largest ski field, is only 10 minutes’ drive from Chateau Tongariro Hotel. Shuttle transfers can be arranged from the hotel reception. Car parking is also available but do note for weekends parking spaces must be reserved on the Wednesday prior. For more information on parking click here. There’s a shop where you can hire equipment, a ski school, and runs that cater to all levels of ability.
The Happy Valley area gives beginners an easy start, the Terrain Park is a favourite with snowboarders and free skiers, and there are dedicated areas where kids can enjoy tubing and tobogganing. If you’re already an experienced skier, grab an early breakfast and you’ll be the first on the slopes, where chairlifts, T-Bars and Platters make it easy to explore dozens of groomed trails.
After a day of adventure, a crackling fire, hot chocolate and warm mulled wine await back at Chateau Tongariro, and we’re so close by that you’ll have plenty of time for dinner in the Ruapehu Room, a movie at our Chateau Cinema, or a relaxing soak in the heated plunge pool.
