Winter Romance at Ruapehu
Snow-topped mountains, stunning alpine scenery and the ski slopes right on your doorstep – what could be more romantic?
If you’re looking for a winter holiday that can deliver romance and adventure, Mount Ruapehu has all the bases covered. Right at the heart of the dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park, rugged Mount Ruapehu (2797m) lords it over the North Island as the premier winter playground. The mountain’s scoria-clad flanks once stood in for Sauron’s evil realm of Mordor in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. When the winter snow falls, though, it's skiers, snowboarders and outdoor adventurers that flock to Ruapehu’s broad snow-covered slopes.
For those who prefer more sedentary pursuits, there’s plenty of winter romance to be enjoyed off the slopes as well, from a romantic evening at the historic Chateau in Whakapapa Village, to a relaxing soak in a natural thermal pool. So, why not pack your winter woollies and check out these great ideas to kickstart your winter getaway:
Tongariro’s Top Winter Adventures
- Chill out at the Chateau Tongariro
Nestled at the foot of Mt Ruapehu, the historic Chateau Tongariro Hotel is famous for its après-ski ambience. Snuggle down and enjoy a drink by the blazing fire, or settle yourself in front of the picture window with its breathtaking view of Mount Ngauruhoe’s snowy dome. The Chateau also has a public nine-hole golf course and tennis clubs for a spot of action off the slopes.
- Drive the Scenic Ohakune Mountain Road
All year round, this scenic road provides a stunning drive up through the bushclad slopes of Mount Ruapehu, past mountain streams, the Mangawhero Falls, and out through the bushline to the Mount Bruce carpark.
- Explore the winter wonderland of Tongariro National Park
This magnificent dual World Heritage-listed park contains some of the North Island’s finest walks, along with a host of adventure activities such as rafting, fishing, horse trekking and kayaking. The park’s beautiful sub-alpine scenery includes crystal clear lakes and streams, rainforest, steaming fumaroles and tussock plains.
- Take to the slopes of Mount Ruapehu
The handy Mount Ruapehu lift pass provides access to both Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas – the largest combined ski area in the Southern Hemisphere. You can tackle the Moro halfpipe at Whakapapa, or coast down Australasia’s longest vertical run at Turoa – 722m. There are daily shuttle services to Mount Ruapehu from Ohakune and Whakapapa Village. Visit www.mtruapehu.com
- Go tobogganing
If skiing’s not your thing, you can have just as much fun with a toboggan. The mountain has a dedicated tobogganing and tubing area, so why not put on a hat and gloves go for a slide?
- Enjoy the views from New Zealand’s highest café
Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, you can catch the chairlift up Ruapehu’s slopes to Whakapapa’s Knoll Ridge Café. You’ll enjoy stunning mountain views, and at 2020m above sea level, it’s the country’s highest café.
- Get into some après-ski
If you want to sample the local nightlife, Ohakune Village is a lively choice. During the winter months, the town’s bars, cafés and chalets fill with skiers and the entertainment keeps going into the wee hours.
- Relax into a thermal pool
Nearby Tokaanu Hot Pools is the perfect antidote for tired muscles after a day spent skiing or exploring. Enjoy the sauna and private pools, or take the boardwalk around Tokaanu Thermal Park to view the hot springs and bubbling mud pools. The pools are at the southern end of Lake Taupo on Mangaroa Road.
- Fish for trout
Turangi River has been world famous for its trout fishing ever since author Zane Grey fished the river and wrote about it in his book ‘Angler’s Eldorado’. The winter months from June to September are best for rainbow trout and local guides offer tuition and guided excursions. Nestled on the banks of the river is the Tongariro Trout Hatchery, with an underwater viewing area and picnic spots.
- Get a bird’s-eye view of Tongariro National Park
Scenic flights will take you up and over New Zealand’s oldest national park for breathtaking views of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu, and their spectacular crater lakes. Visit www.mountainair.co.nz
Snow fact file
• Mount Ruapehu’s 2006 ski season opens on 16 June and runs to mid-November.
• Whakapapa is open from 8.30am-4pm and Turoa, from 9am-4pm.
• Shuttle buses run to the Turoa and Whakapapa fields from Ohakune, Taupo, Turangi, Whakapapa Village and National Park. Parking is free.
Upcoming Events
- Lindauer Ladies Weeks
A chance for the ladies to ski or board with some of the top female instructors in a safe but fun environment. Ladies Weeks run at both Whakapapa and Turoa.
- North Island Snowboarding Champs
Catch the excitement of the North Island Snowboard Champs featuring the Boarder X, Halfpipe and Slopestyle.
- Fallout Festival
Join in the fun including the Fallout Party Junction, Comedy Classic nights, the Incredible Short Film Nites, Crazy Bingo and the Mid Winter Party. Events take place at Ohakune, Turoa, Whakapapa, National Park and Taupo.
- Mt Ruapehu Spring Festival
The country’s top boarders and skiers compete in the premier spring event of the New Zealand ski/board calendar, including the Best Ball Golf Tournament and the Retro GS.
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