Things to Do in Whakapapa

• Chateau Tongariro
  Nestled at the foot of Mt Ruapehu, the historic Grand Tongariro Hotel is well known for its après-ski ambience and excellent restaurant. The Chateau has a public nine-hole golf course and tennis clubs.
• Mt Ruapehu
  During the winter months, the North Island's tallest mountain draws skiers from around the country. The two commercial fields are Turoa and Whakapapa.
• Whakapapa Ski Area
  Located 6km above Whakapapa Village, New Zealand's largest ski area (1800ha) has more than 30 runs, snowmaking equipment, gear rental, ski schools, cafés and creche facilities. There is excellent snowboarding as well as cross-country and downhill skiing. Shuttle buses run from Taupo, Turangi, Whakapapa Village and National Park. Parking is free.
• Turoa Ski Area
  This field is New Zealand's second largest, with the country's longest vertical drop (720m). There is snowboarding, downhill and cross-country skiing. Parking is free. Shuttle buses run from Ohakune, a winter ski resort 17km away known for its lively apres-ski scene.
• Knoll Ridge Café
  During summer, the chairlift up Ruapehu operates to the Knoll Ridge Café, with its stunning mountain views. At 2020m above sea level, it is the country's highest café.
• Ohakune
  This lively winter ski resort is a gateway to the Turoa and Tukino ski areas. There is snowboard and ski hire, and year-round adventure activities including hiking, canoeing, whitewater rafting and horse riding.
• Waiouru Army Museum
  South of Whakapapa Village, visitors can take a guided tour to see the lifelike displays at Waiouru's award-winning museum.
• Fishing
  The region's lakes and rivers are well stocked with trout, with the winter months (June to September) best for rainbow trout.
• Walks
  The village is an excellent base for some of the North Island's most spectacular walks. These include:
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing
    The North Island's most popular day walk, this 7hr alpine trek crosses the saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. The track crosses a mountain massif through tussock, before descending to virgin forest. On the way, walkers cross a crater floor and climb the cinder cone of Mount Ngauruhoe, as well as passing emerald and blue lakes and active geothermal areas.
  • Tongariro Northern Circuit
    One of New Zealand's 10 Great Walks, this 41km, 3-4 day circuit takes walkers by volcanic craters, lakes, springs, cones and lava flows. It can also be extended around Mount Ruapehu, a route known as the Round the Mountain Track (65km, 4-5 days).
  • Ruapehu Crater Rim
    This steep 15km, 8hr walk leads to a shelter at the edge of the crater rim with views over a small glacier to the Cathedral Rocks, and across the turquoise waters of the crater lake. Mount Taranaki, to the west, can also be seen in clear conditions. The shelter (2672m) is the highest structure in New Zealand.
• Scenic Flights
  Mountain Air offers a three mountain volcanic flight - a stunning experience of thermal and volcanic activity including many colourful mountain lakes.
• River Rafting
  Tongariro River Rafting is the Tongariro River’s most experienced rafting operator.