Whakapapa is situated on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu, offering a fantastic variety of terrain, premier learner’s facility and breathtaking views from the highest café in New Zealand, the Knoll Ridge Café.
For beginners, Whakapapa is the best place to learn to ski or board in New Zealand. The Happy Valley learner’s area is located in its own valley with a separate slow-moving chair, café, rental complex and ski school meeting area. With its gentle slope and long profile, Happy Valley allows beginners to build up their confidence, have fun and feel safe in an enclosed valley area. For your little ones in tow, there’s also a free tobogganing area.
For intermediate and advanced skiers/riders, Whakapapa offers terrain from wide open runs to bowls, bumps, chutes and drops. There are more than 30 groomed trails to fall in love with at Whakapapa.
With 24 black diamond advanced trails plus the lift accessed Black Magic Backcountry Area, there are plenty of adrenalin pumping opportunities for skiers and riders.
