Mt Ruapehu - Newseleands ski resort second to none!

In comparison to New Zealand’s South Island the north features only few high mountains. The Mt Ruapehu Massif in the Tongariro Nationalpark is the highest elevation on the North Island and boasts the two largest ski resort in New Zealand, Whakapapa and Turoa. Turoa, located at the South-west-face of the volcano is a 4 hour drive away from Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. From Auckland New Zealand’s largest city it takes about 4,5 hours. We recommend to travel there via the “State Highway 1” to Waiouru. From there get onto the “Major Road 49” and follow the signs to Ohakune. The 1500 habitant large Ohakune is quite a large ski resort for New Zealand standards and is the perfect starting point into Turoa. In comparison the the ski resorts on the Southern Alps on the South Island Turoa and Whakapapa are very comfortably accessible via tarred access roads. During the winter months it is still recommendable to always carry along snow chains in your vehicle or use the shuttle bus offers in the valley (with costs). When you arrive in the ski resort be ready for the overwhelming view. You can let your gaze wander from Mt Ruapehu, the highest and most active volcano on the north island up to Mt Egmont (the Maori name is Mt Taranaki) a further volcano right on New Zealand’s west coast.