Ruapehu District
At the heart of the
Central North Island volcanic plateau, Ruapehu District is home to the magnificent Dual World Heritage listed
Tongariro National Park. During winter, skiers and snow boarders make a beeline for snow-capped
Mount Ruapehu, the North Island’s tallest mountain at 2,797m, Skiers have a choice of two world-class ski areas -
Whakapapa on the north-western slopes of Mount Ruapehu, and
Turoa on the south-east. You’ll find 1800 hectares of groomed trails and off-piste tracks, and a tobogganing and tubing area for some real winter fun.
The resort of
Ohakune is closest to the Turoa field, but you can enjoy year-round fun and adventure here with bushwalks, trout fishing, horse trekking, kayaking, mountain bike riding and whitewater rafting. Further afield, Ruapehu District is also home to the award-winning army museum at
Waiouru, and the pioneer timber town of
Raetihi.
