Ruapehu has New Zealand’s longest ski season

Ruapehu, in New Zealand, has the longest ski season on the island and is very popular with visitors for this reason. It is also the location with the highest slope with a ski lift to take people to the top. Mt Ruapehu is located in the north of the island about 350 kilometres south of Auckland. It is located in New Zealand’s first World Heritage site and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

At nearly 2800 meters tall, the mountain is the tallest in the north part of the country and is so tall that glaciers occur at the top. It also enjoys a snow fall that is above average for the island. There are two resorts that are located in the area and provide access for visitors to the best skiing in this part of the world. Fortunately, both resorts are run by the same organisation so you can use the same ski ticket at both locations. The two places are about an hours’ drive apart and easy to reach.

The first resort is Whakapapa and is the largest in New Zealand, the second resort of Turoa hosts the longest descent in the country. All around these two resorts are endless skiing opportunities and some of the best powder runs in the world.  The active volcano in the area has carved some fantastic terrain. For beginners there are great open spaces to learn the ropes and for the more experienced there are some fantastic natural half pipes and some terrifying drops.

Unfortunately there are some problems with skiing on a volcano – it can erupt. It is safe to ski here it’s just there may be disruptions to your skiing plans. In 1996, both the resorts closed for the season because of an eruption.

The region has a reputation for very volatile weather and often the ski areas will close for days. Don’t worry if this happens to you though as there are plenty of other activities to do in the area. New Zealand has a reputation for adventure activities and this part of the country won’t disappoint with white-water rafting and bungee jumping available.

Queenstown is a very popular tourist destination and Ohakune is about as far from this environment as you can imagine. The south of the island has powerful marketing that mean most people go skiing there. The area has recently been transformed into a happening place with plenty of restaurants and bars.

Don’t expect it to be as buzzing as Queenstown though, Ohakune is no challenger for ski capital of New Zealand. It mostly only comes alive on the weekends in the winter season when people come from Wellington and Auckland to enjoy some of the country’s best powder snow.