Skiing or boarding the slopes of an active volcano - an experience you'll never forget!

Mount Ruapehu is the tallest of three volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, and at 2,797 metres above sea level, it is also the North Island’s highest point. Near to the summit of Ruapehu is a steaming crater lake, a constant reminder to visitors that this volcano is very much alive, albeit currently resting. Where else in the world can you find natural half pipes created by the flow of lava? Mount Ruapehu has two large, commercial skifields, one named Turoa and the other Whakapapa.

Turoa
In relation to the Powderhorn Chateau, Turoa is the closer of the two skifields. It operates nine lifts, over 22 groomed trails, off-piste glacial skiing and cliff jumps. A purpose-built terrain park keeps the adrenalin of freestylers and boarders pumping. From Turoa's upper-most lift you can walk to Ruapehu’s Crater Lake, some 500 metres away.

Whakapapa
Whakapapa skifield area is situated on the northern face of Mount Ruapehu, approximately a 40-minute drive from the Powderhorn Chateau. Whakapapa rewards visitors with spectacular, uninterrupted views of the central North Island, including Mount Ngauruhoe, which starred as ‘Mount Doom’ in the Lord of the Rings films. With 14 lifts and over 30 groomed trails, Whakapapa is a well-equipped skifield which includes snow making to 2,000 metres, keeping the cover in great condition.

On non-skiing days you can explore the geothermal sights of nearby Taupo or explore the famous limestone caves of Waitomo. Bungy jumping, skydiving, mountain biking and horse trekking are amongst the other adventurous activity options available. The place to best ease sore muscles in preparation for another awesome day on the slopes is the village of Tokaanu - you’ll simply love their geothermal hot pools.

For more information visit www.mtruapehu.com