Tūroa

Q: How late does the season run at Tūroa?

Often into November. Being south-facing in the Southern Hemisphere, Tūroa is the shaded side of Mt Ruapehu, so it holds snow later than Whakapapa — and with over 700 m of vertical, the longest in New Zealand, the late-season runs are long ones. Ohakune below is a lively base. It operates under the same volcanic alert system as Whakapapa, so check before travelling.

Q: How do I get to Tūroa?

Ohakune is around 30 minutes up the mountain road, which climbs higher than any other public road in the country; Wellington is about four hours. Stay in Ohakune — it is the base for the mountain and where most instructors will suggest meeting.

Mt Ruapehu, Manawatū-WhanganuiSee it on the map

Foto: Daltonfox · CC BY-SA 3.0

Region

Mt Ruapehu, Manawatū-Whanganui

Country

New Zealand

Local time

Pacific/Auckland

Currency

USD

Tūroa is the other half of Mt Ruapehu, on the south-western side above Ohakune, and it has the longest vertical drop in New Zealand — over 700 m from the top lift.

Being south-facing in the southern hemisphere means it is the shaded side, so it holds snow later; Tūroa often runs into November. The access road climbs higher than any other public road in the country.

Last reviewed 14 September 2026

Best suited to

Intermediates
Advanced skiers
Families
Beginners

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Where lessons start

Long runs and a late season, with Ohakune below as a lively base. Same volcanic alert system as Whakapapa — check before travelling.

Resort areas

Alpine Meadow
Giant Café
High Noon

Suggested meeting points

Tūroa base, outside the ticket office

Getting there

Ohakune is around 30 minutes up the mountain road; Wellington is about four hours.

See it on the map

Qualifications required in New Zealand

New Zealand has no state teaching licence. The professional standard is the Instructor certification, and Alpine Pal shows what each instructor actually holds so you can judge it for yourself.

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Tūroa: common questions

How late does the season run at Tūroa?

Often into November. Being south-facing in the Southern Hemisphere, Tūroa is the shaded side of Mt Ruapehu, so it holds snow later than Whakapapa — and with over 700 m of vertical, the longest in New Zealand, the late-season runs are long ones. Ohakune below is a lively base. It operates under the same volcanic alert system as Whakapapa, so check before travelling.

How do I get to Tūroa?

Ohakune is around 30 minutes up the mountain road, which climbs higher than any other public road in the country; Wellington is about four hours. Stay in Ohakune — it is the base for the mountain and where most instructors will suggest meeting.