# Ski instructors in Tūroa

> On the south-western side of Mt Ruapehu above Ohakune, with the longest vertical drop in New Zealand.

- Region: Mt Ruapehu, Manawatū-Whanganui
- Country: [New Zealand](https://alpinepal.com/en/ski-instructors/new-zealand)
- Time zone: Pacific/Auckland
- Currency: USD
- Coordinates: -39.30456, 175.52731
- Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7856127

Page: https://alpinepal.com/en/resorts/turoa
Last reviewed: 14 September 2026

## About Tūroa

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.

## 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.

## Getting there

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

## Resort areas

- Alpine Meadow
- Giant Café
- High Noon

## Meeting points

- Tūroa base, outside the ticket office

## Instructors at Tūroa

_No instructors have joined here yet._

## Qualifications required in New Zealand

New Zealand has no state licence. The professional standard is the Instructor certification (NZSIA / SBINZ).

## Frequently asked 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.