On the side of snowy Ruapehu, Whakapapa is one of the North Islands top ski resorts.
With the ski season upon us, Leila George looks at the fields nearest Auckland.
Ruapehu's Turoa and Whakapapa skifields are the places to be for snow junkies this side of Cook Strait, and the season is due to open on June 2.
So which do you choose? Well, Whakapapais northwestern facing, and Turoa is southwestern so if the conditions are no good on one side, they could be fine on the other.
More than 1000ha of terrain separates them, so there's plenty of space for established skiers and boarders alongside areas for newbies and those who are there simply to enjoy the snow.
After all, Where else can you say you have skied down the slopes of a live volcano in the middle of a desert?
Last year, a new express quad chairlift opened at Whakapapa to replace the Centennial and Rockgarden lifts. It can transport 2800 people an hour, 900 more than the old lifts. The new lift can stay open in stronger winds, meaning more time on the mountain for guests.
WHAT'S COOL?
How could you not love jumping into a toboggan and skidding around the specially designed "sliding parks", or, if you're not a snow bunny, enjoying a scenic ride in the chairlift?
There is a raft of activities off the mountain as well: everything from river sports and mountain biking, to fishing and golf.
Whakapapa has three eateries: the Happy Valley Bistro is great for families; Lorenz's is the first place to open and the last to close; and Knoll Ridge, New Zealand's highest cafe, has great views over the upper slopes.
At Turoa, you'll find Alpine Cafe at ground level.
It serves fresh juices and smoothies, and a range of deli food. Just up the hill is Alpine Bar, open from breakfast time to late afternoon. At Midfield is Snowflake Cafe, just off the Parklane Chairlift, famous for its gourmet Snowflake Burgers; and right at the top is Giant Cafe.
WHAT'S ON
The annual Ohakune Mardi Gras returns after a two-year hiatus. The massive party celebrating the arrival of snow season, will be held on June 23. This year's Mardi Gras features a huge line-up including Pendulum, Home Brew, Rittz, Stevie Stone, Written By Wolves, and more. Plus, there'll be street performance, fire and pyro, FX and more. The final release of tickets is on sale now at The Ticket Fairy, but you'll need to get in quick.
Something completely different at the end of the season is the annual Peak to Powderkeg multisport event.
Starting on the slopes of Turoa, competitors race down the mountainside by snow, foot and bike to Ohakune's
where they must drain either a beer or a soft drink, depending on age. Teams of up to three people first ski or snowboard from the top of the High Noon Express to Turoa Plaza, then run 3.8km down the mountain road, before cycling the rest of the way to Thames St. From there, your final act is a run to the Powderhorn to drain your awaiting vessel. Keep an eye on the website for how to register.
The Mt Ruapehu skifields of Whakapapa and Turoa offer fun for all age groups. Photo / Supplied
Checklist
GETTING THERE Five hours' drive from Auckland and Wellington, or two hours from Taupo, Whanganui and Palmerston North airports.
GET IN QUICK Mt Ruapehu's season pass sale, until May 31, has passes from $561 for adults, $376 for youth/students, and $91 for children. Prices rise to $999/$599/$249 on June 1.
