Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Emerald Lakes to Ketetahi Shelter
1½
Ketetahi Shelter to road end
1½
Crater Lake
The unmarked rugged route up to Ruapehu's Crater Lake (seven hours return) is a good
one, allowing you to see the acidic lake up close. This moderate-to-difficult walk begins at
Iwikau Village at the top of the Bruce Rd. You can cut three hours off it by catching the
chairlift
(adult/child $30/17; 9am-3.30pm mid-Dec-April)
from Whakapapa Ski Area.
Guided walks
(
0508 782 734;
www.mtruapehu.com
; adult/child incl lift pass $145/95)
to Crater Lake are hosted by
Safety & Mountaineering Guides along with local Ngati Hikairo cultural guides, and run
from mid-December to May, weather dependent. Like most of the walks in Tongariro,
check conditions before heading out and don't attempt it in winter unless you're a moun-
taineer.
HIKING
MOUNTAIN SAFETY
Many visitors to NZ come unstuck in the mountains. The weather can change more quickly than you expect, and
rescues (and fatalities) are not uncommon. When heading out on remote tracks, you must be properly equipped
and take safety precautions, including leaving your itinerary with a responsible person. Appropriate clothing is
paramount. Think wool, and several layers of it, topped with a waterproof jacket. Gloves and a hat are good too,
even in summer. And don't even think about wearing anything other than sturdy boots. Take plenty of water and
sunscreen, especially on hot days.
Other Activities
Whakapapa & Turoa Ski Areas
( Turoa 06-385 8456, Whakapapa 07-892 4000;
www.mtruapehu.com
; day pass adult/child $97/58)
These
linked resorts straddle either side of Mt Ruapehu and are NZ's two largest ski areas. Each
offers similar skiing at an analogous altitude (around 2300m), with areas to suit each level
of experience - from beginners' slopes to black-diamond runs for the pros. The same lift
passes cover both ski areas.
The only accommodation at the Whakapapa ski field is in private lodges (mainly owned
by ski clubs), so most visitors stay at Whakapaka or National Park Villages. Turoa is only
16km from Ohakune, which has the best après-ski scene.
SKIING, SNOWBOARDING
Tukino Ski Area
SKIING, SNOWBOARDING
