Introduction

What you need to know when visiting Mount Ruapehu and Whakapapa Village in winter.

On this page:

Winter road access

In certain conditions, Bruce Road to Whakapapa Ski Area may be restricted to vehicles with chains and/or 4WD, or closed to all vehicles.

Check the Waka Kotahi road closure website for the live Bruce Road status to find out if the road is closed or open.

Check the Mt Ruapehu website for the live Bruce Road status for all other restrictions. 

Restrictions may also be in place for Ohakune Mountain Road to Tūroa Ski Area (road managed by Ruapehu District Council).

Check the live Ohakune Mountain Road status.

Parking in Whakapapa Village

During winter, parking along SH48 in Whakapapa Village is limited to 3 hours. Parking is intended for visitors to access short walks, the visitor centre, toilets and local shops, restaurants and cafes.

Visitors who need to park in Whakapapa Village for longer than 3 hours, or overnight, can get a parking permit by phone, email or visiting the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.

Tracks from the Village that take longer than 3 hours include:

Shuttle services to ski areas

Shuttle services are available from ‘Park and Ride’ facilities in National Park Village and Ohakune Carrot Park, as well as from local towns such as Turangi and Taupo.

There are no ‘Park and Ride’ shuttles available from Whakapapa Village to Whakapapa Ski Area. Guests staying at accommodation in the Village can arrange shuttles directly from their accommodation.

Book shuttle services.

Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 7 892 3729
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   tongarirovc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   Whakapapa Village
State Highway 48
Mount Ruapehu
Postal Address:   PO Box 71029
Whakapapa Village
Mount Ruapehu 3951
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