While skiing locations in the North Island of New Zealand can be reached from major cities — such as Auckland and Wellington — within a day at most, they are not so numerous and are mainly clustered around the Turangi and Okahuna volcanic region south of Lake Taupo.
Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu
There are three main peaks in this area: Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.
Possibly the best known and most popular of the North Island ski slopes — and the largest in area in New Zealand — are at Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu in the Tongariro national park.
Accommodation is available at Whakapapa Village or nearby towns but should certainly be booked well on advance.
Turoa, Tukino, Manganui
On the other side of Mt Ruapehu and south of Whakapapa lie the Turoa skifields. Accommodation and daily ski transport is available at Okahune, 17 kilometres away.
On the eastern side of Mt Ruapehu is the less accessible club ski area at Tukino.
Closer to the west coast is another club skiing area, Manganui, on the eastern slopes of Mt Taranaki in Egmont national park. There is limited accommodation at Stratford Mountain House or you can stay in the nearby towns of Stratford and New Plymouth.
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