Whakapapa Ski Report

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Nearby: Tukino Turoa

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Whakapapa ski resort in the Manawatu-Wanganui region boasts the largest ski area in New Zealand and offers a variety of trails ranging from beginner to advanced.


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°F

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Wind

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Humidity


Summary

Weather today, broken clouds

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

0"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

Weather Forecast

Seasonal Comparison

Year over year snow water equivalent


Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from .

Regional Snowpack Depth

Snow levels measured from


Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Whakapapa.

Historical Air Temperature

Temperature fluctuations at Whakapapa


Recent air temperature fluctuations at Whakapapa impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.

About the Area


The Whakapapa Ski Resort is located on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand.

The main mountain range at Whakapapa Ski Resort is the Tongariro National Park. This park is part of the larger volcanic plateau and is home to three active volcanoes: Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe.

The ski resort itself is situated on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, which is the highest mountain in the North Island of New Zealand. Mount Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano and is known for its diverse terrain, including alpine meadows, glaciers, and crater lakes.

Some of the prominent mountain aspects of Whakapapa Ski Resort include:

1. The Whakapapa ski area, which offers a variety of runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, including beginner slopes, groomed trails, and challenging off-piste terrain.
2. The Turoa ski area, located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, which features the highest lift-accessed terrain in New Zealand.
3. The stunning views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, including the rugged peaks of Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe.
4. The opportunity to ski or snowboard on an active volcano, with the chance to see steam vents, fumaroles, and other geothermal features up close.

Overall, Whakapapa Ski Resort offers a unique and exciting mountain experience for winter sports enthusiasts in the Manawatu-Wanganui region.

The Happy Valley trail is perfect for beginners and offers gentle slopes and easy terrain. An interesting fact about the resort is that it is located on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano. For intermediate skiers, the Schuss and Waterfall trails are recommended, while advanced skiers will enjoy the Black Magic and West Ridge trails. The Powderkeg is the best après ski bar, offering live music and a great atmosphere.

Lift Count

14 Lifts

Hourly Lift Capacity

15000 per hour

Base Elevation

1630 Meters

Terrain Park

Yes

Established

1954

Run Count

67 Trails

Top Elevation

2300 Meters

Whakapapa FAQ


How much snow did Whakapapa receive over the past day?

The ski area received " of new snowfall since yesterday.


What's the weather like at Whakapapa today?

Weather today, broken clouds


What are some ski resorts near Whakapapa?

Tukino
Turoa


What are ski area conditions in Manawatu-Wanganui-Region like right now?

{u'ski_attitash': u'Cold mountain air greeted early risers at Attitash this morning, with overnight temps dipping to a brisk 15\xb0F \u2014 preserving a solid 11" base that matches seasonal averages perfectly. Skiers can expect packed powder conditions on groomed trails today, with light flurries possible; the 24-hour forecast calls for a modest 0.07" of snowfall, with a slightly higher accumulation of ... Read more