Ruapehu Country Lodge is located in the Central Plateau region whichis an outdoor paradise perfect for those looking for an adrenalin rush, or for those just wanting to take it easy – relaxing in a stunning mountain and river setting.
Whether you are looking for a heart-pumping experience, a family friendly adventure or wanting to enjoy the stunning scenery, we have the local knowledge and can design a package for you.
Let us take the guess work out of your break away. We'll plan it and all you need to do is get here and enjoy it!!
Cycle Trails
There are plenty of unique cycle trails in the Ruapehu area for all levels of fitness.
Old Coach Road (15kms)
This historic cycle trail is part of the Mountain to the Sea trail and offers beautiful scenery. It is suitable for all levles of fitness.
42 Traverse (46kms)
This is considered to be one of the premium bike tracks in the North Island. Located in State Forest 42 in the Tongariro Forest park, it follows old logging roads where you will navigate challenging downhills and muscle testing up hill paths.
The Bridge to Nowhere (38kms)
This iconic trail follows the Mangapurua Stream before reaching the Bridge to Nowhere, on the Whanganui River.
Fishers Track (21kms)
Located near Whakaoro and Whanganui National Park this trail has a long 17km downhill stretch and some good steady hills.
Ohakune Mountain Rd (17kms)
Drive up to 1620m then ride down at your own pace back to Ohakune town. See alpine flora, water falls, beech and podocarp forests and dense native bush.
Skiing
Hit the slopes and enjoy some of the best skiing and snow boarding in New Zealand!
Mt Ruapehu
Ruapehu is home to the most amazing natural skiing and snowboarding terrain in the country. With huge snow filled basins, steep chutes, drop-offs and secret powder stashes, Mt Ruapehu offers something for everyone. It offers fantastic learners facilities, terrain parks for snowboarders and free skiers of all abilities and the best spring skiing in New Zealand.
Turoa
Turoa ski field has New Zealand’s biggest vertical drop at 720m and over 400 hectares, and is only a 20-minute drive from Ruapehu Country Lodge. It has 12 lifts – 2 quad chairs, 2 triple chairs, 3 T-bars, 4 platter lifts and 1 rope tow.
Whakapapa
Whakapapa ski field offers more than 30 groomed trails as well as its steep chutes, couloirs and superb off-piste skiing. Whakapapa is New Zealand’s largest ski area with 675 metres of vertical drop: 23 lifts – 1 express chair, 1 quad chair, 4 double chairs, 4 T-bars, 4 platter lifts, and 7 learner tows.
Walking
There are countless strolls, walks, hikes, tramps, and climbs in and around Ohakune including the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Find out more about walking in the Ohakune area.
Whether you love to watch or have a game of golf, Ruapehu Country Lodge is conveniently located right on the third tee of the Waimarino Golf Course.
Tongariro National Park
Established in 1887, Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area – a status which recognizes the parks important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.
For more information, visit here
Whanganui National Park
The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches – the heart of the Whanganui National Park (established in 1986). Tramping tracks through wild lowland forests and river trips down the mighty Whanganui are popular activities. The area has a unique history and Maori culture is an important part of thepark experience.
For more information, visit here
Jet boating and Canoeing
The Whanganui River begins high up in the volcanic plateau of the central north island at Mt Tongariro, then travels north towards Taumarunui before heading south towards Wanganui. Its journey to the sea passes through the native tree and fern clad hills of the Whanganui National Park. See where the movie River Queen was filmed. You can explore the river by jet boat, canoe, kayak or on foot with some of the following tour operators.
Whanganui River Adventures
Canoe Safaris
Go Bush
White Water Rafting
Enjoy the thrill and beauty of the Whakapapa River with a half day adventure Kayak tour. For more information, visit here
Fishing
Ruapehu and the surrounding areas boast world class wilderness fishing. For more information, visit here
Horse Treks
Get off the beaten track and discover the area and enjoy a horse trek.
Ruapehu – Whanganui Trails – Mountain to Sea
The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail uses a combination of local mountain biking trails, public roads and a jetboat to take riders from the mountains of the Central Volcanic Plateau to the sea in Whanganui.
Riders will traverse two national parks that are rich in natural and cultural heritage, enjoying stunning scenery along the way.
The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail is a joint initiative involving the Ruapehu District Council, Whanganui Iwi, Wanganui District Council, Waitomo District Council, Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.
For more information, visit here