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Try “family spa near Zermatt” or “boutique hotel with Michelin dining”

Whakapapa ski resort, New Zealand (Oceania) — luxury alpine destination — Mountain views, ski slopes, and alpine landscape
Oceania

Whakapapa

1 LUXSKI Hotel

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Resort Guide

Whakapapa is New Zealand’s largest ski area, located on the northwestern slopes of Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. The resort features over 550 hectares of skiable terrain, catering to all abilities with wide beginner slopes, intermediate trails, and advanced runs, as well as the renowned Sky Waka gondola offering panoramic views. Whakapapa’s amenities include a modern base area, equipment rentals, ski school, and multiple dining options, making it a versatile destination for families and adventure seekers. Its unique volcanic landscape and extensive facilities distinguish it as a premier ski destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

Gallery

Whakapapa - Luxury ski hotel gallery image 2 showing alpine architecture, interior design, or mountain views
Whakapapa - Luxury ski hotel gallery image 3 showing alpine architecture, interior design, or mountain views
Whakapapa - Luxury ski hotel gallery image 4 showing alpine architecture, interior design, or mountain views
Whakapapa - Luxury ski hotel gallery image 5 showing alpine architecture, interior design, or mountain views
Whakapapa - Luxury ski hotel gallery image 6 showing alpine architecture, interior design, or mountain views
Whakapapa - Luxury ski hotel gallery image 7 showing alpine architecture, interior design, or mountain views
Whakapapa - Luxury ski hotel gallery image 8 showing alpine architecture, interior design, or mountain views
Whakapapa - Luxury ski hotel gallery image 9 showing alpine architecture, interior design, or mountain views

Key Info

Resort data by SnowSure™

LUXSKI Hotels1
RegionOceania
CountryNew Zealand
Base Elevation1,630m
Summit Elevation2,300m
Vertical Drop670m
Skiable Acres1,360
Total Runs61
Total Lifts12
Annual Snowfall68 inches / 173 cm.
Longest Run4 km / 2.5 mi
WebsiteVisit
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WebcamsView
Trail Map (PDF)View PDF

Live Conditions

Whakapapa Webcam

Webcam courtesy of: Resort

1 webcam • Click to expand
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Whakapapa

Weather Forecast · 1,630m – 2,300m

Data reported at Thu, Oct 15, 11:05 PM UTC
Last Snowfall
—
Last 24h
0cm
Last 7 Days
4.1cm
Season Total
227.4cm
Not operating today

SnowSure reports this resort is not operating (not-operating). SnowSure™ scores below reflect weather and snowpack signals, not open terrain.

SnowSure™ ScoreAI
Closed for the season

Not operating — season has ended

Closed October 25, 2026

SnowSure scores and forecasts below are for planning and reference only while the resort is closed.

Depth
6
Recent
1.1
Forecast
7.1
Historic
16.7
Season
9.8
Temperature
0
SnowSure score components · 2026-10-15
Closed for the season · Data updated Thu, Oct 15, 11:05 PM UTC · informational only
Current Conditions
Reported Thu, Oct 15, 11:05 PM UTC
Base
1,630m
Temp
-2°C
Wind
23km/h
Snow Depth
60cm
14-Day Forecast
0cm
Mid-Mountain
1,965m
Temp
-6°C
Wind
23km/h
Snow Depth
3cm
14-Day Forecast
—
Summit
2,300m
Temp
-6°C
Wind
23km/h
Snow Depth
3cm
14-Day Forecast
0cm
Lift Status
of 12
10-Day Forecast
Summit (2,300m) · Updated Thu, Oct 15, 11:05 PM UTC
Fri
16
-5°
-9°
14.7cm
Sat
17
-4°
-9°
2cm
Sun
18
4°
-7°
Mon
19
7°
-2°
Tue
20
7°
-1°
Wed
21
6°
-2°
0.1cm
Thu
22
6°
-3°
Season vs Historic
Updated Thu, Oct 15, 11:05 PM UTC
227.4cm
Season Total
This Season to Date
+94%
vs 5-Year Avg
241cm avg by now
+172%
vs 30-Year Avg
132cm avg by now
241cm
5-Yr Avg by Now

The last completed season totaled ~226.5 cm. That's 6% below the 5-year average (241 cm). Versus the 30-year baseline: 72% above the 30-year average (132 cm).

Powered by SnowSure™
Last synced Thu, Oct 15, 11:05 PM UTC

Top Après Ski

Lorenz's Bar & Café – Located at the base of Whakapapa, Lorenz's is renowned for its relaxed alpine atmosphere, hearty après-ski fare, and panoramic views of Mt Ruapehu, making it a favorite spot for skiers to unwind with drinks and share stories after a day on the slopes.

LUXSKI Hotels

1 hotel in Whakapapa

The Powderhorn Chateau — luxury ski hotel in Ohakune, New Zealand, New Zealand near Whakapapa Ski Area
Hip

From

$390

Ohakune, New Zealand

The Powderhorn Chateau

Set at the base of Mt Ruapehu and adjacent to Tongariro National Park, The Powderhorn Chateau blends alpine charm with modern comfort. Guests enjoy spacious suites, an indoor heated pool, and renowned dining at the Powderkeg restaurant. The hotel’s warm, rustic atmosphere and prime location make it ideal for ski adventures, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of New Zealand’s central North Island.

32 rooms

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Frequently Asked Questions

Whakapapa — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about skiing and staying in Whakapapa, New Zealand.

The current snow depth at Whakapapa is 3cm. Over the past 7 days, Whakapapa has received 4.1cm of snowfall. The season total snowfall is 227.4cm. The current SnowSure™ rating is 37/100.

Whakapapa has 61 runs. and 12 lifts. covering 1360 skiable acres. The elevation ranges from 1630m to 2300m. with a vertical drop of 670m. The resort averages 68 inches / 173 cm. of snowfall annually..

LUXSKI features 1 curated luxury hotel near Whakapapa: The Powderhorn Chateau. All hotels are handpicked for exceptional quality, service, and proximity to the slopes.

The 14-day snow forecast for Whakapapa predicts approximately 16.8cm of snowfall. LUXSKI provides forecasts from multiple weather models including ECMWF, GFS, GEM, JMA, and Météo-France, updated hourly.

You can browse and book luxury ski hotels at Whakapapa directly on LUXSKI. Visit the Whakapapa destination page to see all available hotels, check real-time room availability and pricing, and book with free cancellation options. You can also contact our concierge team at concierge@lux.ski for personalized trip planning.