Lake Taupo, located in the Central Plateau of the North Island is a very popular ski holiday destination for travellers who come to New Zealand. With stunning views overlooking the largest lake in New Zealand and the magnificent Mt Ruapehu, Taupo is a great place to arrange motel accommodation during the winter ski season. Mt Ruapehu’s ski season begins around mid June until mid-October and has at times been known to last until Christmas (depending on the snow fall). From a motel in Taupo it is only an hour’s drive to one of the two commercial ski field’s home to Mt Ruapehu: Whakapapa and Turoa.
Finding a motel in Taupo, New Zealand is very straightforward. There is an abundance of accommodation options located around Lake Taupo that will be ideal for getting ready for your big day on the slopes and for returning home to when your body is begging for a warm soak in the spa and a hot meal.
Getting to the Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields is easy once you reach the Ruapehu district. There are sealed roads to both ski fields making it a straightforward drive with your rental car. Both ski fields have plenty of car parking available and bus shuttles that can take you to the base of the ski area. If by chance you do get stuck there are snow chains and 4WD vehicle hire services available to help you out. Both facilities have licensed cafes, retail stores and equipment hire available. It may be reassuring to note that accident & medical centres are also available from both the Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields.
You can find ski and snowboard hire facilities located in and around the Taupo region such as in Turangi, which is a 40 minutes drive south of Taupo. If you are new to skiing and/or snowboarding both Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields are ideal for learners. Whakapapa has created an ideal area for beginners including a slow-moving chairlift and ski school, and if you are visiting Turoa you will appreciate the carpet lift.
Advanced level skiers and snowboarders flock to the Whakapapa and Turoa slopes each season for its world-class facilities. Both ski fields boast some of New Zealand’s longest and highest ski areas. Turoa is a particular favourite for pro skiers and snowboarders with New Zealand’s only lift-accessed glacial skiing, a 4 km long run and three terrain parks to choose from. If you are travelling with the kids, Turoa offers childcare facilities too.
It is important to arrange your motel accommodation in Taupo early, as the Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields a very popular with New Zealander’s and international visitors alike, therefore it is not uncommon for accommodations in Taupo to be booked out quickly.
