Chapter 6: Winter sports and winter experiences in the park

It’s hip. It’s cool. And it’s incredibly good fun. Snowboarding! That’s why whole crowds of young New Zealanders are putting their surfboards in the garage and switching to the snow. Because in winter, dreams come true—at least for winter sports enthusiasts. Where else can you experience white powder snow dreams on an active volcano? Three ski areas are located on the slopes of Ruapehu. Tukino, the smallest of the three in the east; Turoa in the south, which has the driest powder snow and the coldest temperatures; and finally Whakapapa, New Zealand’s largest ski area. Whichever area you choose, you’ll find long runs, up to four metres of snow, a magnificent backdrop and enough cliffs to get plenty of air under your board… Read more