In winter, hit the slopes at the Whakapapa Ski Area just 6km up the Bruce Road. On a clear day, you can enjoy the most spectacular views across the central North Island. Within the 600 acre boundary, there are a countless amount of options that cater for beginners as well as the advanced skiers and snowboarders ready to challenge their limits.

Whakapapa is renowned for its outstanding beginner facilities in Happy Valley. With its gentle slopes and especially after a third lift was recently installed, it has become a popular zone for first time ski and snowboarders.

No matter what your skills are, it is an amazing experience to ski on an active volcano looking across to Mt. Ngarauhoe (also known as Mount Doom from the 'Lord of the Rings' movie trilogy).

The experienced and well-equipped skiers and boarders could take up the challenge of an alpine traverse or travel to the summit one of the volcanoes. There are plenty of marked trails but the off-piste skiing at Whakapapa is simply superb. If you love the snow, you just have to be here!