Is the road to Whakapapa ski field paved?
New Zealand, oceania
6.2 km
1,624 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through Manawatū-Whanganui, on New Zealand's North Island, you'll find the road to Whakapapa, a ski resort perched way up high. We're talking 1,624m (5,328ft) above sea level! The paved road, Bruce Road, is 6.2km (3.85 miles) of smooth sailing (relatively speaking for a ski field road!) starting from State Highway 48. Don't let that fool you though, it’s a pretty steep climb, with some sections hitting an 11% gradient – buckle up! You’ll gain 457 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7.37%.
Located on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the landscape is epic but the weather can change in a heartbeat. Keep an eye on the forecast and pack accordingly. You might even need chains, especially in a 2WD, as you near Whakapapa Village. Also, keep your eye out for a 4x4 only service road (-39.244768, 175.561340) that isn't paved! It leads even further up the mountain to 1,778m (5,833ft). This area has claimed lives in the past due to severe weather. Be prepared!
Where is it?
Is the road to Whakapapa ski field paved? is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -39.2448, 175.5613
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 6.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,624 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -39.2448, 175.5613
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