Take the Scenic Bruce Road and Discover Whakapapa ski field
New Zealand, oceania
6.2 km
1,624 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of New Zealand's North Island, in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, awaits Whakapapa – a ski resort sitting pretty at a cool 1,624m (5,328ft). You'll find it nestled in Tongariro National Park, and getting there is half the fun!
The paved road, Bruce Road, is surprisingly smooth by local ski field standards. Clocking in at just 6.2km (3.85 miles), don't let the short distance fool you – this climb is STEEP, with gradients hitting 11% in places, as it gains 457 meters in altitude.
Heads up: if you're feeling extra adventurous (and have the right vehicle), there's a rough, unpaved service road near the top, strictly for 4x4s only, which climbs even higher to 1,778m (5,833ft)!
Perched high on Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand's largest active volcano, the views are insane, but the weather can be a bit of a wild card. So, pack accordingly and be prepared for anything. Chains are often required, especially if you’re in a 2WD, as you get closer to Whakapapa Village.
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Bruce Road and Discover Whakapapa ski field 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
- hard
- Coordinates
- -39.2448, 175.5613
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