Tukino Skifield
Located on Mt Ruapehu, with 170 hectares of ski area, over 300m of vertical drop, and great conditions sheltered from prevailing Westerly winds. Comfortable on-mountain accommodation is provided in three ski-in Ski-out lodges. Tukino gives awesome access to skiing and touring Mt Ruapehu.
About Tukino
Tukino is located on the eastern side of Mt Ruapehu, it offers great terrain. Midfield extensive Rock bluffs create a large amphitheatre and a sense of enclosure around the groomed learner ski slope, serviced by the fields bottom tow.
Access to the upper slopes is through breaks in this rock barrier. The upper ski area contains steeper but less complicated terrain. There are two glaciers at this upper level. The best advanced skiing is midfield, as the extensive rocky bluffs contain many steep chutes to explore.
September is generally the best month to visit as the Snow base is at its maximum and Ruapehu is best known for its excellent weather groomed corn skiing, powder is hit and miss in the north island.
Accommodation is provided in three ski lodges immediately adjacent to the ski area, the access road takes you all the way to field but is for 4wd’s only. The club operates a shuttle from a 2wd car park.
Trail Map
Terrain and Weather Tip
The Tukino slopes are sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds and the field is often operating in clear weather when the rest of the mountain is blanketed in cloud.
For the early riser, snow conditions are very pleasant in the mornings thanks to the warmth of the morning sun. This does not mean slushy snow later in the day though, as Tukino maintains a relatively constant temperature due to being in a fairly open area.
Accommodation
Comfortable on-mountain accommodation is provided in three modern ski lodges in the Tukino Mountain Village immediately adjacent to the skifield - you can ski right to your door!
The Aorangi, Desert Alpine and Tukino Alpine Sports Club lodges have a friendly, warm atmosphere and full facilities.
When you stay in any of the lodges, you are welcomed as part of the club.
Each of the clubs provide bunk room style accommodation where all of the guests share the duties of cooking (food provided) and cleaning under the supervision of a resident Lodge Officer.
Non-member nightly rates
Aorangi Sport Club
Adult $84
Junior (11-17 years) $62
Child (10 years and under) $52
Desert Alpine club
Adult $65
Youth $55
Child $40
Under 5's $15
Tukino Alpine Sports Club
Adult (18+) $90
Youth (11-17) $70
Child (5-10) $50
Under 5's Free
Chill Tip
Stay the night in one of the warm and friendly lodges and be welcomed as part of the club.
Check List
For something different check out the guided cat skiing on offer.
If you need gear hire you'll need to sort this before heading up the mountain.
Snow Forecast
View detailed snow forecast for Tukino at:
snow-forecast.com
Tukino Stats
Beginner 35%
Intermediate 30%
Advanced 35%
Main Lifts 3x Rope Tows
Whangaehu Beginner Tow (nutcracker) 1750m
Aorangi Advanced Tow (nutcracker) 1850m
Desert Alpine Portable Tow (nutcracker) 1970m
Cat Ski side country within skifield boundary (snowcat groomer)
Vertical Drop 340 metres
Skiable Terrain 170 hectares
Lessons: Yes
Access 4WD with chains when required. Mountain transfer shuttle available from the 2WD car park, off the Desert Road.
Day Pass Rates
Adult: $90
Student (11-18 years or full time NZ student): $75
Child (5-10 years): $50
U5 FREE!
Half day rates available.
Drawcards
Friendly atmosphere.
Varied and fun terrain.
Cat skiing.
Key Contacts
Website: tukino.org
Enquiries: 0800-TUKINO
Mountain Phone: + 64 6 387 6294
Useful Links
Heading backcountry? Make sure you’re ready:
- Find Backcountry Access Policies
- Kickstart your avalanche awareness skills with learning tools and videos