Ruapehu hut

Perched high above Whakapapa, the largest ski field in New Zealand, this hut receives heavy use during the winter months as a base for skiing, mountaineering and ice climbing. Get together with your friends and spend a day out on New Zealand's most active volcano.

Location: 

Whakapapa Ski Field, at 2040m on Delta Ridge, above Delta Corner, north-west slopes of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park.

Webcam – select ‘Whakapapa’ and ‘Mt Ngauruhoe and the Pinnacles

Grid Ref: 

  • POINT (175.561 -39.252)

  • NZTopo50: BJ34 210 522

  • NZMS260 (old): T20 311 139

Facilities: 

20 bunks, electricity, microwave, cookers (1 two-burner, plus 2 cookers with 1 working burner each), toasters, jugs, cutlery, plates, cups, pots, pans, heating, drying room, water on tap, flush toilets.

If no power/water check the switch is on at the switchboard. Instructions are on the wall. If still no power, then it is probably out on the mountain. You can double-check this at the ski lift. If they have power, then please ring the office to advise of any faults.

Water Pump Instructions (PDF)

Access: 

Locked by keypad.

The combination will be emailed when your booking is completed.

Please note that if you pay by bank transfer, the code will not be sent until the next working day as it has to be processed. If you require the code outside of work hours, please pay by credit card.

Main route

From Top of the Bruce follow the first chairlift, then poled ridge south behind Wanganui and R.S.C. Huts on Hut Flat (1.5 hrs approx.). Although not a great distance from the ski field, basic mountaineering skills are required to reach the hut.

Alternative Route

At the road end (Top of the Bruce) walk directly up the mountain following the two parallel chairlifts called Rockgarden and Centennial Chairs lifts.
A detailed map of this area here.

When you reach the top of these chairlifts you will be at Hut Flat. Continue walking up the mountain this time following a single chairlift called The Waterfall Express. At the top of the Waterfall Express Lift, you will be Knoll Ridge Cafe. Ruapehu Hut is on the ridge to the right of the Cafe.

Bookings and availability: 

Bookings are essential, click the button below to go to our national website and make a booking / check availability.

Non-member groups may only fully book out the hut Mon-Thur. Limited spaces may be made available to non-member groups on weekends upon application to the office.

Groups (over 10 persons) must apply to the National Office (office@alpineclub.org.nz)

Road/Weather Conditions: 

Check the snow/road conditions at http://www.mtruapehu.com/winter/whakapapa-report/

Alternative Accommodation: 

NZAC members have been offered a 25% discount should they wish to use the WCTC Ski Lodge situated 5mins walk from the top car park. During the ski season $27 Adult and $13.50 childern, outside of the ski season is half the winter price. Contact: Andrew Wellum 021 143 3710 or (04) 233 1867 addingvalue@xtra.co.nz for more details.