Tukino Ski Fields

Accommodation and Facilities

Nestled amongst the slopes of New Zealand?s North Island, Tukino Ski Field offers the rare combination of adventure and lack of crowds, coupled with the friendliness and camaraderie that?s only found on club-operated fields. Tukino offers ski and snowboard lessons, mountain education courses and a volunteer ski patrol.

Location
The Tukino skifield is Mt Ruapehu's lesser-known gem, located on the eastern side of the mountain (35km from Waiouru).

It's a 4WD road.
You need an "off road" 4WD vehicle to get to the Tukino skifield. Be prepared to fit chains if advised to on the Tukino skifield road status report.

Driving instructions:
Head north from Waiouru along the Desert Road for 22.4km or south from Turangi for 46.4km.

There is a signpost marked "Tukino access road". Turn here and follow this road across the desert for 7km to the Base Camp car park.

2WD vehicles must not proceed past this point. For "off road" 4WD vehicles only, the road continues for another 7km up the mountain to the Tukino village.

Do not attempt to drive up the Tukino mountain road past Base Camp, until you have confirmed the road is open.

Road information
The latest status report on the Tukino road can be heard on the snow reports on Peak FM, Ski FM, online at Tukino Skifield Report, or by phoning (0800) 885 466.

Caution:
Please confirm the road status before heading up the Tukino road, and follow any instructions in the report regarding the need for chains. If you encounter any difficulties on the road contact the Tukino Skifield (06-387,6294) for advice. Note: some cell phone coverage on the Tukino road (including the 027 network) is marginal, so call in advance

Tukino offers:

• Ski & snowboard lessons
• Mountain education courses
• Volunteer ski patrol
• A ski development squad
• Club races and social events
• Great value ski & accommodation packages for non-members
• Typically, more stable weather & snow conditions than on the western side of Mt Ruapehu

Accommodation

Comfortable on-mountain accommodation is provided in two modern ski lodges at Tukino. You can ski right to your door! The Aorangi and Desert Alpine lodges have a friendly, warm atmosphere and full facilities.

As well as great value ski and accommodation packages for non-members, 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.

Tukino Ski Fields