Holiday With Gradient

At 2797m, Mt Ruapehu is the North Island’s highest peak with the largest area of patrolled skifield in the country on the Whakapapa side, and on the Turoa, Australasia’s longest vertical rise of 722m. Australian ski fields tend to be wider and have large, sweeping areas ideal for beginners but Ruapehu’s variety and number of blue, black and black-diamond runs makes it more attractive for advanced skiers. Another point of difference is the lack of any on-mountain ski-in ski-out accommodation, unlike the Australian resorts. Skiing is an expensive exercise wherever you go but Australian dollars stretch further in New Zealand. Some excellent deals are available, particularly in the spring and they include air fares, accommodation, ski-hire and lift tickets. Throw in a bit of duty-free shopping and a New Zealand skiing holiday stacks up well.