Everything to know about Mt Ruapehu Carparking and Shuttles | 2023 Season

UPDATED: JULY 2023

Both Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas are accessible to most cars via the Bruce Road and Ohakune Mountain Road. Make sure to check the road report before you travel. During the winter season, occasionally these two roads can become restricted only certain vehicles (4WD, 2WD with chains etc),  and an alternative mode of transport such as one of the local shuttle's would be your best option to get you up to the slopes.

Carpark tips:

• There is only limited carparking spaces at both Whakapapa and Turoa. During peak season (July School Holidays and July, Aug and Sept Weekends), these carparks may reach capacity quite early in the morning.
  
  
• From our past experiences, carparks don't tend to reach capacity in June or during the week days (excl July school holidays). October also does not tend to reach capacity
  
  
• To avoid missing out on a carpark, we recommend aiming to arrive at the top of Whakapapa or Turoa by 9am - 10am (the earlier the better)
  
  
• If the carparks reach capacity, a one car in - one car out system will be implemented. Alternatively, you can use a shuttle to get to the top of the mountain.

 

What are the options if I cannot get up the mountain?

There are a number of local shuttle/bus operators who can take you up from a number of locations. We have gathered most options below to help you decide which one is going to work best for you...

DISCLAIMER: Shuttle prices and availability is subject to change

Where do you want to depart from?

From Whakapapa Village
From National Park Township (Recommended)
From Turangi
From Taupo
From Ohakune

 

From Whakapapa Village

Due to the 3 Hour parking limit that has been put in place for 2023 - we wouldn't recommend booking any shuttles from Whakapapa Village UNLESS you are staying in the accommodation there.

From National Park Township (Recommended)

We would highly recommend booking your shuttles the night before with any of the operators below. Choose a pickup time, and arrive at '1 WARD ST, NATIONAL PARK' (PARK N RIDE) 15 mins before your departure. This is the most convenient and cost-effective solution to getting up the Bruce Rd when there are restrictions. 

If you prefer to use chains, we have a range of high-quality chains for you to purchase - starting at $145

Please note, you cannot hire chains in Turangi, National Park or Whakapapa Village.

Ruapehu Scenic Shuttles	Snowscene Top Pick | Details
Timetable	From Park n Ride, or specified location. Bus runs on-demand or hourly.
Pricing	Adult: $25 per person | Child: $25
Other info	Book Online or call +642041114648

National Park Shuttles	Details
Timetable	Pickup Park 'N Ride, National Park.
Pricing	Adult and Child Prices: $45 - $25
Other info	Book online or call 027 394 1498

Summit Shuttles	Snowscene Top Pick | Details
Timetable	Pickup from National Park Village Park and Ride (1 Ward St National Park Village). Multiple departure options. See Website
Pricing	Adult: $55 per person | Child: $35
Other info	Book Online or call on day Phone: +64 021 784 202

Ruapehu Mtn Transport	Snowscene Top Pick | Details
Timetable	8.15am, 9.15am, and 10.15am from Park 'N Ride National Park Village. Returns 2.15pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm
Pricing	$50 Adult Return / $35 Child return
Other info	Book Online | Full details

Tongariro Volcanic Adventures	Details
Timetable	Departs on demand. Pickup from location or as stated
Pricing	Adult and Child: $35 - $45
Other info	Book ahead or call on day Phone: 07 892 2870 Full details

Dempseys Shuttles	Details
Timetable	7.30am, 9am, 10.30am - pickup from multiple locations (see website). Departure 1.00pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm
Pricing	$45 Adult Return | $35 Youth Return | $20 Child Return
Other info	Accepts online bookings only.  Phone: 06 385 4022 Full details

Active Outdoor Adventures	Details
Timetable	On demand
Pricing	Adult: $40 | Child: $20
Other info	Bookings Recommended | Phone: +64223142656 | Book Online

From Turangi to Whakapapa

Backyard Tours	Details
Timetable	Departs 7.30am | Returns 4.00pm Pickup from your location. Times subject to demand
Pricing	Adult: $60 per person | Child: (0 - 16yrs) $40 per person
Other info	Book Online | Phone: +64 22 314 2656 | +64 7 386 5322 Full details

Ohakune to Turoa

Ruapehu Mtn Transport	Snowscene Top Pick | Details
Timetable	8.00am, 9.15am, and 10.30am departure from multiple locations. Returns 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm
Pricing	$50 Adult Return / $35 Child Return
Other info	Book Online Full details