Ruapehu Hut, Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu

Location Map | Photo Gallery | History | BOOKINGS |

Location
High on the ski field at 2040m on Delta Ridge, NW slopes of Mt Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park.

Facilities
20 bunks, electricity, microwave, cookers (1 four-burner, plus 2 cookers with 1 working burner each), utensils, heating, drying room, water on tap, flush toilets.

If no power/water check the switch is on in the drying room. 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 79kb)

Access
Locked by keypad. Combination available when booking.
From Top of the Bruce follow first chair lift, 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. For a detailed map of this area go to http://www.mtruapehu.com/winter/interactive-map/
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.

Weather Updates
Click here for: Snow, Road and Weather Report

Fees
Prepayment is required for bookings at Ruapehu.
Members $15, Non-members $25 per night
Groups (over 10 persons) may apply to the National Office for a discounted adult rate.
Child rates - 10 years of age, or under - free
11-17 years of age - members children $5; non-member's children $15 per night (also applies to school groups)
Day rate - $10 day use flat rate

Bookings
A separate webpage has been created here to show current bookings and space available

Auckland Section
The Auckland Section of the New Zealand Alpine Club often runs courses and trips utilising Ruapehu Hut. If you are interested in finding out more, please check out their website: http://www.aucklandclimber.org.nz/huts/ruapehuhut.htm

Alternative Accommodation
(As at 2006) 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. Outside of the ski season the cost is $9 (adult) & $4.50 (child) per night. During the ski season $18 and $9 respectively. Contact: Andrew Wellum 04 233 1867 or trio(at)xtra.co.nz for more details.