East Side, Mt Ruapehu
Tukino Lodge
New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) members are eligible to receive complimentary Tukino Alpine Sports Club (TASC) membership allowing access to Tukino Lodge and Tukino Skifild at members rates. Membership and bookings are done through the TASC, details here
Summary:
This wonderful modern ski lodge located on the Tukino Ski Field is an excellent base for winter mountaineering, ski touring and instruction courses, and a base for alpine rock climbing in the warmer summer months.
Location:
Tukino Alpine Village, Mt Ruapehu, 14kms from Desert Road.
Access:
Take the turnoff to Tukino Skifield 22.4kms north of Wairoru (46.4 kms south of Turangi). Follow the gravel road across the desert for 7km to the "Base Camp" car park. From this point the road is suitable for 4WD vehicles. At the 10km point there is a locked gate (key available with hut key). Hut is located 14kms from the Desert road. Chains are essential during winter.
More info here.
Fees:
More info on fees here
Bookings:
Bookings essential.
Some information of note:
-Self-catering is the most practical option outside the winter season. The lodge has ovens, cutlery, fridge etc, so bring your food up in a chilly bin.
-A lodge manager is permanently on-site during the winter season (July-Sept). Outside these times bookings subject to availability of a lodge manager (Note: "Lodge Manager" training weekends are run regularly if you are interested in becoming one).
Point Location:
POINT (175.614 -39.278)
NZTopo50: BJ34 255 491
NZMS260 (old): T20 356 108