Hutt Valley Tramping Club

Whakapapa Ski Field Lodge

Ideally situated to let you ski or snowboard right from both front doors, the Hutt Valley Tramping Club Whakapapa Skifield Lodge is situated on Hut Ridge, at the top of Tennants Gully above Iwikau Village. Its grid reference on the Ruapehu (T20) 1:50 000 topographical map is 309149 and can be easily located using the linked Hut location map. To reach the Lodge from the Top o’ the Bruce car park takes about half an hour’s walk up the recommended route shown on the map. The lodge is also a handy 5 minute walk from the Waterfall Chairlift.

Electrically heated throughout, the Lodge can sleep 32 people, having 14 double bunks in the main bunkroom and 4 single bunks in a small bunkroom (ideal for a family). While mattresses and pillows are provided you will need to bring your own pillowcase and sleeping bag. In the bunkrooms there are open lockers for your gear.

Lockers are available for hire to store your skis, boots and other clothes and equipment essential for enjoying the mountain. The hire rates are listed in the linked Information Sheet.

This backpacker-type accommodation makes our Lodge a perfect base for an exciting stay at any time of year. We welcome skiers, snow boarders, trampers, school and social groups and all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.

The entrance foyer of the Lodge contains ski and snowboard storage, immediately adjacent to the drying room. The workshop area provides the tools for ski waxing and equipment repairs. Separate men’s and women’s washrooms each have two showers, two toilets and two hand basins (hot and cold water). The bunkrooms are immediately accessible from the foyer. We supply sledges for the enjoyment of the children visiting the Lodge.

Upstairs the comfortable lounge/dining area has seating for the total number that the Lodge is allowed to accommodate, and access onto the deck where you can see Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and the whole of Iwikau Village. The stereo radio, tape and CD player system enables you to find out the weather forecast and enjoy your own choice of music. When you feel like taking things easy we have books to read and a range of puzzles and toys for children of all ages.

The kitchen is equipped with two electric cookers, two sinks together with all the plates, cutlery and cooking instruments you might need. Virtually all food is supplied. The only food that visitors are asked to supply are bread and vegetables and optional items such as fruit and liquid refreshments. The food supply system is described in the linked Information Sheet. A telephone is available for receiving incoming calls.

The Lodge booking system and its current rates are fully described in the linked Information Sheet. Accommodation is booked by using the linked Payment Advice Form.

The lifts and other facilities at Whakapapa and Turoa skifields are operated by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. Its phone numbers are:

Whakapapa: 07 892 3738          Turoa: 06 385 8456

Snow reports can be obtained from:

Whakapapa: 083 222 182            Turoa: 083 222 180            

To find out the prevailing weather and snow condition on Ruhapehu you can also visit www.mtruapehu.com where the information is updated frequently. This site has a link to webcams at a variety of locations on the Whakapapa Skifield.

While our Club organises trips for Club groups which include young families, university-aged family members and veteran members, we welcome the use of our Lodge by outside groups. The outside groups who regularly use our Lodge include schools, colleges and the Mountain Safety Council. If you have a group of friends or belong to an organisation that would enjoy spending time on the North Island’s most popular mountain, we will be happy to accommodate you. You will have the chance to meet some great folk from our Club and other visitors.

The rates for outside groups are listed on the Information Sheet.

As listed on the ‘Information Sheet’, the Club organises trips for young families, university-aged Club members and Club veterans. Each winter we also run two Alpine Training weekends, where Club members and friends are given instruction in the techniques for being safe on snow and enjoying yourself there.

  Transport to the mountain may be in the Club van or, more usually, in private cars, which can be parked in the car park at the Top o’ the Bruce road. To prepare for the walk to the Lodge you should have with you in the van or car warm clothes, parka, boots, gloves, hat and torch (with fresh batteries). You may need overtrousers if it is wet or windy. If you are in the van you can change during the final drive up from the Chateau, otherwise you can use the changing room provided by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, next to the car park.  

Once you have arrived, donned your gear and retrieved your pack, you walk with your group to the Hutt Valley Lodge. If you are new it is extremely important that you stay with someone who knows the way.

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