In winter and spring, you can ski or board the powdery slopes of an active volcano – the majestic Mount Ruapehu with the longest vertical drop in Australasia.

Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Fields, on Mount Ruapehu, are only a one hour drive from Acacia Cliffs Lodge and with a combined area of 1050 hectares are New Zealand’s largest commercial ski fields.

The drive here takes you past two other towering mountains and through the dramatic scenery of a Dual Listed World Heritage Park – Tongariro National Park.

Whakapapa Ski Field offers a dedicated learner’s area, all-terrain parks with plenty of thrills for snowboarders and free-skiiers, excellent off-piste areas and a Ski School (for all levels).

If skiing doesn’t appeal, you can take a scenic flight over the mountains, seeing iridescent crater lakes and steaming vents in the earth, or ride a chair-lift to New Zealand’s highest café, a café on an active volcano!

During the warmer months activities such as scenic chairlift rides and hiking are also available.