Photo: Whakapapa Ski Slopes New Zealand

The Whakapapa ski slopes on Mt Ruapehu on the North Island of New Zealand in the summer with Mt Ngauruhoe in the backdrop.

The ski slopes on Mt Ruapehu on the North Island of New Zealand do not look very promising during the summer months but come winter the snow covered hills are great for skiers. Looking from the Whakapapa ski field lift you have an excellent view of Mt Ngauruhoe, one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes.Whakapapa is located on the north western slopes of Mt Ruapehu which has excellent skiing and snowboarding for beginners, intermediate and advanced snow enthusiasts. For people who do not like the ski slopes, there are hills that are great for tobogganing and tubing.When summer approaches New Zealand, the Whakapapa ski slopes are barren and dry and make excellent hiking trails for backpackers. When hiking along the Whakapapa ski slopes you can explore the volcanic landscape as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt Ngauruhoe.Whether it is summer or winter on Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand, weather conditions can change extremely fast, so always be prepared with the right equipment. ... continue below the picture...

... After a long hard day, relax at one of the accommodations available at the Whakapapa village which is about 3.7 miles away from the ski slopes.Mt Ngauruhoe, seen from the Whakapapa Skifield Lift on Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park, World Heritage Site, Central North Island, New Zealand.