On this page:

• Winter road access
• Parking in Whakapapa Village
• Shuttle services to ski areas

Winter road access

In certain conditions, Bruce Road to Whakapapa Ski Area may be restricted to vehicles with chains and/or 4WD, or closed to all vehicles.

Check the Waka Kotahi road closure website for the live Bruce Road status to find out if the road is closed or open.

Check the Whakapapa Ski Area website for the status of Bruce Road and for information of any restrictions. 

Restrictions may also be in place for Ohakune Mountain Road to Tūroa Ski Area (road managed by Ruapehu District Council).

Check the live Ohakune Mountain Road status.

Parking in Whakapapa Village

During winter, parking along SH48 in Whakapapa Village is limited to 3 hours. Parking is intended for visitors to access short walks, the visitor centre, toilets and local shops, restaurants and cafes.

Visitors who need to park in Whakapapa Village for longer than 3 hours, or overnight, can get a parking permit by phone, email or visiting the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.

Tracks from the Village that take longer than 3 hours include:

• Tama Lakes Track
• Tongariro Northern Circuit and
• Whakapapaiti Valley Track – bottom section. 

Shuttle services to ski areas

Shuttle services are available from ‘Park and Ride’ facilities in National Park Village and Ohakune Carrot Park, as well as from local towns such as Turangi and Taupo.

There are no ‘Park and Ride’ shuttles available from Whakapapa Village to Whakapapa Ski Area. Guests staying at accommodation in the Village can arrange shuttles directly from their accommodation.

Book shuttle services.