Description

Forest & Bird's Ruapehu Lodge is a great place to visit any time of the year. The 32-bed lodge is located just 600 metres from Whakapapa Village at the base of Mt Ruapehu and contains: Three bunkrooms that sleep four people each. One bunkroom that sleeps six people. One upstairs bunkroom that sleep 14 people. The main floor of the lodge is wheelchair-friendly, with a ramp to the entrance and an accessible bathroom. The lodge offers warm, comfortable accommodation and is only a short drive from the Whakapapa ski field. It overlooks the Whakapapanui River and is surrounded by native beech forest with a wonderful view of Mt Ruapehu. It is close to a range of interesting day walks where you may see native wildlife including whio (blue duck), tomtits, robins, t, grey warbler, rifleman (titipounamu), bellbirds, fantails, or kerer. There are cafes and restaurants in the village, which is just a 10-minute walk away. Here, you will also find the Department of Conservation's visitor centre, which is well worth a visit. For your own safety, please check out all walks and weather conditions with the DOC visitor centre. Visitors need to supply their own bedding (blankets/sleeping bags, pillowcases), a towel, toiletries, tea towels, toilet paper, dishwashing liquid and food, as well as suitable equipment and clothing for mountain and snow conditions, and light shoes or slippers for inside the lodge.