Ruapehu Lodge – Open Lodge 26 Dec to 7 Jan

The weather is getting hotter and the music in the shops has changed to christmas carols – so it must be time for Open Lodge. What’s Open Lodge you ask? It means that you can drop in and stay at WTMC’s Ruapehu Lodge, no commitment or hassle, anytime from Christmas to early January.

WTMC’s Ruapehu lodge is just 100m from the Top of the Bruce at Whakapapa skifield and sleeps 32 in hostel-style accommodation. The bunkrooms are spacious and comfortable and there’s a great catering-style kitchen, lounge and dining room.

Mt Ruapehu is a great place to hang out in summer. Whether you’re relaxing on the deck admiring the views of the sun setting behind Mt Taranaki, going hard and heading to the summit, hitting the Tongariro Crossing, other walking and tramping, mountain biking the 48 traverse, rafting and jetboating the Tongariro River or chilling at the hot pools or the Tussock Pub. If you’ve skied or boarded Ruapehu in winter you’ll be quite stunned by how it looks in Summer, too!  It’s also a great opportunity to capture that winning shot for the Lodge Photo Competition

How will it work?

Give us some notice if you can, but just turn up with cash or a chequebook and pay for the nights you want to stay. No booking, no upfront commitment, no hassles if your plans change. If you don’t have a car, give us a yell – we can probably sort out transport for you.

You’ll get a bed and a pillow – bring a pillowcase and a sleeping bag (or sheets – there are blankets there too). There’s a short walk to the lodge up a gravelly path with steps, so you’ll find a backpack easier than Samsonite rolling luggage (but don’t let that stop you).

Bring your own food and drinks to cook in the lodge’s full kitchen, or on the BBQ on the deck. Or, go for lunch and coffee at Knoll Ridge cafe, pizza and burgers at the pub, or fine dining at the Chateau!

When is it for?

Currently we’re planning on having the place open Tuesday 26 December through Sunday 7 January. If you are looking for a different time around this then tell us and we’ll try to make it happen. There are a group of ‘Lodge Leaders’ who will open the place up, and one or two of them are just pencilled in right now; so if anything changes watch this space.

How much will it cost me?

Cheap, that’s how much! The cost for WTMC members is:

Adults $14/night (non-members $25/night),
Children 4-17 $11/night (non-members $20/night),

Infants 3 and under are free.

How do I get there?

The lodge is at Whakapapa Skifield – 100m from the car-park at the Top of the Bruce. It’s a sealed road all the way and an easy drive in summer. Here’s how to find it: https://wtmc.org.nz/lodge-location .

If you need a ride to or fro, post a comment and find some like minded folks who are going up at the same time as you. Intercity and Naked Bus will also get you to Whakapapa Village (they both run shuttles that meet their buses to Turangi and National Park).

Any other questions, post in the comments or get in contact with me. Look forward to seeing you up there!

Mike Gilbert, Lodge Booking Guy.