WTMC Ruapehu Lodge Blog

The WTMC Ruapehu Lodge at Iwikau Village is the comfortable, reasonably priced, backpacker-style accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts year-round, and it’s only 5 minute’s walk from the Whakapapa skifield.  

Whether you’re here for skiing, hiking, or simply soaking in the wonderful alpine scenery of our Dual World Heritage National Park, there’s always some fun happenings at the lodge.

In this new blog, we’ll share updates on lodge events, visitor experiences, and important news.

Keep reading for the latest updates.

Alpine Club trip – March 2025

A group from the Auckland and Wellington Sections of the NZ Alpine Club spent a weekend at the lodge and made good use of the fine weather climbing the 60+ routes near the lodge in both trad and sport ranging from grade 6 to 31.

Comment

Club trip – February 2025

The summer weekend adventure at the lodge was a real blast! A group of 12 enthusiastic punters made the most of some great weather, taking on some of the best outdoor experiences the region has to offer.

• Hiked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – the most popular day walk in the park for good reasons
• Mountain biked the 42 Traverse – a must-do for MTBs
• Visited the Tama Lakes – an easy trail to a scenic gem
• Summited Te Heuheu – an exciting challenge with rewarding views.
• Enjoyed a relaxing walk around Lake Rotopounamu – a hidden jewel surrounded by native forest.

If you missed out, don’t worry! Another epic weekend is planned for 9–11 May. With only 12 spots available, this action-packed adventure will likely fill up fast.

• Trip date: 9–11 May
• Location: Club Lodge, Mt Ruapehu
• Limited spaces: Only 12 participants.

Club trip – Winter Solstice 2018

This was a big club trip of 42 members (10 people sleeping in Graduates Ski Lodge). Groups ranged all over the mountain including skiing and boarding on artificial snow in Happy Valley. The evening meal was cooked by an Italian chef. A weekend to remember.

Club trip – a summit attempt from the lodge

This trip was an attempt by nine punters to climb to the summit of Mt Ruapehu. But the weather had other ideas. Nevertheless the group had an exhilarating time out in the wind and rain. Toby wrote the story of their adventures for the WTMC Annual Journal.