Whakapapa – Mt Ruapehu

“My initial visit to Whakapapa – Mt Ruapehu was rather disheartening. The process to acquire tickets was quite time-consuming and, unfortunately, there were no sled rides for children. The cafe located at the summit operated at a sluggish pace, and the quality of the food was considerably poor. The fish and chips were particularly disappointing, with the fish having a rubbery texture and the chips being served cold. Moreover, the service at the coffee bar was less than satisfactory, with one staff member displaying discourteous behavior. The area outside the cafe that leads to the snow was quite small as well. Overall, my experience left much to be desired and I don't plan on returning.”

“I made the lengthy journey from Auckland to Whakapapa, along with my family in two separate vehicles. Upon our arrival, we were informed that the car park was full and were advised to "turn around and keep moving." It was baffling that the four cars ahead of us were allowed to pass through while we were turned away. Despite observing multiple cars departing, the entry to Bruce Road remained closed. There seemed to be no efficient system in place to regulate incoming and outgoing traffic. The decision to prevent people from walking up due to a full car park seemed illogical. Family members who managed to get in sent me a picture of a partially empty car park. We attempted to return after half an hour as instructed, only to be told again to "keep moving." This situation was repeated with many other families, leading to a traffic block. I reached out to the reception office for assistance but was told nothing could be done and was abruptly disconnected. It was a disappointing experience for numerous families, including my own. It's frustrating to see the changes in operations under the new management, considering that in past years, we were allowed to ascend the foggy or icy roads without such restrictions. It was especially disheartening for my family of 20, who were eager to see snow for the first time. We were told to utilize a shuttle service to reach the top of the mountain, which seemed unreasonable. We were also expected to pay an additional fee to take the gondola to the mountain's peak. Given these circumstances, I feel inclined to spend my money elsewhere.”

“I had an amazing time at Whakapapa – Mt Ruapehu, together with my wife and our 5-year-old daughter. The experience was truly brilliant.”

“My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Whakapapa - Mt Ruapehu. The staff were exceptional, always maintaining a friendly demeanor even amidst freezing conditions. My children, particularly, had a great time playing in the snow.”