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             TikiTouring 
              review of Chateau Tongariro 
              Book 
              a stay at the Chateau Tongariro 
              Pictures 
              of the Chateau Tongariro 
            
            Mt 
              Ruapehu 
            Book 
              a stay at the Chateau Tongariro 
              Review 
              of Chateau Tongariro 
               
              Book Hotels 
              Located in the middle of the North island, Mt Ruapehu is some 335 
              kilometres south of Auckland in a volcanic region that includes 
              Mt Ngarahoe and Mt Tongariro.  
               
             Whakapapa: 
              This is the biggest and most used skiing area in New Zealand and 
              covers a whopping 400 hectares. The ski fields are on the north-western 
              side of Mt Ruapehu and offer everything for everyone. One fifth 
              of the area is good for beginners, almost two-thirds will suit intermediate 
              skiers, while advanced skiers and snowboarders will have a fifth 
              of Whakapapa to themselves. There are more than 30 runs with 17 
              high-capacity lifts making getting back to the top hassle-free. 
               
              Average snowfall: 400 cm. 
              Highest lift: 2300 metres. 
              Vertical drop: 670 metres. 
              Lifts: 17. 10 main, 7 beginner tows. 
              Facilities: cafes and bars, children's creche, children's programme. 
              Season: Late June - Late October. 
               
              
               
            Turoa: 
              Also situated on Mt Ruapehu, but on the south-west side, Turoa is 
              similar in size to Whakapapa but has a slightly larger beginners' 
              area. One quarter of its runs are suitable for novices, 55% for 
              intermediates and advanced skiers and snowboarders have around 20%. 
              Turoa has the largest vertical drop in New Zealand and Australia 
              and is renowned for excellent skiing in Spring. 
            Average 
              snowfall: 450 cm. 
              Highest lift: 2322 metres. 
              Longest run: 4 km.  
              Vertical drop: 720 metres. 
              Lifts: 11. 7 main, 4 beginner tows. 
              Facilities: Cafes and bars, children's programme. 
              Season: Late June - Late October.  
              
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