THINGS TO DO

Skotel Alpine Resort is conveniently located in Whakapapa Village at the foot of Mount Ruapehu, within 500 meters of Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre.
Hiking trails start directly at the hotel, and the Sky Waka as well as the Mount Ruapehu ski field (Jun-Oct) are a 6km drive up the mountain.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Park – and the many hiking and biking trails in the area.
We even offer lunch packages so you won’t get hungry on your adventures.
Visit Taranaki Falls, Tama Lakes and Silica Rapids and for those up for a day trail walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Shuttles for the crossing can be booked upon arrival and leave from our doorstep.
After an exciting day hiking, biking, skiing (Jun-Oct) or sight-seeing guests can enjoy a relaxing spa*, or unwind over a drink or a meal at the Skotel Restaurant and Bar. Our guests can also stay connected with free WiFi.
To find out more about Tongariro Northern Circuit, Tongariro Alpine Crossing and more hiking options take a look at the featured hikes below.
You can also browse and book a wide range of Ruapehu and New Zealand tours and attractions via our tour booking partner.
Check out Hiking New Zealand for some fantastic hiking inspiration including the Ultimate North Island and the Ultimate New Zealand hikes that both pass through Whakapapa twice!
Plan My Walk takes the guesswork out of the critical planning phase by bringing together the information you need.
The easy-to-use app, brought to you by the NZ Mountain Safety Council, includes more than 1000+ NZ tracks, weather warnings, watches and forecasts, track specific alerts, interactive gear lists and other useful planning advice such as track reviews from other users.
You can create a trip plan, add group members, assign an emergency contact, and share your plan with others. Click below for more information.
Upcoming Events
T42 Central Plateau Saturday 7th May 2022 One of New Zealand’s most iconic events, the...
Take a Hike! Where to Walk Near Skotel Alpine Resort
Skotel Alpine Resort’s is perfectly located for hikers and walkers of all abilities. The hotel is the ideal base for exploring the UNESCO world heritage park – and the many hiking and biking trails in the area.
Forgotten World Jet Boat Tours
Immerse yourself and journey further into a Forgotten World. Explore the mighty Whanganui River....
Forgotten World Adventures Rail Cart Tours
Nestled within the deep hidden valleys of New Zealand’s Forgotten World Highway is the ultimate...
Guided Tongariro Crossing Tour with Lord of The Rings Highlights
Explore the breathtakingly beautiful volcanic fields of Tongariro National Park with this half day...
Book New Zealand Tours & Attractions
Looking for local Ruapehu tours and attractions or continuing your New Zealand adventure...
Taranaki Falls Trail Walk
Regarded as one of Tongariro National Park’s best short walks, this easy loop is packed with...
Tongariro Northern Circuit & other multi-day walks
Tongariro Northern Circuit Beginning from Skotel, this walk winds its way over Mt Tongariro and...
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Considered the best one-day walk in New Zealand and one of the world’s great walks! The Tongariro...
The Big Splash Bungy Jump & White Water Rafting
Get amongst it on New Zealand’s highest water touch bungy jump with The Big Splash on a high...
Tama Lakes Walk
Established in 1887, Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's first National Park, and the fourth...
Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Walk
Create some lifelong memories with a Mount Ruapehu Guided Walk Through breathtaking scenery this...
Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Winter
It is possible to trek the Alpine Crossing in winter as long as you are experienced in hiking with...
Quad Bike Adventure Rides
Experience the thrill of a guided Quad biking adventure over wide open spaces as you venture through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery in Ruapehu.
Adrift NZ for guided walks of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Adrift organises guides tours both summer and winter. Their speciality is the Tongariro Alpine...
Tongariro National Trout Centre
Take a tour of the Trout Centre and Genesis Energy Freshwater Aquarium on the Tongariro River....
National Army Museum Waiouru
Engage with real life soldiers' stories, discover New Zealand's military history, learn the...
Horse Trekking at Ruapehu Homestead
Horse trekking on one of the wonderful horses with experienced guides ensures your horse riding...
Rivers and Lakes for Summertime Adventure
Located in the heart of Tongariro National Park on the edge of Mt. Ruapehu, Skotel Alpine Resort offers and excellent base to discover the rivers and lakes in the region for summertime adventure.
How to Keep Safe on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
For those up for a day trail walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must do in the Tongariro National Park.
Tongariro River Rafting
The turbulent waters of the Tongariro River provide fun-filled and exhilarating river rapids on a whitewater rafting adventure to suit your degree of courage and ability.
Whanganui River Adventures
Whanganui River Adventures based in Pipiriki, offers a vast array of outdoor activities including scenic jetboating, bushwalking, Bridge to Nowhere tours and canoeing.
Tokaanu Thermal Pools
Tokaanu is a small village situated in a very pleasant quiet spot with a stream running through...
Nevalea Alpacas
Nevalea Alpacas, the largest alpaca farm in New Zealand, is home to over 800 friendly alpacas....
Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park
Ohakune's Adventure Carrot Park has been named a finalist in the 2019 Kiwi Choice Award in the...
Ski Rental & Heated Clothing Shop
For your convenience and ease of getting all your ski/board & alpine gear, here at Skotel...