Your car
If you are travelling to Iwikau lodge at Whakapapa ski field and Tukino lodge (4WD only) at Tukino ski field your car can get buried in snow.
Your car should be in good mechanical condition especially the battery and electrical system. It is also essential to add anti freeze to the cooling system. You should park your car in gear, chock the wheels against the wind and leave the hand brake off.
This is to ensure the hand brake will not freeze in icy conditions. Chains should be carried, a shovel and a torch, and make sure the chains fit before you leave.
If you are staying at Ohakune lodge use this as a guideline, it snows in Ohakune too!

What to bring

General
The mountain can be a very dangerous place as the weather conditions can change within minutes.
It is therefore necessary to take the appropriate clothing and to always be prepared for the worst. It is essential that the outer clothing is wind and waterproof, and under garments are warm.
Do not wear jeans or cotton, as it has no insulating properties and will not dry if it gets wet.

Recommended

  • Wind and waterproof jacket
  • Woollen or polypropylene undergarments
  • Wool or polar fleece jersey
  • Wool or polar fleece hat
  • Polypropylene or wool mittens or gloves
  • Waterproof tramping or walking shoes
  • Sun cream
  • Goggles or sunglasses
  • Sleeping bag
    (the lodges are quite warm and have blankets)
  • Pillowcase
  • A torch
  • Slippers (for inside the lodge)
  • Drinks and nibbles

    • Tukino and Iwikau

    Be wearing your warm and waterproof gear Pack (do not bring a suitcase as these are hard to transport across snow)

  • Torch
  • Waterproof tramping or walking shoes

    • If you bring your own vehicle

  • Towrope
  • Chains
  • Shovel
  • Torch
  • Cell Phone
    (025, helpful at Tukino for keeping contact with vehicles in convoy)

    • Note: The Tukino road is 4WD only during the winter months)
    Click image to enlarge
    or alternatively click here for a Google map
    Click to enlarge
    or alternatively click here for a Google map
    Click to enlarge
    or alternatively click here for a Google map