Ruapehu
Lodge
Ruapehu Lodge, at the top of the Bruce Road on Mount Ruapehu, is a Scout lodge used as the base of operations for our Snow School – among other things.
It’s a heated lodge with 31 beds, kitchen facilities, and an indoor bouldering wall. Even food is provided!
ANYONE can stay at the lodge – although SCOUTS New Zealand members are given preference. Scouts and Venturers with Leaders will get first priority on the facilities, Rovers, Leaders and supporters will get next priority. Scouts under the age of 13, and Cubs, may only use the facilities during the summer season unless they are accompanied by their parents.
The Lodge is also available for summer activities on the mountain. The Department of Conservation, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, and many other tourist operators run activities to suit all ages and fitness levels. The Department of Conservation’s Tongariro Taupo Summer Programme from the end of December to the end January is a popular way of exploring the area.
Requests for winter season bookings should be made by 31 March. The Lodge Management Committee will make winter season booking allocation during April with full payment required by the end of May. During the winter season party sizes may be limited.
Summer season bookings may be made at any time. The minimum number for a summer booking is 16.
ALL groups are welcome to use the lodge. The indoor climbing wall, pool table, TV, and the large selection of games and books are all there for use after a hard day on the snow or for when the mountain weather is just not up to your standard.
Users of the lodge are expected to take their turn in cooking and general housekeeping during their stay.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) offer generous discounts on ski/snowboard hire, lessons and lift passes. Just organise what your group will need each day, contact the RAL Groups Coordinators at least two weeks prior to your visit and enjoy some cheap skiing.