Forest & Bird's Ruapehu Lodge
Escape to our members-only sanctuary on the edge of Mount Ruapehu, where native wildlife thrives and adventure awaits in every season. Nestled in the heart of Tongariro National Park, our cosy lodge is just a short drive from Ohakune, Turangi, and Taupō.
Whether you’re chasing snowy slopes in winter or exploring lush forests in summer, Ruapehu Lodge is your gateway to nature’s finest experiences.
Use the discount code WHIO20 for a 20% discount on all stays at the Ruapehu Lodge between 19 December 2025 and 1 March 2026.
“Great place to relax and stay. [It has] everything you need and [is] very easy to access and use.” - Michael
“We had a wonderful time at Mount Ruapehu - it was a truly enjoyable experience with family and friends... There were plenty of walking tracks and indoor activities to keep the kids entertained.” - Sandun
Our Facilities
Warm, comfortable, and full of character, the Forest & Bird Ruapehu Lodge is ideally located at the foot of Bruce Road. Overlooking the Whakapapanui River and surrounded by ancient beech forest, our lodge boasts breathtaking views of Mount Ruapehu and Tongariro National Park.
Our Amenities
Our 32-bed lodge situated at the base of Mt. Ruapehu offers:
- Bunkrooms ranging from cosy four-bed spaces to a spacious 14-bed upstairs retreat.
- A dining room & library with mountain views.
- Drying rooms for gear after a day of exploring.
- Fully equipped kitchen with two fridges to store all your goodies.
- Separate showers & toilets for men and women.
- A large deck perfect for unwinding with a view.
- A dedicated space for car parking outside.
The bottom floor of the lodge has Wheelchair-friendly access, including step-free access and an accessible bathroom. Click here to view our accessibility audit from the Halberg Foundation.
Location
To book the Ruapehu Lodge
To make a booking, a member of your party must be a member of Forest & Bird.
We would love to have you as a member, where you will be helping New Zealand’s leading independent voice for the natural environment. Adult memberships begin at $57 per year.
Become a member of Forest & Bird today
For questions about the Ruapehu Lodge, please contact Forest & Bird’s National Office on 0800 200 064 and press Option 4, or email office@forestandbird.org.nz
In the heart of UNESCO Dual Heritage Site Tongariro National Park, the Lodge is situated in Whakapapa Village. Enjoy easy access to stunning day walks, where you might spot native birds like the elusive whio (blue duck), tomtits, kiwi, tūī, bellbirds, and kererū.
Whakapapa Village is home to the Whakapapa DOC Visitor Centre, where you can learn more about the history of Tongariro National Park and Mt. Ruapehu. The Visitor Centre has a small shop, and there is a food and coffee cart in the village - otherwise the nearest store is a 15-minute drive away in National Park.
Ruapehu Lodge is situated at 1160 metres above sea level at Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park.
It is 0.8km above the Chateau in Rehua Place. A road closure barrier and guard house are situated on the Bruce Road immediately before the road turns sharply right and up the hill.
Rehua Place is immediately before the closure barrier, on the left-hand side. Two groups of lodges are situated on Rehua Place about 500m past the turnoff. Drive past the first set of lodges and continue on to the last lodge on the left.
Day Walks
Tongariro National Park is full of trails and walking tracks to explore. Here are some of the best options that you can access directly from the Forest & Bird Ruapehu Lodge.
For families
Taranaki Falls Loop Track (2hrs, Easy)
This 6km loop is the perfect introduction to Tongariro National Park, which on a clear day provides stunning views of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro, and Pukekaikiore. With a mix of beech forest and volcanic landscapes to enjoy, this walk is perfect for big and little legs alike!
For those short on time
Ridge Track (40min, Easy to intermediate)
If you can’t stay long, check out the Ridge Track for a quick climb with amazing views. A short ascent through low beech forest takes you into alpine shrubland where you will be rewarded with stunning views of Mt Ngauruhoe.
For nature lovers
Silica Rapids Walk (2hr 30min, Easy to intermediate)
Be sure to check out this track for a range of flora and fauna, including the unique Silica Rapids terraces. Keep a keen eye out for the koura freshwater crayfish that call this area home.
For those wanting the Great Walk experience
Tongariro Northern Circuit (3-4 days, Intermediate to expert)
One of Aotearoa’s eleven Great Walks, the Tongaririo Northern Circuit starts in Whakapapa Village and takes you across this alpine environment through forest and tussock, past the Emerald Lakes and round the back of Ngauruhoe before looping back to your start point.
For people who like underrated tramps
Tama Lakes Track (5-6hrs, Intermediate to advanced)
If you’re keen on seeing alpine lakes but want to avoid the crowds of the Alpine Crossing, this is the tramp for you. Visit these two infilled explosion craters between Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe and soak up the incredible views of Tongariro National Park.
For multi-day trampers seeking solitude
Round the Mountain Track (4-6 days, Advanced)
Starting and ending in Whakapapa Village, this epic 6-day tramp takes you around Mount Ruapehu. Traverse through beech forest, tussock, and alpine herb fields, and experience magnificent mountain views without the Great Walk crowds.