FMC has been working on ensuring access at Ruapehu Maunga remains equitable, particularly through the winter months. Unfortunately, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, the concessionaire, has gone ahead with its plans to provide preferential and unrestricted access to its season pass customers on the busiest weekends of the season, whilst restricting access to the general public through a carpark booking system. FMC continues to maintain this approach is not in the spirit of national park legislation, and work continues on a more appropriate solution that doesn’t make access to national parks a matter of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’.
We have secured some small improvements for our backcountry community. This year, you don’t have to visit the local DOC office to get access to trail heads on the mountain roads. You can get your permit to access trail heads on the Bruce or Ohakune Mountain roads at this link for the dates that bookable parking is in place.
Please note, there is an element of trust associated with this system, so please ensure it is used for its intended purpose. If you need to park in the main ski-field carpark, you must book a backcountry users carpark.
We would appreciate members letting us know of any issues they experience during the season regarding access or booking of carparks so we can follow up appropriately.
Further information can be found at this link:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/tnp-transport-parking-winter
Photo at top: Up high on Mt Ruapehu. (c) Megan Dimozantos
