All you need to know about Mount Ruapehu and Whakapapa ski jobs

Looking for a change of scenery? A working holiday in New Zealand's snow sport paradise of Mount Ruapehu could be exactly what you need.

This vast volcanic mountain landscape offers bluebird skies, fresh powder snow, miles of thrilling slopes and plenty of job opportunities. Even better, New Zealand has one of the highest minimum wages in the world. Sign us up!

If you need any more convincing, take a look at what’s waiting for you during a working holiday in the North Island’s favourite ski spot.

How and when to get a ski season job in New Zealand

New Zealand’s ski season usually runs from mid/late June to mid-October. Ski season jobs and accommodation can be competitive, so it definitely pays to get a head start. Your New Zealand working holiday visa allows you to work in New Zealand for 12 months, so you can get to New Zealand before the ski season starts to settle in and apply for jobs.

Our JENZA Work New Zealand experience makes it all stress-free. Starting in Auckland (about a five-hour drive away), we’ll provide 5 nights hostel accommodation, job support and get you set up with all the working holiday essentials you need like a bank account and IRD (tax) number. For a video on what to expect click here.

Why Mount Ruapheu?

Mount Ruapheu has some pretty solid credentials. At 2,797m, it’s the highest peak in the North Island. There are two resorts on each side of the mountain - Tūroa on the southern slope and Whakapapa on the northern slope. Whakapapa is the largest resort in New Zealand. Whether you're learning the ropes or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s plenty of rideable terrain for all levels.

The upside for skiers and boarders is plenty of jobs, lift-accessible backcountry, steep chutes and snow-filled basins. The downside is that you won’t find as much nightlife as you will in other towns in New Zealand, such as Queenstown or Wanaka. Or the Après-ski and resort life of Europe.

That said, if you’re all about the experience of working on the mountain and being surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes and adventures in New Zealand, then there’s nowhere better than Mount Ruapheu. Away from the exciting snow sports scene, Lakefront Taupo is just under an hour away, and is home to whitewater rafting, rock climbing, skydiving and other crazy adventures. And the stunning hikes and turquoise lakes of Tongariro are right on your doorstep. It’s a nature lover’s dream.

How is the terrain at Whakapapa?

The terrain at Whakapapa ski field is formed from solidified lava, so it offers some pretty unique ski and snowboarding terrain once the winter settles in. Across 550 hectares, there are slopes to suit all skiing and snowboarding abilities.

Beginners can get to grips with the basics down on the gentle slopes in Happy Valley - here, you can get some practice in and learn at your own pace. But if you’re more advanced, you can take advantage of some wild free-ride terrain. Whakapapa ski field has some really cool natural features that make for an unreal snowsports experience, including bowls, wind lips, cliffs and shoots.

How is the terrain at Tūroa?

Like Whakapapa, Tūroa has miles of unique volcanic terrain, making for a really exciting skiing experience during the snowy months. In fact, Tūroa is home to New Zealand’s longest vertical descent - 722m. Not for the faint-hearted.

If that sounds a little too intimidating for the snowsport beginners amongst you, don’t panic. Tūroa is a vast snow base, featuring wide trails, huge terrain parks and slopes for skiing and snowboarding at all ability levels. It’s the home of some of the best skiing and snowboarding New Zealand has to offer.

What kind of jobs can I get and how much will I earn?

Typical ski season jobs at Tūroa and Whakapapa ski field include lift attendants, ski and snowboard instructors (if qualified), cooks, servers, baristas, groomer operators, guest services, childcare and more. Basically, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, the New Zealand minimum wage is NZD $23.15 an hour (2024), so you can expect to earn that or more if you’re a qualified instructor.

Getting to Mount Ruapehu… and getting to work

Mount Ruapehu is pretty remote, so there’s a fair bit of travel involved in getting to work - all worth it, of course. The closest airport to Mount Ruapehu is Taupo, in the central North Island of New Zealand. From here, you’ve got a journey of just under two hours by car to actually get to Mount Ruapehu. You’ll be able to organise your transport from the airport with management at your new workplace, who’ll advise you where to go and what time you need to be there. Once you arrive, you’ll be trained up and can get to know what’s next for you on your NZ adventure.

What’s the social life like?

Working holiday makers are always adept at finding or hosting a party - even in the most remote settings. Mount Ruapheu isn’t exactly a social metropolis, but there's a collection of great restaurants and bars around the mountain. If you're looking for something a bit more lively, check out Taupo on your days off. It’s easy enough to get there and back in a day, and the nightlife is legendary.

Events and festivals

There are lots of events and festivals year-round in Ruapehu, with plenty to do during the ski season. If you fancy a challenge, there’s the Peak 2 Powder keg. This is a multisport race where you’ll take on skiing, running and biking - and chugging a cold beer before you cross the finish line. If that all sounds a bit too intense, there’s also Retro Day, an event where you and your friends can take to the slopes in vivid retro ski gear.

It’s also a popular spot for gigs and concerts in both the winter and summer months, with acts of all genres heading to Mount Ruapehu to put on a show against its incredible volcanic mountain backdrop.

Inspired to live the high life on a New Zealand working holiday? Contact us today and chat to our Work New Zealand team.