Turoa	Whakapapa

Club Members

The Graduates Ski Club was established in 1966 and has 400 members. The Club's membership includes skiers and snowboarders from a wide range of backgrounds and ages.

Whakapapa Lodge

The Graduates lodge at Whakapapa is a short walk from the Top-of-the Bruce car park. From the lodge dining room there are magnificent views of the slopes of Mt Ruapehu through ceiling high windows and during winter it is often possible to ski to and from the lodge, offering ski in-ski out accommodation.

Turoa Lodge

The Graduates lodge at Turoa was built in 1980 of Lockwood materials. It is located in Ohakune's Alpine Village next to fields and tennis courts. The lodge balconies offer spectacular mountain sunrise and sunset views. Car parking is conveniently located outside the lodge and this is a great feature for younger families. The Turoa lodge is also a favourite for those who enjoy the nightlife in Ohakune.

Location maps

Turoa Lodge location map (PDF format 61 kb)
Whakapapa Lodge location map (PDF format 60 kb)

Lodge Facilities

A special feature of both lodges is the spacious nature of the buildings. Each lodge has accommodation for up to 32 guests in eight bunkrooms. The lodges have a large sitting room with fireplace, dining room, separate games room, sauna, drying room, ski workshop, storage lockers.

There is purposely no television and each lodge has a stereo system on which you can play your CDs.

All bunkrooms have their own thermostatically controlled heater. Separate bathroom facilities are available for men and women.

At Whakapapa there are eight bunkrooms that each sleep four. Duvets, pillows and blankets are provided, and members bring their own pillowcase and sheets OR sleeping bag, and towel.

The eight bunkrooms at Turoa are configured with two double bunks and two single bunks to accommodate up to six members. Each room has its own washbasin. Blankets and pillows are provided. Members bring their own towel, pillowcase, sheets, duvet or sleeping bag.

Meals

Each lodge has an in-house Cook/Custodian. The day starts with a hearty breakfast. For those who wish to make a packed lunch, bread and fillings for sandwiches are provided. If the mountain is closed for skiing a light lunch is available. After skiing afternoon tea is available. A substantial dinner is served each evening. Members can always help themselves to hot and cold drinks. Bring your own wine/beer and nibbles.

Duties

Duties are not onerous, but are essential to ensure the smooth running of the lodge and to keep the accommodation cost at a reasonable level. All members and their guests undertake a duty during their stay.

Work Parties

Members are encouraged to participate in work parties to replenish lodges and undertake maintenance. Members receive three nights accommodation credits for a two day work party.

Club Events

The Club runs a number of skiing/snow boarding and social events throughout the season. This includes Club Championships for juniors and seniors with cups and prizes awarded to successful competitors. Graduates also enters teams for inter-club racing.