The Hutt Valley Tramping Club lodge on the Whakapapa skifield on Mt Ruapehu offers clean and comfortable backpacker-style accommodation and is an ideal base for an exciting stay at any time of year. We welcome families, individuals and groups of skiers, snow boarders, trampers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who would like a break on the mountain.   

The HVTC lodge is situated on Hut Ridge, at the top of Tennants Gully, and is about 10 minutes’ walk from Hut Flat, allowing ski-in access in a reasonable snow year. It has five modern bunkrooms (built summer 2011/12) and can sleep up to 32 people. The lodge has a fully equipped kitchen and almost all food is supplied for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The deck catches all the afternoon sun and has a fantastic view of Tongariro and Ngauruhoe.

What’s at the lodge? Is it a tramping hut?

The lodge is heated throughout and has hot showers and hot water. The entrance foyer of the lodge contains ski and snowboard storage, and leads to a large and efficient drying room. The workshop area provides the tools for ski waxing and equipment repairs. Separate men’s and women’s washrooms each have two showers and two toilets. Upstairs is the comfortable lounge/dining area, and access onto the deck. The kitchen is equipped with electric ovens, together with all the plates, cutlery and cooking utensils you might need. Virtually all food is supplied. 

The bunkrooms are heated and double glazed. We have bunkrooms with 2, 4, 6 and 16 bunks. There are open lockers in the bunkrooms for gear storage while you are staying.

How do I book? Can I book a bunkroom?

Contact our booking officer Sheldon Bruce on Ruapehubookings@hvtc.org.nz

When you arrive at the lodge, you will be able to see which bunks are available on the whiteboard by the door to the stairs. It is not possible to pre-book particular bunks or rooms.

How does the food work?

The lodge is fully stocked, so you are only asked to bring bread and vegetables, plus optional items such as fruit, nibbles, fresh coffee and liquid refreshments. Cooking and eating together is a big part of the lodge’s culture, and your trip leader will ask you to take a turn. Don’t worry – you won’t be asked to produce a roast for 32 people on your first trip, but you may be asked to help with preparing vegetables, for instance. There’s more about what food is supplied on the Information Sheet here.

You will be asked to help with cleaning on departure.

How do I get there?

Click here for the lodge location map. The lodge’s grid reference on Topo 50 Sheet BJ34 Mt Ruapehu, is 2078 5335 (old Ruapehu T20 1:50 000 topo map is 309149) The walk from the Top o’ the Bruce is about 30 minutes. 

Transport to the mountain is usually in private cars. To prepare for the walk to the lodge you should have with you in the car warm clothes, parka, overtrousers, tramping boots, gloves, hat and torch (with fresh batteries). You can change into your outdoor gear at the public shelters in Whakapapa village or at the Top o’ the Bruce. When you are ready to leave, call the lodge on 07 892 3717 to let them know you are on your way and walk up with your group. If you are new to the lodge it is extremely important that you walk up with someone who knows the way. You can input the lodge’s location into phone navigation apps such as NZ Topo 50 or Locus Map – these are very helpful in bad weather. 

How much does it cost?

Please have a look at the Information Sheet for current costs. If you plan to stay for more than three days in a year, it’s usually worth joining HVTC to pay members’ rates.

What else do I need to bring?

You will be staying in an alpine environment, so please bring warm tramping clothes, waterproofs and tramping boots, plus ski/board gear. You can find more of a list on the Information Sheet here.

Mattresses and pillows are provided but you will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillowcase.

Can I join an organised trip?

Yes – we organise trips for pre-schoolers, families, university-aged members and club members and veteran members. Check out the Events page here for dates this year.

Do I have to do a working bee to use the lodge?

No – but we do run two working bees a year, in February and May, and we’d love to have your help!

Outside Groups

We welcome the use of our lodge by outside groups. 

If you have a group of friends or belong to an organisation that would enjoy spending time on the North Island’s most popular mountain, we will be happy to accommodate you. Please contact Sheldon Bruce our booking officer on Ruapehubookings@hvtc.org.nz to discuss.