The chalet is located on the ski-field in the Iwikau Village at Whakapapa. Spectacular views of the ski-field and surrounding area are obtained from the hut. Once in the hut, access to ski lifts and the ski-field is by skis from the door! It is possible to ski right back the hut for most of the snow season.
Getting to Whakapapa Whakapapa Ski field is located at the top of the Bruce Road (SH48). the closest town is National Park. Approximate driving times to Whakapapa: - From Auckland 4 hrs (plus stops) - From Wellington Approx 4 hrs (plus stops) Allow more time for Friday night traffic
Getting to the Hut It is generally a walk up to the hut from the main car park (see details below) pack light if you can when there is good snow coverage and the lift is spinning it may be possible to get the rangatira chair and ski back to the club. NOTE: YOU WILL GENERALLY HAVE TO HAVE SKIS/BOARD ON TO RIDE THE LIFT
Finding your way it is about 500m from the car park to the hut and will take 10-20 minutes, up hill! The walk can be difficult in poor weather conditions and those tackling it should be reasonably fit and properly clothed. Please contact the club secretary for directions.
We don't recommend walking to the hut on your own if you haven't done it before, especially at night, so please try and have a member show you the way first and make sure you have a member contact to call in case you lose your way.
For anyone that has done it before and just needs a refresher, here's a very rough guide: -FROM THE CARPARK HEAD UP TOWARDS LORENZO'S CAFE AND SKI RENTALS IN THE MAIN BUILDING. -walk TO THE LEFT past the main whakapapa building so that the ski shop and workshop are on your right hand side as you head up the hill (the bottom of the RANGATIRA chair will be further out to your left) -follow the path up past the BACK OF THE MAIN BUILDING keeping the RANGATIRA CHAIR TOWERS on your left as you walk up the hill. -at the SECOND TOWER of the RANGATIRA CHAIR head 45 degrees to your left (about 10 o'clock, as you look up the hill) and you should see the triangular point of the Victoria ski club. -walk towards 'Vic club' passing under the RANGATIRA CHAIR -you should pass Vic so that it is close on your left hand side... look up... you're nearly there... -about 200m up ahead you should see the shallow 'A' frame that is the haven of Skyline -IF IT IS NIGHT AND THE CLUB IS OCCUPIED THE OUTSIDE SPOT LIGHT SHOULD BE ON TO GUIDE YOUR WAY.
...don't forget to introduce yourself to anyone that might already be in the club & expect to have a cold beer, or a warm gluvine in your hand very soon after arrival!
Entering and Exiting the Club Setting up and shutting down the club at either end of your stay is critical in a shared building that is often unoccupied and exists in a very harsh environment. If you haven't done this before, DO NOT attempt it without the help of a well versed member! A lot of our systems are old and need to be treated with respect to maintain this wonderful asset for the future.