Built by members.Run by members.Since 1969.
A members' club on Mt Ruapehu. We operate a 29-bed lodge in the Whakapapa ski area, open year-round for members and their guests.
Over fifty-five years
on the mountain.
The club's primary objective, as stated in its constitution, is to encourage tramping, mountaineering, climbing, skiing and alpine activities in New Zealand. The initial group applied for a site on Mt Ruapehu and was allocated one; funds were raised over two years.
The actual lodge went up in a single weekend — the floor was laid on Friday 21 March 1969, the walls went up on Saturday, and the roof was clad on Sunday. Two extensions have since been added to bring it to its present 29-bed capacity.
Lodge fees are kept to a minimum — probably among the lowest on the mountain — by members doing just about everything themselves. Family membership is encouraged and works out cheaper than equivalent individual memberships.
More than just
a ski lodge.
Two ways
to stay.
Book directly.
Pay member rates.
Current members book through the website. Member bookings with all-member guests are confirmed immediately upon payment.
- Lodge booking access at member rates
- Voting rights at the AGM
- Invite non-member guests (accompanied stays)
- One night's credit per weekend working bee attended
Visit as a guest.
Then apply.
Come along as the guest of a member and get to know the place. If you're a good fit, the expectation is that you'll be nominated to join — and you're welcome at working bees along the way.
- Visit as the guest of a current member
- Lend a hand at a working bee
- Two existing members nominate you
- Pay entrance fee + first year's subscription
Membership types
Annual subscriptions run April – March and are invoiced through Xero. Members must have a current subscription to book at member rates.
How the
lodge runs.
Bookings are online
All bookings are made through the website and paid on confirmation. Member bookings confirm immediately; bookings with non-member guests are held until closer to the stay date.
Non-members stay with a member
Non-member guests may only stay as the guest of a current member, who must accompany them for the stay and is responsible for their conduct at the lodge.
Shared chores & meals
A Hut Leader is appointed to oversee start-up and shut-down. Everyone shares the daily chores, and breakfast and dinner are shared — catered through the winter season.
Family friendly
The lodge is built for families — bunkrooms, family rooms, a shared kitchen and lounge. Kids are welcome, and under-18s stay with a responsible adult.
Working bees & new members
New members are expected to attend at least two working bees in their first three years. All members should attend at least one per year. Attendance earns one free night per weekend.
Under-18s with an adult
Members under 18 are not permitted to stay at the lodge unless accompanied by an adult member who accepts responsibility for them.
Already a member?
Log in to book your next stay at Waldvogel Lodge, invite your guests, view upcoming working bees, or manage your profile and subscription.