1,620mWhakapapa · Iwikau
Est. 1969/Incorporated Society/Waldvogel Lodge · Whakapapa

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.

Live · Whakapapa
Openlifts running
Lifts open
Snow Base
0cm
+0 cm in 24h · Top of Gondola
Temp · top station
1°C
Top of Gondola · Wind WSW 13 km/h
Lodge Status
Open29 beds
Catered · book via member portal
Mt Ruapehu lodge since 1969

Over fifty-five years
on the mountain.

Formed in 1969 by a group of Tokoroa people of varied outdoor interests, at a time when Tongariro National Park authorities were making building sites available to clubs.
29
Lodge Beds
Bunk-style accommodation across seven rooms — six four-bunk rooms plus a larger family room.
~410
Members
Adults, youth and children from across New Zealand.
1969
Founded
Floor down Fri 21/3/69, walls up Saturday, roof clad Sunday.
100%
Volunteer Run
Building, maintenance, cooking and cleaning — all done by members.

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.

“To encourage tramping, mountaineering, climbing, skiing, and alpine activities in New Zealand.”— Club constitution, 1969
— Year-round access

More than just
a ski lodge.

Winter sports enthusiasts are the largest group of lodge users, but photographers, trampers, school groups, naturalists and various social clubs use the facilities throughout the year.
Skiing & SnowboardingTrampingMountaineeringPhotographySchool GroupsWorking Bees
— Members first

Two ways
to stay.

The lodge is members-only. You either book in as a member, or you stay as the invited guest of one. Here's how each works.
01
— For members

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
Member Login →
02
— For prospective members

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
— Four classes of membership

Membership types

Adult
18 & over
Full voting rights at the AGM. Can invite non-member guests to stay.
Youth
10 — 17
Reduced fee. Must be accompanied by an adult member when staying.
Child
Under 10
Included with family membership. Must be with a parent/guardian.
Recommended
Family
Household
Family concession on the entrance fee. Annual subscription is still charged per adult and per youth.

Annual subscriptions run April – March and are invoiced through Xero. Members must have a current subscription to book at member rates.

— Waldvogel Lodge

How the
lodge runs.

A few essentials every guest should know. Full rules, hut leader instructions and lodge etiquette live in the members' handbook and the Club Rules & Info page.
01

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.

02

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.

03

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.

04

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.

05

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.

06

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.

— Booking ready

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.