Most visitors who come to Whakapapa in the winter do so for the skiing and riding. It’s a World Heritage Area, and the scenery is just too gorgeous to waste time having a massage or having someone stick needles into your back! This said, if the mountain is shut or you’ve had enough frolicking around the slopes, you can do any of the following activities:

• Sledding at Happy Valley at Whakapapa Ski Field: There are 1 hour time slots for magic carpet serviced sledding, with toboggan hire included in the fee.
• Mountain Bike Riding: The Old Coach Rd near Ohakune is fantastic and a few of the Ohakune ski shops such as TCB also offer bike rentals and transport to Horopito at the start of the track.
• Horse riding: There are several farms offering this rewarding activity.
• Fishing: The region's lakes and rivers are well stocked with rainbow trout.
• Tongariro Crossing: Whakapapa village is an excellent base for some of New Zealand’s most spectacular tramps such as the Tongariro Crossing. During winter the hiking track crosses some avalanche hazards zones, and you’ll need crampons and an ice axe. Guided tours are available.
• River Rafting: A reputable company is Tongariro River Rafting. Owner Garth Oakden has been rafting the Tongariro since 1988. Winter trips are a gentle affair and include no associated swim but a hot soup!
• Scenic Flights: Mountain Air offers a three mountain volcanic flight - a stunning experience of thermal and volcanic activity including many colourful (and sometimes snow-covered) mountain lakes.
• Army Museum: And if you’re a military buff, at Waiouru, 80 kilometres from Whakapapa village, there’s an award-winning Army Museum. It serves as a memorial to those who have fallen and those who have served, and visitors can take a guided tour to see the lifelike displays.