Manganui is a family friendly, unique North Island mountain experience, located in the Egmont National Park on the slopes of Mt Taranaki. It is run on a volunteer basis with Club members expected to pitch in on autumn maintenance, working bees and to assist with operating the field during the winter.
The Learners Rope Tow is a gentle slope with a short run and adequate space. The T-bar is all easier intermediate level, with open and rolling terrain. The runs tend to be small but are generally uncrowded. It is only later in the day that you may have to cue on the lift. Because of this and the friendly club atmosphere, the T-bar runs rate as some of the best learning grounds in the North Island.
The Top Tow is a lot steeper with big open faces, natural ½ pipe valleys, various terrain and spectacular views. It is mostly rated expert, but strong intermediates can ski here with fun and confidence in favourable snow conditions. No ski area in New Zealand has quite the same type of terrain as found on Manganui’s Top Tow. If you hit it on a good day it will be a truly memorable experience, although the mountain is subject to coastal weather patterns, so snow conditions can change overnight.
Top Tow: Tow belts are available from the canteen. This tow caters for strong intermediate and advanced skiers only. Please always check conditions with the Top Tow Operator or Ski Patroller.
DOC Public Shelter: For daily public use. Toiletsare available.
Ticket office, Ski Patrol, snack food: Eftpos, all major credit cards accepted. First Aid facilities are based at the bottom of the T-bar. Operated by qualified patrollers.
Ski School: SMC regrets that they do not have any instruction/lessons or combined packages at our ski area.
SMC Lodge: The new Stratford Mountain Club (SMC) Lodge sleeps 33 and accommodation is available for members and the general public. Bookings are essential. Joining SMC gives access to the lodge for daily use and discounted rates for overnight stays.
Manganui Tips:
- Tow belts are available for hire on the mountain or purchase off mountain for the Top Tow
- Check out SH43 ‘Heritage’ Highway after a day’s skiing at Manganui. Threading through unspoilt scenery and sub-tropical rainforests, you can experience what the environment was like just as they were thousands of years ago
- Stay on the mountain at the Manganui Lodge where you can ski straight to your front door after a day shredding the slopes