Kia ora Koutou,
Now that Auckland is under Alert Level 3 and the rest of the country under Alert Level 2, we would like to alert you to a couple of important changes if you’re heading to the mountain and staying at the hut.
RAL Carpark Booking
As of Thursday 13 August, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) will be operating their bookable carpark system 7 days per week (i.e. not just weekends as before). In order for RAL to manage the restrictions imposed by the government under Alert Level 2, they will be reducing their comfortable carrying capacity from 4,500 to 1,800 at Whakapapa. Anyone driving to Iwikau must book a carpark and confirm passenger numbers and details (link on our website under ‘getting there’ page, or just click here).
Bruce Road Barrier
As of Thursday 13 August, the Bruce Road barrier will be opened from 7.00 am and closed at 2.00 pm for bookable parking, and will remain closed overnight. DOC and Police will be monitoring to ensure adherence to the COVID protocols under Alert Level 2 and this will mostly occur at the Bruce Road barrier. You can go to NZTA’s journey website (link on our website under ‘getting there’ page, or just click here) to get the latest update on the status of Bruce Road.
Staying at the Hut
DOC and RAL are expecting us to operate the lodge under Alert Level 2 conditions, and there are 3 big things we all need to do when staying at the hut…
1) Contract tracing: Please enter full names (for every individual staying) in the notes field when you book online. If you’ve already booked online but not yet travelled, please email the booking officer those names (bookings@wssc.co.nz).
2) Social distancing: Remember to practice appropriate social distancing when staying in the club, that’s maintaining 2m from others where you can.
3) Sanitising and hygiene: Please remember to wash your hands frequently, before and after doing anything in the kitchen especially, use sanitiser often, and keep all surfaces clean.
Thanks everyone,
The WSSC Committee