Frequently Asked Questions

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Your Questions Answered

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Book A Trial Stay

SERAC is a member-owned alpine club. Once you become a member, you'll receive a key to our lodges and can book stays at both our Whakapapa and Ohakune lodges throughout the year at member rates.
Unlike a hotel, SERAC is run by its members. Families share simple lodge duties such as meal preparation and cleaning, helping keep costs affordable while creating the welcoming community atmosphere that makes SERAC so special.
Yes. SERAC is a community-run club, not a commercial hotel. Members share simple tasks like meal preparation, cleaning, and helping keep the lodge running smoothly. Many families find this becomes one of the most rewarding parts of club life, teaching children responsibility, teamwork, and the value of contributing to a community.
A family membership covers 2 adults and up to 3 children and gives your family access to both lodges.
Family membership is $699 per year.
Yes — and we encourage it.
Come and experience Serac for yourself with a trial stay. Stay for a night, a weekend, or longer.
If you choose to join afterwards, we’ll credit the difference between your non-member rate and member rate toward your membership.

Lodges & Stays

Serac has two lodges: one at Iwikau Village (this is on the mountain in the snow- you can see the Sky waka gondola from our lounge) on the Whakapapa side of Mt Ruapehu, and one in Ohakune, central walking distance to town and right next to the famous Carrot Park (probably New Zealands best kids playground).
When conditions allow, yes. The Whakapapa lodge offers ski-in, ski-out access and is located right on the mountain, close to the Sky Waka gondola.
Ohakune sleeps 18 people across 3 family rooms, and Whakapapa sleeps 24 people across 4 family rooms.
Yes, full lodge bookings are available, during peak winter, and especially outside peak winter periods. Get in touch to check availability.

Pricing

Rates vary depending on the lodge, season, and whether you book a family room or per-bunk stay. See our pricing page here or contact us for more info.
During peak winter, the Whakapapa family room is $260 per night and includes dinner and breakfast.
During peak winter, the Ohakune family room is $220 per night and includes dinner and breakfast.
Yes. Summer stays start from $30 per adult, with full lodge bookings available. And full lodge bookings from only $200 per night.
Yes, members can bring friends and extended family along at guest rates. When space allows.

Food & Facilities

During winter, dinner and breakfast are included at Whakapapa as it’s on the mountain and hard to simply go out for “dinner”. Ohakune is self catered and Summer stays in both lodges are self-catered. Bring your own lunch, snacks, and drinks.
No. Serac has an old-school lodge feel, with no TVs. It’s a place to switch off, play games, share meals, and enjoy time together.
Yes. Bring a sleeping bag or duvet, sheet, pillowcase, (pillows are provided) towel, and personal toiletries.
Yes. Serac is very family-friendly, with shared spaces, high chairs, and port-a-cots available. Please note: Our Whakapapa Lodge is an on mountain - alpine environment. We welcome all ages from 0-100 but you are on a mountain and you will need to do a short walk up a hill-sometimes in knee deep snow (all part of the adventure). This is all possible with the right equipment. See below equipment and clothing suggestions.
What you bring depends on which lodge you’re staying at.
Ohakune is simple — it’s located in town, so you can park right outside and bring your gear in easily, just like a normal stay. Bring your own sleeping bag, sheet, pillow case, clothes and food.
Whakapapa is different. It’s an alpine environment, and getting to the lodge may involve walking on snow.
For Whakapapa, we recommend bringing:
- Snow boots, gumboots (not as ideal) or snowboard boots (essential)
- A backpack or hiking pack for your clothes and bedding
- Snacks, drinks, and anything you’ll want during your stay
- Warm layers, gloves, hat, and waterproof outerwear
The better equipped you are, the easier and more enjoyable the walk to the lodge will be.
Families do this all the time — including with young children and babies. Some members use hiking baby backpacks, and many have been bringing their kids and babies from a very young age.
Tip: Pack light and bring everything in one backpack if you can — it makes getting into the Whakapapa lodge much easier. Its a short walk but conditions on the mountain when you arrive are unpredictable.

Membership

Why Families Choose Serac

🏔 Right on the Mountain

Skip the traffic, and stay on the mountain at Whakapapa and right in town in Ohakune, with easy access to ski fields, bike trails, and alpine tracks.
Affordable & Accessible

As a not-for-profit lodge, Serac offers some of the most affordable alpine accommodation available, making regular mountain trips realistic for families.
Family-Friendly by Design

Shared spaces, private family rooms, drying rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere make it easy for families to relax, connect, and enjoy time together.
A True Alpine Community

Serac is member-owned and community-driven. Families return year after year, building friendships and mountain traditions that last a lifetime.