Ohakune
Ohakune is located near the foot of Mount Ruapehu, active volcano and location of the only decent skifields in the North Island. I seem to hit up Turoa more often, but Whakapapa is also pretty good. You can find trail maps for Turoa and Whakapapa on this site.
Normally a small town, Ohakune's population swells over the winter. It's great to come out here to get away from town and relax though; look through through the photos to see some of the tramping available around the mountain or the lazing around potential of Raetihi. While you're here, tune in to 0fm the best local radio station.
There are plenty of board shops around if you're looking to buy or just in need of rental gear or repair work. The Off Piste shop down near the train tracks (just along from the Matterhorn) is generally cheaper than the ones elsewhere in town, for repairs anyway.
Unsurprisingly there are quite a few drinking places around; the Matterhorn, right next to the railway underpass is the biggest and most popular, but there are others just up the road and a few cafes way up the other end of town.
