New Zealand’s Mt Ruapehu ski season benefits from $25 million gondola lifts

Located in the heart of New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park, Mt Ruapehu is seeing the benefits of Whakapapa’s recently installed $25 million gondola lifts, Sky Waka. 

Opening in early July, Sky Waka has transformed the way visitors travel up the slopes, transporting skiers and snowboarders in warmth and comfort. 

The Sky Waka travels 1.8 kilometre between the top of the Bruce Base area to the Knoll Ridge Chalet on Whakapapa and can transport 2400 people per hour during peak times.

There are 50 cabins which each hold up to 10 people. The cabins have floor-to-ceiling glass, ski racks, audio, lighting and leather seats.

Not only has the Sky Waka changed access to Whakapapa during the ski season, but it now makes Whakapapa accessible all year round allowing visitors to explore the nation's largest volcano in summer.

Taupo Mayor David Trewavas noted it was a sound investment to boost the tourism industry, commenting "the gondola brings a whole new dynamic to Mt Ruapehu, making it an all-year-round destination, with something spectacular for families and visitors in the summer months, as well as skiers in the winter."

In June 2018, Taupo District Council bought $1 million of investment bonds in the Ruapehu Alpine Lifts project, attracting funding from the New Zealand Government's Regional Growth Fund, Ruapehu District Council and iwi.