Your pass to discover our
Mt Ruapehu Summer Season
Welcome to our Summer Season
Our Summer Season is underway, weather dependent, operating 10am-4pm each day. Sky Waka gondola passes and high 'Tea at 2020m' bookings can now be made online.

Explore the heart of New Zealand's North Island from above, satisfy your hunger, and quench your thirst, during our Summer Season - December to April each year.

Travel on the Sky Waka gondola - New Zealand's premier gondola - 1.8km up to a height of 2020m above sea level. On arrival at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, treat yourself to our 'Tea at 2020m' - our take on a traditional high tea, new this Summer Season. Combine the two and save.

Sky Waka gondola passes

A Sky Waka gondola pass gives you one return trip - up and back - into the clouds, past waterfalls, and ancient lava flows, on your way to a height of 2020m above sea level.

Each Sky Waka gondola cabin seats 10 people and the 1.8km journey takes about 12 minutes, offering panoramic views out across the Central Plateau on the journey.

Passes are open dated, meaning they are not tied to a specific date, and can be used at any time over the Summer Season which runs through to April 2024.

Proof of New Zealand residency and 'gold card' for relevant discounts may be requested on arrival so please keep these handy.

'Tea at 2020m'

New this Summer Season - our take on a traditional 'high tea' - quite possibly the highest tea in the world.

Bookings are required for 'Tea at 2020m'. After purchasing your high tea using the options below, you will receive information on how to book.

Tea or coffee is included. Add a flute of prosecco (our Royal High Tea) or a gin and tonic (our Gin Tea) for $10, depending on your taste, when on mountain.

Save up to $24 per person by purchasing your Sky Waka gondola pass in combination with our high tea.

Sky Waka gondola pass options
Sky Waka gondola pass - International
Family $129
Adult $49
Youth $25
Infant $0
A pass for our international friends to enjoy a single return trip on the Sky Waka gondola, starting at the base station. Haere mai ki Aotearoa me Mt Ruapehu. Welcome to New Zealand and Mt Ruapehu.
Includes:
One return trip - up and back
Valid:
Mon - Sun
Buy Pass
Sky Waka gondola pass - Aotearoa
Family $99
Adult $39
Gold Card $29
Youth $19
Infant $0
A pass for New Zealand residents to enjoy a single return trip on the Sky Waka gondola, starting at the base station. We encourage all New Zealanders to get out and explore their own backyard.
Includes:
One return trip - up and back
Valid:
Mon - Sun
Buy Pass
'Tea at 2020m' options
Sky Waka gondola and high tea combo - International
Family $249
Adult $79
Youth $59
Infant $0
For our international friends, combine the purchase of a Sky Waka gondola pass with that of and your booking for our 'Tea at 2020m high tea, and save.
Includes:
One return trip - up and back, and high tea.
Not Included:
Includes your choice of tea of coffee. Other beverages additional.
Valid:
Mon - Sun
Buy Pass
Sky Waka gondola and high tea combo - Aotearoa
Family $219
Adult $69
Gold Card $59
Youth $49
Infant $0
For all New Zealand residents, combine the purchase of a Sky Waka gondola pass with that of and your booking for our 'Tea at 2020m high tea, and save.
Includes:
One return trip - up and back, and high tea.
Not Included:
Includes your choice of tea of coffee. Other beverages additional.
Valid:
Mon - Sun
Buy Pass
High tea on its own (No Sky Waka gondola pass)
Adult $54
Youth $54
Infant $0
High 'Tea at 2020m'. An option if you are making your own way on foot up to the Knoll Ridge Chalet and would still love to sample our high tea.
Includes:
High tea
Not Included:
Sky Waka gondola pass. Includes your choice of tea of coffee. Other beverages additional.
Valid:
Mon - Sun
Buy Pass
Other pass options
Sky Waka gondola glass bottom upgrade
All Ages $40
Upgrade your sightseeing pass to a glass bottom cabin - two of 50 Sky Waka gondola cabins - and view the volcanic terrain under your feet. Expect a short wait for the cabin to circle and come free.
Includes:
One return trip
Valid:
Mon - Sun
Purchase on Mountain

Summer Sightseeing FAQs

What are the age categories for your passes?
What does a family pass include?