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Ride the country's most advanced gondola, high above the world-heritage-listed mountain area. For wild adventure, for supreme beauty, and for an unforgettable dining experience.
New Zealand’s largest and most technically advanced gondola. Situated within the dual world heritage Tongariro National Park, Sky Waka travels 1.8kms through one of the North Island’s most rugged and spectacular landscapes on Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu.
The waka, celebrated by name in song and story by Māori poets and orators, we know it to be more than a voyaging canoe, more than a carrier of people – the waka carries family. All Māori, after all, have lineal ties with the chiefs of the great waka.
As the highest and longest gondola upon Te Ika a Maui, this is more than a machine. It is a vessel to bring people together, to elevate them, together, upon this great maunga. It is a thread, weaving earth and sky.
We celebrate the waka and its symbolism of interconnectedness between the past with the present and future. For this is surely a symbol of the future, ascending this ancient mountain.
Established in 1887, Tongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage area. Situated in the middle of the North Island, the park is centred upon three volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. The dual World Heritage status recognises its Māori cultural significance as well as its outstanding volcanic features.
The expansive 80,000-hectare park has a diverse range of ecosystems and some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes, showcasing waterfalls, emerald lakes, old lava flows, and colourful silica terraces. From volcanic peaks to lush native bush and rivers, it’s truly a natural wonder.
Inside the Knoll Ridge Chalet at the top of Sky Waka, you will find our pou - Paretetaitonga. Pou is a way to remember things of significance: events, people, ancestors. Here’s one of the carvers, Hayz, with his korero about the origin stories of these mountains and this pou.
Your exploration of New Zealand isn’t complete until you’ve experienced the ride through the sky on the largest gondola in the country. Journey over waterfalls and ancient lava flows and take in the majestic scenery of Mt Ruapehu and its neighbouring volcanoes, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
Savour your meal alongside breath-taking views through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pinnacles and the valley below. Enjoy a buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner or an afternoon tea at the highest restaurant in New Zealand at 2,020m above sea level.
Soak in the views with fantastic barista coffee in the newly refurbished Pātaka café. Fuel up for your adventures with an incredible à la carte menu offering classic New Zealand café style cuisine.
A selection of tasty dishes for the perfect grab-and-go meal, food truck style. Find the Four Peaks Alley downstairs, an area newly opened to the public.
Open year-round, experience the volcano in summer for alpine adventures on a variety short walks. Come back in winter and the mountain is transformed with snow. Ski and ride Whakapapa, New Zealand’s largest ski area where the Sky Waka is just one of ten ski lifts to access the expansive terrain.
What to bring
It's important to make sure you are prepared for the alpine environment here at Mt Ruapehu. The first thing to remember is that every trip needs a plan, even a short day walk. Use this simple and easy tool to plan your trip and find a recommended equipment list.
20 Oct 2019 - 24 May 2020
30 May 2020 - 26 October 2020
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
9.00am until 10.00am *
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.00pm until 4.00pm
Friday & Saturday only
9.00am until 4.00pm
11.00am until 3.00pm
Check the snow report for opening dates and times
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
9.00am until 10.00am *
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.00pm until 4.00pm
Friday & Saturday only
9.00am until 4.00pm
11.00am until 3.00pm
Check the snow report for opening dates and times
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
9.00am until 10.00am *
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.00pm until 4.00pm
Friday & Saturday only
9.00am until 4.00pm
11.00am until 3.00pm
Check the snow report for opening dates and times
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
9.00am until 10.00am *
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.00pm until 4.00pm
Friday & Saturday only
9.00am until 4.00pm
11.00am until 3.00pm
Check the snow report for opening dates and times
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
9.00am until 10.00am *
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.00pm until 4.00pm
5.30pm until 8.30pm *
9.00am until 4.00pm
11.00am until 3.00pm
Check the snow report for opening dates and times
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
9.00am until 10.00am *
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.00pm until 4.00pm
5.30pm until 8.30pm *
9.00am until 4.00pm
11.00am until 3.00pm
Check the snow report for opening dates and times
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
9.00am until 10.00am *
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.00pm until 4.00pm
Friday & Saturday only
9.00am until 4.00pm
11.00am until 3.00pm
Check the snow report for opening dates and times
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.30pm until 4.30pm
Friday & Saturday only
9:30am until 5.30pm
10:30am until 4.00pm
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.30pm until 4.30pm
Friday & Saturday only
9:30am until 5.30pm
10:30am until 4.00pm
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.30pm until 4.30pm
Friday & Saturday only
9:30am until 5.30pm
10:30am until 4.00pm
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.30pm until 4.30pm
Friday & Saturday only
9:30am until 5.30pm
10:30am until 4.00pm
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.30pm until 4.30pm
6.00 pm until 7.30pm
9:30am until 5.30pm
10:30am until 4.00pm
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.30pm until 4.30pm
6.00pm until 7.30pm
9:30am until 5.30pm
10:30am until 4.00pm
The operation of Sky Waka is subject to weather conditions. For a detailed weather report please visit mtruapehu.com
11.30am until 2.30pm **
3.30pm until 4.30pm
Friday & Saturday only
9:30am until 5.30pm
10:30am until 4.00pm
