New Zealand’s most unique gondola experience. Situated within the UNESCO 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.

• Base station
• Uphill capacity of 2400 people per hour
• 50 cabins seating up to 10 people
• Operating speed is up to 6 metres per second
• Floor to ceiling views of the volcanic landscapes
• Knoll Ridge Chalet

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 whanau (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 (North Island), this is more than a machine. It is a vessel to bring people together, to elevate them, together, upon this great maunga (mountain). It is a thread, weaving earth and sky.

We celebrate the waka and its symbolism of interconnectedness between the past, the present and future. For this is surely a symbol of the future, ascending this ancient maunga.

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 our ride through the sky on the most advanced gondola in Aotearoa, with floor to ceiling, 360 degrees views. Journey over waterfalls and ancient lava flows and take in the majestic scenery of Mt Ruapehu and it's neighbouring volcanoes, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.

Travel on the Sky Waka gondola to the Knoll Ridge Chalet. The multi-storey eatery features something for everyone, from a quick grab and go snack to a brand new menu of contemporary cuisine, all overlooking the wonder that is Tongariro National Park. All menus feature high-quality local produce, including carrots from Horopito and grass-fed Angus beef from Ohakune.

Soak in the views with fantastic barista coffee in the newly refurbished Pātaka café. Fuel up for your adventures with a quick and tasty grab & go snack or light lunch.

A selection of tasty dishes for the perfect quick meal, food truck style. Find the Four Peaks Alley downstairs, an area newly opened to the public. (Peak winter days only)