Welcome to NZ's largest
Whakapapa is home to NZ's largest gondola, the NEW 1.8km Sky Waka. Open year round, Whakapapa is NZ's largest ski area in winter and open for you to explore NZ's largest volcano in summer.
Ride Sky Waka to the award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet any time of year. At 2,020m above sea level it boasts NZ’s highest restaurant & café with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the pinnacles providing spectacular views.
Summer
(Nov-May) Explore the maunga (mountain) in summer, and enjoy short walks on NZ's largest volcano. Take a scenic gondola ride on Sky Waka to NZ's highest eateries 2020m above sea level at Knoll Ridge Chalet.
Tip: Lord of the Rings fans - Immerse yourself in the moody scenery at Meads Wall, where several scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring & The Two Towers were filmed with Views of Mt Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe).
Happy Valley
Learn to ski & ride at NZ's best beginners' facility. A fully self-contained learners’ area, Happy Valley boasts its own café, rental complex and ski school meeting area, while also being free of advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The slope is nice and long with a gentle gradient, allowing you to really get the hang of turning and stopping. Progress from covered carpet lifts to you first chair lift in this one great area.
