Glide up Mt Ruapehu in air-conditioned comfort on the Sky Waka gondola and enjoy spectacular views over the Tongariro National Park including neighbouring volcanoes, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
The Sky Waka offers year-round access to the upper slopes of Mt Ruapehu - covering a distance of 1.8 km over a rugged volcanic landscape in just five minutes.
Once at the top, indulge in one of the many dining offerings at the Knoll Ridge Chalet - the highest dining complex in New Zealand at 2020 m above sea level. Choose from a buffet meal at Pinnacles (Ngā Tohu) Restaurant, barista coffee and a classic café dish at the Pātaka (The Larder), or, during the snow season, grad a foodtruck-style meals from the the Four Peaks Alley.
For the more active, the Sky Waka offers quick access to some excellent hikes from late Spring to April, including the Skyline track, which takes you from the top of the gondola to Skyline Ridge at 2300 m for awesome views of Mt Ngauruhoe, Lake Taupo and beyond.
During the snow season, the Sky Waka transports skiers and snowboarders to the upper slopes of the Whakapapa ski area.