Enjoy incredible views across the Tongariro National Park from the Sky Waka gondola during your visit to Ruapehu. Gliding up the mountain, the Sky Waka provides a unique perspective on the natural beauty and grandeur of the area.
The Sky Waka gondola, translated to mean ‘voyaging canoe’, makes a climb of 390m or journey of 1.8 kilometres that takes about 12 minutes in each direction.
Encased in glass, the Sky Waka gondolas are designed to make the most of the panoramic views, and each of the 48 gondola cabins seats up to 10 people.
With the changing seasons, come changing landscapes. In the Summer Season (approximately December to April), you’ll pass by cascading waterfalls and be mesmerised by panoramic views of Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ruapehu, with a chance of catching sight of Mount Taranaki on the distant west coast.
During these summer months, Whakapapa sits mostly bare of snow, showcasing its unique volcanic terrain in its rawest form and the line is slowed down to allow guests a little extra time to take in views out to the Central Plateau.
You’ll also be able to explore the volcanic terrain on foot across six well-marked trails. These walks range from 20 minutes return to 2.5 hours return, offering a total of 10 kilometres of walks commencing either at the base of the Sky Waka Gondola or from the top.
In the Winter Season (June to October), you’ll travel high above the snow-covered landscapes, enjoying panoramic vistas of the rugged volcanic terrain, white peaks, and expansive ski field.
You don’t need to be hitting the slopes to experience what winter has to offer with sightseeing passes available. Kids (and big kids too) can get a sledding pass to enjoy the Whakapapa sledding zone. The gentle slopes are suitable for all ages, with those 8 years or older able to ride their own sled, unaccompanied.
As the snow levels build, there’s also a small snow play area available to sightseers to experience the snow or throw a snowball. Foot traffic isn’t permitted on the trails for safety reasons, and a valid pass is required to access lift facilities, and either be snowboarding, skiing or sledding to go on the slopes.
The Sky Waka transports riders from the Top of the Bruce base area up to 2020m above sea level to the architecturally award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet, the highest year-round eatery in New Zealand!
During the winter, there can be up to 7 cafes and eateries operating at Whakapapa.
In the summer season, Pinnacles’ Café operates from the Knoll Ridge Chalet, offering a range of light meals including, grab-and-go cabinet food, as well as their High ‘Tea at 2020m’ – possibly the highest high tea in the world.
Skotel Alpine Resort is the closest accommodation to Mount Ruapehu Ski Field and the Sky Waka. Choose from a wide range of accommodation options from backpacker style to family rooms. BOOK NOW.
Images courtesy of Visit Ruapehu.