New Zealand’s most unique gondola, Sky Waka travels 1.8 km through one of the North Island’s most rugged and spectacular landscapes past waterfalls and snow-laden peaks.
Explore 550ha of some of the most amazing natural terrain in the country: wide groomed trails, huge snow-filled basins, steep chutes & secret powder stash. Learn to ski & ride at NZ's best beginners' facility. A fully self-contained learners’ area, Happy Valley boasts a rental complex and ski school meeting area, while also being free of advanced skiers and snowboarders.
In the Summer, take scenic gondola rides to dine at the award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet & marvel at the sights on short volcanic walks. This winter season there will be a “pack in, pack out” waste initiative – essentially, what you bring up on maunga, waste wise, you take back down with you.
There will no longer be any public-facing general waste bins at Whakapapa. Recycle bins will still be available. To support this initiative, we ask that you think about what you are bringing up on maunga, and are prepared to take it back down with you, if it is single-use and cannot be recycled.
