New Zealand’s newest and most exciting tourism attraction in the Ruapehu region is now open. The Sky Waka gondola travels 1.8kms through one of the North island’s most rugged and spectacular landscapes high on Mt Ruapehu, past waterfalls and snow-laden peaks. Travelling directly from the Top of the Bruce base area to the impressive Knoll Ridge Chalet, the gondola will be transporting 2,400 people every hour in approximately 5 minutes. 

The Sky Waka has fifty gondola cabins with floor to ceiling glass allowing for breathtaking views of the UNESCO Dual World Heritage status of the Whakapapa Ski Area. The business-class style luxury cabins also have internal ski racks, audio and lighting and individual leather seats. Each cabin accommodates 10 passengers. 

Sitting at 2020m above sea level, the Knoll Ridge Chalet is New Zealand’s highest café. This multi-storey eatery features something for everyone, whether that’s a buffet meal at the Pinnacles Restaurant, coffee at Pataka café or a light bite at Four Peaks Alley. The Chalet can be accessed by the Sky Waka gondola between 9am and 4pm (weather permitting)

Read more about the Sky Waka and the exciting journey to opening here.