The new Sky Waka gondola on Mt Ruapehu has been given a $1.5 million boost by a local trust. Mt Ruapehu’s Sky Waka gondola is officially up and running. While skiers and snowboarders will be eagerly taking to the slopes to enjoy the gondola, the Sky Waka also opens up a whole lot of new opportunities for Whakapapa sightseeing. Each gondola cabin allows 360-degree views through floor to ceiling windows showcasing the beautiful snow covered peaks. Mt Ruapehu's first ever gondola opened today, ferrying eager visitors 1.8km up Whakapapa. BayTrust has announced it will invest $1.5m towards construction of the new gondola. The gondola sourced from Italy is now under construction and is set to transform the Mt Ruapehu visitor experience. “As a tourist destination, we know it is going to be a long road ahead for us. The Sky Waka gondola is a true first for New Zealand. Described as the 'best short walk' in Tongariro National Park, Skyline takes you from the top of the Sky Waka gondola (2,020m) to Skyline Ridge (2,300m) for breathtaking views of Mt … The new Sky Waka gondola on Mt Ruapehu has been given a $1.5 million boost by a local trust. BayTrust has announced it will invest $1.5m towards construction of the new gondola. It is one of only two of its design in the world. The Sky Waka opened last year, after a challenging $25 million build. The Sky Waka Gondola will also open from Queen’s Birthday weekend. It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for as we prepared for the impending ski season. The journey to New Zealand’s highest cafe starts at the Base Station at Whakapapa ski area, on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu.
The luxury gondola proposed for Whakapa Skifield on Mt Ruapehu will operate in summer and may take visitors up to the skifield's restaurant until 10pm at night. See the landscapes carved out by New Zealand’s central volcano Mt Ruapehu on this dramatic gondola ride. A third of employment in the Taupo District is related to tourism. The Sky Waka Gondola will also open from Queen’s Birthday weekend. The 1.8km trip from the base station to the Knoll Ridge Chalet will take approximately 5.01 mins. Single ride ticket for the brand new $25m Sky Waka Gondola at Whakapapa. "As a tourist destination, we know it is going to be a long road ahead for us. 30,505 were here. The gondola will not have a mid station and will take you directly up to the Knoll Ridge Chalet. A third of employment in the Taupo District is related to tourism. Take your scenic gondola ride over Mt Ruapehu’s striking volcanic terrain to 2,020m above sea level. Mt Ruapehu is home to the Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas. Whether you want to see the sights before a day of skiing or you’re taking a break and looking for lunch, this ticket deal gives you the opportunity to enjoy 360-degree views from the Whakapapa Sky Waka, a glass gondola with floor-to-ceiling windows. Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said Mt Ruapehu is an important attraction for the Central North Island. TaupÅ District Mayor David Trewavas said Mt Ruapehu is an important attraction for the Central North Island. The gondola travels for 1.8km on Mt Ruapehu from the top of the Bruce base area to the Knoll Ridge Chalet.