New $25m gondola for Mt Ruapehu in 2019

A new state of the art gondola is planned for Whakapapa.

The $25 million gondola will be the largest and most technically advanced in New Zealand travelling 1.8 km's through one of the North Island's most rugged and spectacular landscapes and is on target to open for the start of the 2019 ski season.

The 50-cabin gondola will start from Whakapapa's Base Area (1,630 metres) climbing to the Knoll Ridge Café (2,020 metres) with a trip taking just 5 minutes at full speed. It will become the main access lift to the Knoll Ridge Café. 

The Waterfall Express chairlift is scheduled to be removed. The Rangatira Express chairlift, installed in 2016, will continue usual winter operations and the increased capacity from the base area will reduce congestion.

Keep up to date on RAL’s Whakapapa gondola page.

Have your say on the application with DOC, to construct the new gondola and remove the Waterfall Express chairlift. Submissions close 21 March 2018.