Sledding & Sightseeing
Experience our winter playground

Perfect for people who want to experience all of what winter has to offer, but without needing to get on skis or a snowboard.

Create your own winter memories with a 1.8km gondola ride above the snow on the Sky Waka gondola (wheelchair accessible) located at Whakapapa. Or for the kids and big kids, hire a sled and experience our dedicated sledding zone.

Sightseeing passes

Journey 1.8km up Mt Ruapehu on the Sky Waka gondola. Located on the northern (Whakapapa) side of the maunga, the Sky Waka takes you to 2020m above sea level, and offers panoramic views out across the Tongariro National Park. Arrive at the top to the architectually award winning Knoll Ridge Chalet, the highest year-round eatery in New Zealand.

Sky Waka gondola pass options
Weekend Sightseeing pass
Family $159
Adult $59
Youth $34
Infant $0
One pass gives you a return journey on the Sky Waka gondola, up and then down, about 8-12 minutes each way.
Includes:
Return trip on the Sky Waka gondola
Not Included:
No access to ski runs and not permitted to carry ski / snowboard equipment
Valid:
Mon - Sun
Ski Area:
Whakapapa
Buy Pass
Weekday sightseeing pass
Family $135
Adult $49
Youth $29
Infant $0
One pass gives you a return journey on the Sky Waka gondola, up and then down, about 8-12 minutes each way.
Includes:
Return trip on the Sky Waka gondola
Not Included:
No access to ski runs and not permitted to carry ski / snowboard equipment
Valid:
Mon - Fri
Ski Area:
Whakapapa
Buy Pass

Sledding passes

It doesn't matter if you're a kid or a kid at heart, our Whakapapa sledding zone offers fun for everyone.

The gentle slopes are suitable for all ages, although you need to be 8 years or older to ride on your own sled, unaccompanied. There are limited spots available, so its always recommended to book in advance!

Sledding pass options
Sledding at Whakapapa
Adult $29
Youth $15
Infant $0
Sledding sessions are 1 hour long, and a pass gives you a sled and access to the sledding area at Whakapapa's Happy Valley, to slide down and ride up the magic carpets, as many times as you would like.
Includes:
1 hour sledding pass, sled included
Not Included:
No access to sightseeing or ski lift facilities
Valid:
Mon - Sun
Ski Area:
Whakapapa
Buy Pass
Sledding at Tūroa
Adult $29
Youth $15
Infant $0
Sledding sessions are 1 hour long, and a pass gives you a sled and access to the sledding area at Tūroa's Alpine Meadow, to slide down as many times as you would like.
Includes:
1 hour sledding pass, sled included
Not Included:
No access to sightseeing or ski lift facilities
Valid:
Mon - Sun
Ski Area:
Tūroa
Purchase on Mountain

Snow play area

Looking for somewhere to experience the snow or maybe throw a snowball?

At Mt Ruapehu, you will need a valid pass to access any lift facilities and be either skiing, snowboarding or sledding to go onto the slopes. We do not allow foot traffic on the trails for safety reasons, unless supervising young children in Happy Valley or Alpine Meadow, with an accompanying adult pass.

There is a small snow experience zone at the top of the Sky Waka gondola at Whakapapa, which you can access with a sightseeing pass, however there are no specific snow play areas at Tūroa.
Depending on the conditions, there can be snow surrounding the plaza areas, which you are welcome to play on in a safe manner.

Plan Ahead
Cafes and restaurants
First visit info