Sledding and Sightseeing
LESS CROWDS, MORE ACTION
Make the most of your winter adventures with our weekday packages and passes for skiing, snowboarding, sightseeing and sledding.
WEEKDAY PASSES

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 zones.

Sightseeing pass prices reflected below are online prices. Save $10 when purchasing your pass online ahead of time vs. on mountain.

Weekday Sightseeing and sledding combo

We are offering a special weekday combo of sightseeing on the Sky Waka gondola and an hours' sledding in our dedicated sledding zone, saving you up to 30%.

Journey 1.8km up Mt Ruapehu on the Sky Waka gondola, and back, and line up against friends and whānau in our dedicated sledding zone, neighbouring Happy Valley.

Weekday Combo
Weekday Sightseeing and Sledding Combo
Adult $54
Youth $34
Infant $0
One pass gives you a return journey on the Sky Waka gondola, up and then down. It also gives you an hour's access to a selected weekday sledding slot, and use of one of our sleds for that duration. Available for the 2024 winter season only. General opening hours during the 2024 winter season are from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily, with the last ride up the gondola at 3:30pm, weather permitting.
Includes:
Return trip on the Sky Waka gondola. Sledding access and hire.
Not Included:
Weekend access. No access to ski runs or sled use outside of allocated slot.
Valid:
Mon - Fri
Buy Pass

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 architecturally award winning Knoll Ridge Chalet, the highest year-round eatery in New Zealand.

Sky Waka gondola pass options
Sky Waka Sightseeing Pass - Weekday
Family $129
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, any weekday of the 2024 winter season. General opening hours during the 2024 winter season are from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily, with the last ride up the gondola at 3:30pm, weather permitting.
Includes:
Return trip on the Sky Waka gondola
Not Included:
Weekend access.No access to ski runs and not permitted to carry ski / snowboard equipment or sleds.
Valid:
Mon - Fri
Buy Pass
Sky Waka Sightseeing Pass - Weekend Day
Family $159
Adult $59
Youth $39
Infant $0
One pass gives you a return journey on the Sky Waka gondola, up and then down, about 8-12 minutes each way. This pass can also be used on weekdays. General opening hours during the 2024 winter season are from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily, with the last ride up the gondola at 3:30pm, weather permitting.
Includes:
Return trip on the Sky Waka gondola
Not Included:
No access to ski runs and not permitted to carry ski / snowboard equipment or sleds.
Valid:
Sat - Sun
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 it's always recommended to book in advance!

Sledding options
1 hour sledding pass - weekday
Adult $29
Youth $15
Infant $0
This pass gives you an hour's access to a selected weekday sledding slot, and use of one of our sleds for that duration. You are not able to bring your own sled.
Includes:
Sledding access, sled hire.
Not Included:
Weekend access. Use of sled outside of dedicated area and time slot.
Valid:
Mon - Fri
Buy Pass
1 hour sledding pass - weekend day
Adult $39
Youth $25
Infant $0
This pass gives you an hour's access to a selected sledding slot, and use of one of our sleds for that duration. You are not able to bring your own sled.
Includes:
Sledding access, sled hire.
Not Included:
Use of sled outside of dedicated area and time slot.
Valid:
Sat - Sun
Buy Pass

Snow play area

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

At Whakapapa, 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.

Into the winter season, as the snow levels build up, there will be a small snow experience zone at the top of the Sky Waka gondola at Whakapapa, which you can access with a sightseeing pass.

Depending on the conditions, there can be snow surrounding the plaza area, which you are welcome to play on in a safe manner.

Plan Ahead
Cafes and restaurants
First visit info