Take New Zealand’s longest gondola ride to the highest café in the country.
At Mount Ruapehu’s Whakapapa ski field, the impressive Sky Waka gondola takes passengers 1.8km up the mountain in just five minutes and is capable of transporting 2,400 people every hour.
Each gondola cabin can hold ten people, with inbuilt ski racks, seats and full glass panels to appreciate dazzling views of the world-heritage listed Tongariro National Park as you ascend the mountain in comfort.
Outside ski season, the gondola is slowed down so sightseers can admire mountain vistas both up and down Mount Ruapehu and across the Central Plateau.
At the top, Knoll Ridge Chalet offers a range of high-altitude dining options, from a grab-and-go at the food truck-style Four Peaks Alley, or a leisurely lunch or weekend dinner at The Pinnacles buffet restaurant.
