Mt Ruapehu Scenic Chairlift Ride

Make your way to Whakapapa Village, about 1 hour from Taupo and 20 minutes from Tongariro National Park. When you arrive at the Whakapapa Ski Area, located on the western side of Mt. Ruapehu, exchange your voucher for a chairlift ticket from the Vertical Retail shop. Weather permitting, chairlifts operate daily (except Christmas Day) from 9am until the last ride up at 3:30pm. 

Two 4-seater chairlifts transport you to more than 6,000 feet above sea level. Each chairlift section takes 5–7 minutes with a 656-foot (200-meter) walk in between. On the way, enjoy spectacular views over the rugged volcanic terrain of Tongariro National Park, including Mt. Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe.

Once you're at the top, you have a choice of activities: take a hike to the Skyline, often referred to as New Zealand's best short walk, or relax and unwind in the Knoll Ridge Café, named the world's best designed café in 2015. Here, purchase tasty treats, great coffee, beer, and wine (own expense).

You have the option of taking the chairlift back to the base or, if you're feeling adventurous, walk back down via paths that are ski trails in the winter months.