Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand — After a few years of uncertainty, a new operator has been found for possibly New Zealand’s most famous ski field.
This week, it was announced that Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) has received a ten-year lease from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) to run the Whakapapa ski field. This move means that WHL can now finalize the deal to operate the ski area. More details about season pass sales are expected to be announced in the near future. The projected opening date for Whakapapa is May 30th.
“I know how important the area is for all New Zealanders, especially the iwi and hapū who whakapapa to the maunga,” said Penny Nelson, the Director-General of the DOC. “Giving the rights to use such valuable public conservation land is something I considered carefully, taking into account the feedback through the concession process, including from iwi engagement, public notification and hearings. We understand it’s been a long road to get here and want to thank everyone for their patience.”
In 2022, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts, which operated both the Tūroa and Whakapapa ski areas, filed for bankruptcy. The New Zealand government bailed the ski areas out so that they could remain open while the Department of Conservations looked for new operators. In 2024, New Zealand gave a ten-year lease to Pure Tūroa to operate the Tūroa ski field. However, finding an operator for Whakapapa was a more challenging endeavor.
Whakapapa is one of the three ski areas on Mt. Ruapehu. The other two are Tūroa and Tukino. Whakapapa features 550 skiable hectares (1359 acres) and 12 lifts. Its signature lift is the Sky Waka Gondola. However, its pricy installation in 2019 was part of the reason why Ruapehu Alpine Lifts ran into financial trouble.
Image Credits: Whakapapa-Mt Rupaheu
