Your Maunga Update: 9th July 2026 ⛰️

OPERATIONS

It's been a great week on the maunga, with fresh snowfall over the past few days filling in the gullies and our snowmaking team making the most of every cold window. Thanks to the hard work of our trails along with a helping hand from Mother Nature, Happy Valley opened for skiing and snowboarding this week alongside Snowland, giving guests even more to enjoy these school holidays.

Thank you to everyone for your patience while we worked to get this terrain open. As we head into the Matariki long weekend, we're expecting one of our busiest weekends of the season, so a little preparation before you travel will help make your day on the mountain as smooth as possible.

Check conditions before you travel
Our Winter Report page has everything you need to know before heading up the mountain. It's updated daily by 6:30am, with live operational updates and conditions added throughout the day.

Buy your passes online
Save time and skip the queues by purchasing your Sky Waka Gondola, Snowland and Ski Passes online before you arrive at Whakapapa. You'll also save $10 per pass compared with purchasing onsite.
If you've purchased your Sky Waka Gondola or Snowland tickets online, simply head straight to the gate. Scan the barcode in your confirmation email for the gondola or show your booking confirmation to the Snowland team on arrival.
If you're skiing or snowboarding this weekend, visit one of our Click & Collect kiosks onsite and scan your barcode in your confirmation e-mail to print your passes before heading to the lifts. A kind reminder for all ski and snowboard pass holders: please upload a photo of yourself to your pass profile before you arrive.

Parking
We're expecting high visitor numbers so please follow the directions of our road crew who will help get everyone parked as efficiently as possible. If you end up in Car Park 5 or Car Park 9, complimentary shuttle buses will take you to and from the base area. If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, mountain shuttles are available from Waimarino (National Park) - Book your mountain shuttle.

Dress for alpine conditions
We're expecting a mix of weather this weekend, so come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. If you need an extra layer, clothing hire is available from both of our rental buildings. Find out more - Rentals.

Off the back of great snowmaking late last week, backed up by snowfall on Monday and again last night, the Rockgarden Trail is starting to come together nicely. Once the wind eases tomorrow, we'll begin pushing snow to start forming the trail.

With a great snowmaking forecast for the weekend, we're hopeful of opening the Rockgarden Trail for skiing and snowboarding over the coming days. We'll provide another update tomorrow as work progresses.

EVENTS

School Holiday fun continues at Whakapapa!

Join the daily scavenger hunt, enter our colouring competition to win merch prizes, keep an eye out for surprise appearances from Koha the Kiwi, enjoy free face painting and wrap up the day with Corona Happy Hour (for mum and dad) from 2:30pm daily at Lorenz's Bar & Café, plus heaps more!

For a full overview, check out all our special events at whakapapa.com/events.

.

EVENT — SAT 11 JULY

Win a 2026 Whakapapa Season Pass, plus go in the draw to win a $1,000 Yakima voucher!

This Saturday, our friends at Yakima will be onsite in the base area showcasing their latest transport solutions for mountain adventures. Stop by to explore the range, chat with the team, and discover products designed to help get you and your gear to the snow.

Discover all our upcoming Whakapapa Events at whakapapa.com/events.

.

2026 WINTER COMPETETION

Capture your Whakapapa Winter and win a DJI OSMO Pocket 3!

Thanks to everyone who's already shared their Whakapapa Winter moments. We've loved seeing your entries, and there's still time to be in to win!

Upload your favourite photos and videos from the 2026 winter season for your chance to win a DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

The competition runs all winter, with the winner announced at the end of the 2026 season.

.