Your Maunga Update: 2nd July 2026 ⛰️

OPERATIONS

As we head into the school holidays this weekend, here's the latest update on our operations up here at Whakapapa.

We've had some solid nights of snowmaking, but we need a little more time for conditions to fully come together, along with a few more of those cold nights we need in Happy Valley. While we've made great progress, snow cover remains below what's needed to safely operate the lifts and open Happy Valley for skiing and snowboarding as planned on Saturday 4 July. As a result, Season Passes and Day Passes won't be valid for skiing this weekend due to the current limited snow conditions and reduced terrain.

If you've already booked and have a confirmed Learn to Ski or Snowboard Package or a Level 1 Group Lesson, your 1 hour 50 lesson will still go ahead as planned. These lessons take place in a dedicated beginner teaching area in Happy Valley and don't require lift access, making them ideal for a first experience on snow. Our Snow School team is looking forward to welcoming you and helping you build confidence on skis or a snowboard.

We're getting closer every day, and the forecast we've all been watching is still looking promising for Mt Ruapehu. Every crew on the mountain is doing everything they can to get terrain open and lifts turning as soon as conditions allow. We'll continue to monitor conditions closely and keep you updated every step of the way on our report page and across our social media channels.

There's still plenty to enjoy these school holidays, with Snowland open daily, scenic rides on the Sky Waka gondola to Knoll Ridge Chalet, free events, giveaways, activations, great food, Happy Hour and a whole new winter crew ready to welcome you. If you're a 2026 Season Pass holder, don't forget you can book your Snowland session online using your special code: SPSL20.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. Winter's only just getting started, and we're looking forward to welcoming you to Whakapapa these school holidays and over Matariki. There's still plenty happening on the mountain and a whole season ahead.

EVENTS

School Holidays at Whakapapa is packed!

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.

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EVENT — SUN 5 JULY

Sharpen your mountain decision-making with BCA and Hillary Outdoors.

Join Backcountry Access and Hillary Outdoors for a free afternoon of avalanche awareness, trip planning, terrain choices, and practical mountain safety insights.

Get hands-on with BCA's latest avalanche safety equipment, including the new Tracker 4 Beacon, E25 Float Pack and Snow Study Kit, with the team on hand to answer your questions and demonstrate the gear.

There'll also be BCA prizes up for grabs, including a BCA TS Rescue Package, BCA Stealth 270 Probe and BCA Dozer 1T Shovel. Attendees will also receive an exclusive 15% off all BCA products through TCB Ohakune. Attendance is free, with a gold coin donation encouraged in support of SARDA.

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2026 WINTER COMPETETION

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

From epic views and first tracks to frothing trail runs and après with friends, share your favourite Whakapapa moments from the 2026 winter season for your chance to win. Simply upload your photos and videos and let your best day on the mountain do the talking.

Running all season long, the winner will be announced at the end of the 2026 Winter season.

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EVENT — SAT 11 JULY

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

Our friends at Yakima will be onsite in the base area on July 11th 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.

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ADAPTIVE PROGRAMME

Become an Adaptive Volunteer and earn up to a full Season Pass refund.

Help more people experience the freedom and fun of being on snow while being part of a welcoming mountain community.

Working alongside our Adaptive team, you'll support guests on and off snow and help create accessible mountain experiences for people of all abilities. No previous adaptive experience is required and training is provided.

Volunteer 3 days and receive a 50% Season Pass refund, or volunteer 6 days and receive a full refund. You'll also receive a free day pass for every day you volunteer.

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