Winter 2025 starts this Friday

May 26, 2025, 4:08 AM•whakapapa

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Kia ora -,

Whakapapa opens Friday 30 May – ahead of King’s Birthday weekend – with that familiar feeling: the ski area awakening, and the magic starting to build.

It’s our first winter in a new chapter, we are arriving with fresh intent, a sharpened focus, and a season we’re ready to grow into, one layer at a time.

The first layer is June.

End-May and June are a chance to return to the maunga, reconnect, and ease into the season ahead. We open with sightseeing and sledding from 30 May, building toward skiing and snowboarding in Happy Valley by Matariki — or earlier, if conditions allow.

Opening weekend

We begin with a celebration — Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June — with sightseeing on the Sky Waka gondola, sledding in Happy Valley, and two snow play zones designed for first-touch snow moments.

One of the snow play zones is brand new — a dedicated space in Happy Valley with more room to slide, throw, and explore.

Across the long weekend, you’ll also find breakfast from 9–11am, music, shared spaces, giveaways, and warm treats — with more magic moments waiting to be discovered.

Early-season experiences

June brings a series of early-season experiences designed to get you on snow, in whatever way suits you.

Begin with an intro to snow — our “Sledding and Sightseeing Combo”. Sky Waka gondola + 1 hour sledding for $54 adult | $34 youth (5–17 years) — save up to 30%, June only. Ride above, walk through, slide down, throw, laugh together.

Add a little altitude to your cup of tea — our “Sky Waka gondola and High Tea Combo” Sky Waka gondola + our signature high ‘Tea at 2020m’ for $79 adult | $59 youth — served daily from 10am–2pm, available until Matariki. Ride up, settle in, sip slow, take in the view. Bookings essential.

Take your first turns — our “Snow Taster” from Matariki: lift access to Happy Valley beginner area + ski or snowboard rental + one-hour group lesson for $99 adult | $79 youth (5–17 years). Save up to 40%. Gear up, slide out, fall over, try again, grin wide. only. Limited time.

The next layer – late June and beyond

As snow builds, we’ll begin opening more of Whakapapa— lift by lift, run by run.

We’ll move from tasters to turns, with skiing and riding expanding beyond Happy Valley as soon as conditions allow. Expect steady progress — from bottom to top, east to west — supported by snowfall and strengthened by snowmaking.

Season passes are available now until 8 June — and it’s the best value if you’re planning more than one visit. Unlimited access, all winter long — from first slides to spring laps. Get yours here.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to the mountain.

Ngā mihi nui,

Your Whakapapa Whānau

Our mailing address is:
Top of Bruce Road, Whakapapa Ski Area, Mt Ruapehu

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