Kia Ora. Welcome to Ruapehu

Knoll Ridge Chalet - Whakapapa

Experience New Zealand's unique gondola. Ride 2,020m above sea level on Mt Ruapehu and enjoy the amazing views.

Take a trip through the clouds on the Sky Waka gondola to the Knoll Ridge Chalet, New Zealand's highest dining experience. There are plenty of options to choose from for everyone, if you are looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal you are in the right place. Not only are you going to enjoy the delicious food you will also have a 360 view of The Pinnacles and Whakapapa Ski Field. The Sky Waka gondola and Knoll Ridge Chalet are open for sightseeing, as well as skiing/boarding access to Whakapapa Ski Area in winter.

The structure was built in 2009 and replaced the previous café that was unfortunately lost in a fire and has since been a popular destination for locals and overseas visitors. The Knoll Ridge Chalet was awarded the design Curial Best Designed Café in the World as determined by the leading London-based design website, 2015. If you are looking for a sensory explosion why not visit Knoll Ridge Chalet, where the views are nothing short of spectacular and the food is just as good.