This summer experience two must-do activities in the Taupō and Ruapehu regions with this exclusive online-only combo for two people. Pair the spectacular Sky Waka Gondola at Whakapapa with a fully private guided hike with Adrift Tongariro for the ultimate alpine adventure.

Two Days, Two Icons

Day One: Sky Waka Gondola – Whakapapa

Ride the impressive 1.8 km Sky Waka Gondola up the slopes of Mt Ruapehu and take in sweeping views across the Central Plateau. At the top, explore the striking Knoll Ridge Chalet — home to New Zealand’s highest café and restaurant at 2,020 metres. A stunning setting for a memorable lunch with a view.

Day Two: Private Guided Hike – Your Choice of Route

Enjoy a private, fully tailored hike with your own expert guide. Choose the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or opt for one of our other favourites on Mt Ruapehu, Tama Lakes or a range of scenic short walks. Your guide will customise the experience to suit your fitness level, pace, and interests.

One Epic Day 

Prefer to do it all in one go? Combine your Sky Waka Gondola experience with a guided hike on Mt Ruapehu, including NEW marked tracks such as the Skyline Trail.

Tour Times and What’s Included

Summer only: 1 November 2025 – 30 April 2026

Meet at the Adrift Tongariro Base: 8:00am
Return: 5.30pm

Tour starts and finishes at the Adrift Tongariro Base 53 Carroll St, National Park Village. There is plenty of free on-street parking outside the Adrift Tongariro Base which has no time limit or vehicle size restrictions.

Sky Waka Gondola Hours

• 10am–4pm
• Closed Christmas Day
• 26 Dec 2025 – 18 Jan 2026: 9am–4pm

• Weather conditions can affect operations — please check Whakapapa’s daily report before travelling: whakapapa.com/report

Included

• Private Experienced Guide(s)

• Transport: Between the start, end of the tour, and Adrift Tongariro Base.

• All clothing and footwear hire allowance

• Sky Waka Gondola passes

Not Included

• Lunch (add-on available: standard or vegetarian; all other dietary needs must bring their own).

• Private accommodation transfers from Whakapapa, Tūrangi, and Taupō CBD available as an add-on. 

Gear Requirements

Summer

• Water (1.5-2 litres)

• Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc)

• Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

• Backpack per person

• Hiking boots/shoes

• Walking trousers

• 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers)

• Waterproof raincoat

• Own lunch if not ordered via Adrift at time of booking
  

Gear Hire

Adrift Tongariro has available for hire personal equipment footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need including boots, socks, thermal longs, fleece longs, waterproof pants, thermal tops, fleece tops, waterproof tops, warm gloves, warm hats, sun hats, sunglasses, backpacks and walking poles.

Risk Disclosure

This activity requires each participant to fill out a waiver prior to arriving on site. A unique link and QR code will be sent to you 3 days before the tour date.

Reconfirmation

Customers must reconfirm their trip between 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM the day before. Phone: +64 7 8922 751, WhatsApp: +64 274 462 364.

Terms and Conditions

Safety regarding weather, avalanche, ice and hypothermia are taken into consideration when securing our exact route for the day. A minimum of two people are required to offer this private tour. A surcharge applies for groups of 4 or more.

See Terms and Conditions.