Whakapapa
Our story
Discover Mt Ruapehu
Concession Confirmed — 2025 Season Passes Launching Soon
Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) has — with pride and elation — received its new concession to operate Whakapapa Ski Area, confirming a future for the maunga and unlocking the next chapter in its story.

A new chapter begins.

Whakapapa has been in operation since 1953. It is woven into the fabric of Aotearoa, contributing significantly to the region both socially and economically.

The last three years have been challenging, with the future of Whakapapa uncertain. However, April 2025 marked a major turning point — with a new 10-year concession granted by the Department of Conservation for continued operation.

This milestone brings new energy, fresh direction, and a future we can move toward with confidence.

New stewardship

Whakapapa is now proudly operated by Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL), a new private entity formed with the sole focus of restoring certainty and momentum to the ski area.

WHL was established in 2022 by a group with a deep understanding of the ski and tourism industries, the rohe, and the values that underpin this place. Since its inception, WHL has remained committed to protecting the long-term value of Whakapapa for the region and the communities it supports.

The new leadership team — made up of three directors with over 75 years of combined industry experience — works alongside the existing senior management and mountain team, who together hold more than 350 years of collective expertise at Whakapapa.

How we got here

Securing the future of Whakapapa has taken time, collaboration, and belief.

WHL stepped forward with a clear vision for the maunga’s future. It actively engaged with iwi, the Department of Conservation (DOC), Kānoa, and other key stakeholders to prepare and submit a concession application.

Public submissions were heard in February 2025. On 30 April, DOC granted a new 10-year concession — officially paving the way for a fresh start.

Alongside this, the New Zealand Government, through Kānoa, confirmed financial support to help ensure Whakapapa’s long-term viability under new stewardship.

The outcome is clear: Whakapapa now has a future — focused, stable, and full of potential.

WHL Directors

Dave Mazey

Dave is a part of the infrastructure at Whakapapa, having been involved in its operations for over 30 years, including as General Manager of Whakapapa and then as CEO of RAL once it also acquired Tūroa Ski Area. Dave brings considerable first hand knowledge of the complexities of operating on the North Island's highest peak and within the Tongariro National Park, along with long-standing relationships with local iwi, DOC, and local businesses, which he continues to prioritise as a part of his efforts with WHL.

Bridget Legnavsky

Bridget is known for her significant contribution to the New Zealand tourism industry. She served as Chief Experience Officer for RealNZ and as General Manager of both Cardrona and Treble Cone Ski Areas. She is currently the president and CEO of Sugar Bowl Resort in the Lake Tahoe region of California. For Bridget, her vision for WHL and Whakapapa is “all about preservation and regeneration. To ensure such a magnificent place can be preserved and continue to thrive for all people, for ever".

Tom Elworthy

Tom has considerable operational knowledge and experience in the New Zealand ski industry having spent 15 years in operations across Tūroa, Cardrona, and Treble Cone, and 21 years supplying snowmaking and grooming equipment to the industry. Tom also has vast experience in investing in sustainable and profitable opportunities within New Zealand as part of a private equity and venture capital organisation. Tom is committed to seeing Whakapapa continue so that the next generation of Kiwis can also share the experience.

Submission key points

About Whakapapa

In winter, from June to October, Whakapapa operates a world class ski area. In summer, from December to April, we offer a summer sightseeing operation, heroing the iconic Sky Waka gondola.

Each year we welcome up to 250,000 manuhiri (guests) to Whakapapa. Many of our manuhiri have a life-long connection to Whakapapa, some third or fourth generation. Others are brand new to the alpine environment. In winter, Whakapapa is for most New Zealanders their first experience on snow.

Whakapapa operates within the Dual World Heritage, Tongariro National Park, acknowledged for its Māori cultural and spiritual associations, as well as its outstanding volcanic features. Our business and infrastructure are built around the natural landscape.

Our history

Whakapapa was born thousands of years ago, when the Ngā Tohu Pinnacles range rose up out of the earth and formed the dramatic backdrop against which thousands of people have lived, worked, and played ever since. There has been skiing and adventuring on Whakapapa for well over a hundred years, with a first chairlift installed in the 1950s.

Our Values

The values of manaakitanga (for people), kaitiakitanga (for place), and kotahitanga (together as one) underpin everything we do at Whakapapa. Each year we welcome up to 250,000 manuhiri (guests) to Whakapapa. Many of our manuhiri have a life-long connection to Whakapapa, some third or fourth generation. Embedded in us is a strong sense of leaving things better than we found them, so they are here for the next generation to enjoy.

UNESCO status

The Tongariro National Park, home to Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngāuruhoe, and Mt Tongariro, holds dual UNESCO World Heritage status for both its natural and cultural significance. It was the first site in the world to receive this dual recognition, reflecting its extraordinary volcanic landscapes and deep cultural importance to Māori. As important as our recreational pursuits is our commitment to upholding Whakapapa's cultural, ecological, and landscape values.