Knoll Ridge Chalet - Whakapapa

Tongariro National Park

From New Zealand's highest dining experience, perched 2,020m above sea level on the edge of Mt Ruapehu, the view is nothing short of spectacular.

The journey to the Knoll Ridge Chalet's alpine location has become just as breathtaking with the addition of the Sky Waka Gondola.

At 2020m above sea level, with breathtaking views of the Pinnacles and valley below this award-winning architecturally designed chalet was awarded the Design Curial Best Designed Café in the World, 2015.

Knoll Ridge Chalet

Travel on the Sky Waka Gondola to New Zealand’s highest dining experience, Knoll Ridge Chalet. The multi-storey eatery features something for everyone, from a quick grab and go snack to a brand new menu of contemporary cuisine, all overlooking the wonder that is Tongariro National Park. All menus feature high-quality local produce.

The Sky Waka gondola and Knoll Ridge Chalet are open for sightseeing, as well as skiing/boarding access to Whakapapa Ski Area.

The architecture

Perched dramatically on a cliff edge and cited on New Zealand’s largest active volcano, the Knoll Ridge Chalet is an incredible feat of design and engineering! An ambitious design and build was initiated in 2009 to replace the original café which was destroyed by fire earlier in the year.

The project had a unique set of challenges – the harsh remote environment, including winds up to 220kph and temperatures well below freezing, rapidly changing weather, and limited road access meant the project required extensive logistical programming in order to ensure the safe delivery, placement and erection of materials – all performed via helicopter.

The form of the Knoll Ridge Chalet building reflects the strong geological features of the mountain. The “gull wing” roof was to appear to “cradle” the mountains peak. On a practical level the roof is used to manage the snow. The building is designed to cover with up to 3m of snow.

Phone:
+64 7 808 6151
Email:
info@mtruapehu.com
Physical address:
Whakapapa Ski Area
Top of Bruce Road
Mt Ruapehu
Tongariro National Park
3951
Book now Visit website

The content on this page was created by Knoll Ridge Chalet - Whakapapa.

This website helps visitors connect with providers of Taupo tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations.

Please contact this business for more information. See also our privacy policy.

Get Taupō stories and deals straight to your inbox!