Mt Ruapehu’s gondola plans
A $100million skifield development, complete with a gondola, is planned for Mount Ruapehu after Ruapehu Alpine Lifts secured a 60-year licence for Whakapapa skifield.
Other plans include upgrading Whakapapa’s T-Bar chairlift to a quad chairlift, ready for next season, and a new express lift and a cafe for Turoa.
‘‘We were thrilled that our licence at Whakapapa was renewed for up to 60 years and feel confident that Turoa’s licence will be secured during 2017,’’ RAL chief executive Dave Mazey said.
‘‘It means we can roll out a planned $100m infrastructure upgrade programme.
‘‘Between the two ski areas, a range of infrastructure will be upgraded.’’
The development plans includes a 1.8km, eight-seater gondola, estimated to cost around $37million. This will run from the base of Whakapapa to Delta Corner on the upper field and aims to boost tourism during the offseason.
Mazey said the upgrade has already started with the installation of the Rangatira Express, which replaced the Centennial and Rockgarden Chairlifts at Whakapapa in December last year.
‘‘Turoa changes won’t roll out until we resolve the licensing issues,’’ he said.
‘‘We are pretty hopeful that it’s in place.’’
The Minister of Conservation has given notice of her intention to grant RAL with a 60 year concession for Turoa ski field.
RAL chairman Murray Gribben said with no certainty around the Turoa licence, they had halted all capital investment other than what was required for health, safety and environmental responsibilities but he was thrilled the licence might be granted.
‘‘This structure enables our performance to be reviewed at regular intervals and is a powerful tool to enable us to provide the necessary ongoing investment in major infrastructure required to operate a ski field to a high standard,’’ he said.
‘‘RAL has clear aims and aspirations for the ski-field - a high quality tourism product that enhances Tongariro National Park and bring strong value to our communities.’’