Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), operator of Whakapapa and Turoa skifields is investing approximately $7.5min a new chairlift.
It will be its biggest investment in lift infrastructure since the installation of the High Noon Express at Turoa Ski Area in 2007.
Construction of the new chairlift, which replaces the Centennial and
Rockgarden chairlifts at Whakapapa, has been underway since late December and is due to open to the public on July 2.
The lift will transport 2,800 people per hour in comparison to the 1,900 per hour from both the Centennial and Rockgarden chairlifts.
"Upgrading these lifts has been in our planning for years so it's so exciting to see it finally come to fruition," said Dave Mazey, RAL CEO.
"The new chairlift will provide numerous enhancements to the customer experience, with shorter queuing times, comfortable ride with cushioned seats, ease of loading for snow boarders and foot passengers and less de-icing time due to the chairs being stored in a building overnight.
