Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) is to roll out a $100 million infrastructure upgrade programme after securing a 60-year licence for the Whakapapa skifield.
Development plans include a gondola, at a cost of up to $37 million, that will run from the base of Whakapapa to Delta Corner on the upper field. It is part of a strategy to increase visitor numbers over summer and autumn.
The gondola may be open in time for the 2018 ski season.
Whakapapa's Department of Conservation operating licence was renewed in December, allowing the company to press ahead with developments on that side of the mountain.
The licence for Turoa, due to expire at the end of 2022, is yet to be renewed but the company is hopeful that it will be this year.
Fairfax Media has reported that Conservation Minister Maggie Barry has given notice of her intention to grant RAL a 60-year concession for the Turoa skifield.