Chairlift opened on Mount Ruapehu

Prime Minister Bill English with chair of Ngati Hikairo Te Ngaehe Wanikau, right and Louise Upston, MP for Taupo, left.

A new chairlift and snow making equipment were officially opened by Prime Minister Bill English at Whakapapa ski area on Saturday.

They were the Rangatira Express Chairlift and Snow Factory, part of a $100 million investment in new tourist facilities on Mount Ruapehu.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) is making the investment in the Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas over 10 years.

The aim is to draw visitors year-round, not only in the four-month ski season. About 350,000 people come to the mountain each year for skiing, and the new developments aim to attract the same number during the rest of the year.

RAL chief executive Ross Copland said other developments will be a $25 million multi-purpose facility at the base of the Whakapapa ski area, a high-speed aerial tramway to the Knoll Ridge Cafe, doubling of snow making capacity at Whakapapa, two new chairlifts and improvements to facilities for beginners.

Ruapehu District Council and Visit Ruapehu staff and elected members were at the official opening, as was Mr English, Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges, Taupo MP Louise Upston and Rangitikei MP Ian McKelvie.

Mr English said Ruapehu iwi have helped craft a progressive view of what the region can achieve. Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron said the aerial tramway and increased snow making will be "game changers" for New Zealand tourism.

The increased snow making will make it possible to guarantee the opening date for the ski season, and extend it by a month.