I am taking a little time out from the studio, kitchen renovations and quilt show administration. It was my mother’s birthday on the weekend and her birthday wish was to climb to the crater on Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand with family and friends. Cyclone Pam was looming off the coast but we encountered fair conditions. Not too hot, low winds and no rain until the final chairlift down the mountain.
We stayed at The Chateau, an iconic hotel at the foot of the mountain. We met our guide at the “Top of the Bruce” and took a couple of chairlifts to 2020 metres. Here is a selection of photos mostly taken by my sister:
I last took this path back in 1982. We had a much clearer view of the crater this time:
On Sunday, we drove to Taupo and took in the Huka Falls:
The weather closed in on Monday so we travelled directly to Wellington in the rain:
jo johnson says
Beautiful pictures of the mountain. We lived on the other side of this in the early 70s, Mt Ruapehu was the view from my window! had one or two rather mad adventures on the non-tourist side of it! Love the country up there, freeze and all. Ngauruhoe usually had a thin plume of smoke on it. Jo
candy says
Impressive & Happy Birthday to your mum, what a great plan.