Mt Ruapehu (2,672m)

Well, let me start by saying yes it has been a while since my last climb, needed to tak a break and enjoy my baby girl being born and settling into life as a new father.  So now it is time to get the last few climbs done...

Mt Ruapehu (2797m)

 Mt Ruapehu, the highest peak of my North Island collection was the pinnacle of this peakbagging mission and a completely enjoyable, but tough climb done with my wonderful father-in-law, Selwyn Warren, a fit young man of 70..  We did this one as a guided trip and met our guide at the carpark at the top of the Bruce Road off SH47, starting our ascent at about 1,600m above sea level.  From there we caught the ski lifts to begin climbing proper at 2000m.

View from ski lifts looking towards summit

Now the real work began.  We follwed the ski run for a while and then crossed westward and zigzaged our way up the flank of the mountain, stopping along the way for photo opportunities and well neeed rest stops.  Despite starting so high this was no easy trek!!  The weather was clear and great views of Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Tongariro and out westward Mt Taranaki were nice to behold.  Eventually after a solid three hours of climbing we reached the start of a narrow ridge that leads to the highest point above the crater lake at 2,672m.  Although the true summit of Ruapehu stands at 2,797m this is the higest accessible point allowed to be reached, and is officially recognised as the peakbagging summit.

Mt Ngauruhoe seen from Ruapehu slopes

The crater lake was in a word...beautiful.  A wonderul turquoise blue with whispers of steam coming off it surrounded by snow and rock walls was just fantastic, and deceptively peaceful.  It looked very full despite the drought we are all in .We stayed long enough to get yet more fantastic photos and have a well earned lunch break before heading back down the mountain.

Mt Ruapehu crater lake and summit

Our trip down was a different trek altogether.  Follwing a much steeper route down the valley we made great time travelling down over jagged rock beds and snow strips (great fun!, including watching Selwym arse over several times on them!) and rejoined the ski run we had initially followed up.  Upon reaching the top of the ski lifts we stopped at the cafe' (the highest cafe' in the southern hemisphere) for a snack and water refill.  Then, jumped back onto the skilift for the relaxing ride back to the carpark, and of course taking more photos on the way down. 

Selwyn Warren negotiating  snow on our descent

In summary this was the highest peak "bagged" and well worth the effort.  Next will be the other two peaks in the Tongiriro national park...watch this space...