NZ Winter Playground

[bronzee]

Well, we were to have a Zclub weekend at the snow at Mt Ruapehu (this was a couple of weekends ago), but the weather had other ideas. Brilliant weekend though, great accommodation, absolutely stacks to do, even though the mountain was closed on Saturday due to the weather and very high winds on Sunday, so think, 4WD'ing, caving, walks to falls and rapids up to the Bruce (started at 1500mtrs-end 1800 mtrs, rain, hail & snow), amazing views, plus heaps more!

 

This is the mountain (Mt Ruapehu) we spent our time on and around.

http://www.mtruapehu.com

 

Please note, no Z's were used or harmed in the making of this thread.

 

 

Power of a different kind. Rapids on the way back to the lodge.

 

 

 

 

We went 4WD'ing, both days. One of the more sedate 4WD tracks, the rest were no hope of pic whilst moving, too much tilting back and forth.

 

Another track, bit more narrow this time, action shot. :twisted:

 

Okupata Caves, looking out of the entrance. Sorry no pics inside the cave. You scramble through a narrow, low ceilinged bit, then it opens to almost shoulder height. Amazing inside the cave, lots of fresh branches wedged into the roof too, glow worms. The cave frequently flash floods after heavy rain and snow in the area.

 

This link gives you some idea what the caves are like inside.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recrea ... ng-tracks/

 

 

Natives disturbed, Blue Ducks that is. The ducks were a bit like models, the rocks their catwalk. Strutting about, you had to be there.

 

 

There is just so much to see around the area, even though the snow wasn't a go.

 

Might be a few more pics from Saturday's walk at Silica Falls, up to the Top of the Bruce, if I can get the owner of the camera phone to email his pictures. That walk was particularly amazing walk. With the added drama of wind, rain, hail and snow dusting your shoulders too and superb mountain terrain above the bush line.

 

The mountain bikers on this forum, would absolutely love this area, stacks of tracks, and 4WD tracks so you get a jump or two in. Lots of places to investigate.

 

Not too cold either, as it's Spring here now. Was only minus 6 right up on top of the mountain when we went up for a hot drink after our walk in the snow, hail and rain. Probably about 10 degrees 1000 metres down from the top of the mountain (top of the mountain is 2300 metres), so quite pleasant. In height of Summer Feb-March around 25 degrees up top.

[dyla350z]

Looks a great time & puts the Zed owner's to shame who put the cars to bed when the first frost arrives.

[martinmac]

I am getting itchy feet again Bronzee.

[geoff-r]

That looks really nice

[bronzee]

Looks a great time & puts the Zed owner's to shame who put the cars to bed when the first frost arrives.

Lol, in all truth the Bronzed One stayed at home, all warmed and tucked up. 4WD was the word of the weekend. We went down some mighty rough 4WD tracks, that even with 50cms + ground clearance on the 4WD was interesting. These pics are taken almost half way down the North Island. We were actually wondering on Saturday morning when we got up if there was to be snow around the lodge, but no such luck. But the lodge is only at 925metres above sea level, so not high. As apposed to the mountains nearby at 2300 metres.

 

 

I am getting itchy feet again Bronzee.

And stir................... Just buy Liz lots of memory cards and you'll be away. Just come over when there's a big Z event, ie in your Autumn & Winter. Next month is Nizfest, December is a big Xmas party, February is Z track day (people come from all over), and then the 30th Anniversary of the club in May. And stir.........................

 

That looks really nice

Thank you. It certainly is. We're very spoiled here, so much to do, beaches, moutains, hiking, sailing etc, lol do we sound an out doorsey lot?!