A-Z of NZ Locations

A-Z of NZ Locations – Ruapehu (Mt)

Suzanne

When travelling from the Bay of Plenty to Wellington Harbour and then connecting with the Cook Strait ferry, there are three road choices to be made, the winding roads of the east and west coasts or straight down the middle on S.H. 1, then eventually the Desert Road. A bit like me, we headed straight down the line, no mucking around. 

On the road, sunrise and a view of Mt Ruapehu

Starting out, it was a no-brainer to head straight down as we were eager to revisit the South Island. Travelling in a large vehicle and driving took its toll on the ever-so-patient driver. We needed a sanity overnight stop, which we did right in the middle of the North Island with a view of Mt Ruapehu during late winter. With that came the crunching sound of ice and occasionally snow on the ground around us. Extra blankets were needed, and so was an early night as the motorhome didn’t warm up adequately with the huge drop in temperature.

Short Facts on Mt Ruapehu

A rainbow highlighting Mt Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano at the southern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand. It is the largest active volcano in New Zealand, is the highest point in the North Island and has three major peaks: Tahurangi (2,797 m), Te Heuheu (2,755 m) and Paretetaitonga (2,751 m).

On various trips down South, there were always opportunities to stop and enjoy the view.

Sometimes, it isn’t always about the destination; the journey can have multitudes of scenic stops.

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Published by Suzanne

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42 thoughts on “A-Z of NZ Locations – Ruapehu (Mt)”

    1. Thanks, Ruth and I keep forgetting you once lived here. Aotearoa has a few wonderful spots to admire. I have only done a few short walks around the National park, must do more one of these days.

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    1. It is interesting how various parts of the world are very similar in terrain. We have such a varied land mass for such a small country. Within a few hours driving you can be swimming in the ocean to standing on a snowy mountain (skifield) and I am sure a few have done so in one day.

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      2. I was looking for images I’d shared that looked more like your mountain, but didn’t find them. Here’s a painting I did last year. Mt. Blanca is a about 4300 meters. The land around it about 2400. The earth is really amazing.

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        1. It’s also very hard to compare countries, each having its pros and cons. Early 1970s and before NZ was good, then high inflation from, say, 1973, and we weren’t doing so well. I’m sure if you ask every generation it’s a hard time.

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    1. Mountains seem to look more stunning and dramatic with a coating of snow. What I haven’t included in this post is the National Army Museum in Waiouru along the same stretch of road. Which is one place motorhomers could stay the night at the rear of the building.

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