Snowy Summer – Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand

This trip to Mt. Ruapehu is special for 2 reasons. First, our parents and brother are joining us on this trip to New Zealand. Second, our parents have not seen snow before. So, this is their first time to experience windy, cold and snowy mountain.

First time riding a chairlift. Mom looks cool with sunglasses.

Fully prepared with thick clothing. Having live their entire life in hot weather, this experience with cold is surely special for them.

Driving to Mount Ruapehu

Mt Ruapehu, better known to Lord of the Rings film fans as Mt Doom is a the only place in North New Zealand where we could experience snow in summer. It is around 5 hours drive from Auckland and 3 hours drive from Rotorua. It is worthwhile driving there as you get some great views from the highway.

Beautiful scenery on the way to cable car station

First view of Mount Ruapehu and its surrounding peaks

Weather has been great. Able to take this beautiful photo.

We are going up there.

Sky Waka Cable Car

In 2016, the cable car is not call Sky Waka and it only has chairlift. Now they have modern gondola system which can carry more people. We took the ride up in the height of summer where the snow line was more or less at the top station. The ride will takes you past a couple of waterfalls and you can hear the water roaring. Cool.

This is the base station.

Here we go ..

Approaching middle station.

Mount Ngauruhoe

Yeap..New Zealand’s highest cafe.

Perfect weather. A bit cold though.

Passing by a waterfall.

We arrived at the top station

Knoll Ridge Chalet

The multi-storey eatery features something for everyone, from a quick grab and go snack to a brand new menu of contemporary cuisine, all overlooking the wonder that is Tongariro National Park.