On July 25, Orchard Park sponsored a snow trip to Mt. Ruapehu. I've been to Ruapehu in the summer, but I've never been during the winter; so I tagged along. For a tropical climate person, it was a great opportunity to see snow for the first time.

Seventeen of us went up Ruapehu that day. A motley crew of internationals and Kiwis, we were a jovial bunch. On the ride to Ruapehu Friday night, my Kababayan-turned-Kiwi Jan and our resident DJ Claire played Pearl Jam and Jim Morrison (The Doors)  music to keep us awake and entertained (everyone snoozed in the van). We stopped at Taupo to get some food (Pizza Hut or Burger King) around 9, and arrived at Taurangi close to 10pm. Club Habitat was good backpacker's inn ($22 worth of warm rooms, warm beds, and clean bathrooms).

Next day I woke up at 6am to find the ground covered in frost; it didn't stop me from taking my regular morning walk though. The lady at the Reception was an early bird as well, so I was able to buy myself instant coffee and a Cornetto Mint trumpet for breakfast.

Around 9am we began the drive to Ruapehu. We stopped by a ski rental shop on the way, and since I wasn't keen on skiing (I'm more of a trekker and a hiker), I had a ball posing for the camera while I held one of the rented snowboards for show.

We arrived at the mountain itself a little past noon, and everyone was enthralled at the sight of snow--and the amount of people already in the area. I found it too crowded, but some folks say that was normal this time of the year (late winter). While the rest of the Orchard Parkers went ahead to ski or snowboard or build snowmen, I went off and explored Ruapehu in snow. It was magnificent! The sky was blue (not a cloud in sight) and the snow gleamed immaculate white. I spent the first hour just marvelling at the surroundings and rolling (literally) in the snow.

I spent the entire afternoon walking on snow and watching people slide down slopes on their skis or sleds (it looked like fun!) I was content to watch families chat or sit in the sun; I even heard some families speak in Tagalog (marami palang Pilipino dito--there are a lot of Filipinos here!)

We went down the mountain a little after 5pm. Everyone was happy and contented. It was indeed a good day for everyone to see snow and to spend time in the slopes of Ruapehu.

View image of New Zealander Philip from Orchard Park and why we think he was this trip's poster boy.

View image of Cottage 25's first ever snowman.