KEY POINTS:
An Auckland primary school teacher critically injured when Mount Ruapehu erupted in September has been discharged from hospital.
William Pike, 22, and his friend James Christie were inside Dome Hut, near Ruapehu's summit, when a lahar came through the door.
Mr Pike's legs were crushed during the eruption, on September 25.
His right leg was amputated below the knee the following day.
Mr Pike had 11 operations during his 65-day stay in Waikato Hospital and remembers little from his first few weeks in hospital.
"I'm relieved to be going home at last," he said.
"I want to get out because I'm healed and I'm mended."
His mother, Tracy Pike, said the nine weeks had passed quickly.
"We just thank everybody (at the hospital) for what they've done for William and now he starts the next part of his journey."
Health Waikato chief operating officer Jan Adams said Mr Pike had impressed everyone with his courage and determination.
- NZPA
