Sparkling peaks irresistible lure

By JO-MARIE BROWN

Blazing sunshine has proved a mixed blessing for Mt Ruapehu.

While it has provided magical views for thousands of school holidaymakers flocking to the skifields, it has operators worried about melting snow.

Whakapapa marketing manager Mike Smith said many people were taking in the stunning scenery rather than hurtling down the mountainside on skis.

Local tourist operators have had a rough ride over the past few years, with Mt Ruapehu erupting in 1996 and several poor ski seasons since.

Mother Nature looks to be smiling on them at last.

After a good dump of snow which led to the skifields opening several weeks earlier than usual, fine weather has provided spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu and the volcano's crater.

Mr Smith said visitor numbers to Whakapapa had tripled compared with the same time last year, with about a third of those sightseers rather than skiers.

About 9000 people visited the slopes at the weekend.

"There are a lot of people on family holidays who are making a point of coming up the mountain to have a look around," Mr Smith said.

"Often they'll go for a ride on the chairlifts up to our restaurant. That's 2000m up, so the views are pretty spectacular, and for a lot of people who aren't skiers or snowboarders it's a unique experience."

Mr Smith said clear conditions provided views all the way from Mt Taranaki on the west coast to Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro.

But the price of sunny skies was rapidly melting snow, and Mr Smith said Whakapapa was hoping for another large snowfall soon.

"We've just had brilliantly sunny days and we've lost quite a lot [of snow] on the lower slopes.

"We've had good snow-making conditions since last Friday but we would certainly like some more snow in the next few days."

The picture-perfect mountain has also drawn large numbers of visitors to Turoa skifield during the holidays.

Spokeswoman Shay Twigden said people driving past Mt Ruapehu were deciding to visit and take in the scenic views, which was heartening after poor ski seasons in recent years.

"We are noticing that more people are coming up just for a look and it's certainly nice to see people back again," said Miss Twigden.

Scenic flight operator Mountain Air is also enjoying the booming tourist numbers and fine weather.

Business manager Bruce Rollinson said people taking scenic flights were able to get an outstanding view of Ruapehu's volcanic crater.

"We've had a week of beautiful weather and everyone's a little more excited this year because of the white stuff on the mountain and because the visitor numbers have returned."

Mr Rollinson said tourist operators and locals were preparing for a busy season and were optimistic the recent sun and snow would put an end to their run of bad luck.

Herald Online Travel