Ruapehu a mountain of fun with snow or without

Forecasters have predicted up to 30cm of snow will fall on Mt Ruapehu this weekend.

There are high hopes for snow on Mt Ruapehu this weekend.

Some forecasters have predicted up to 30cm of snow will fall. However, the weather can change rapidly in the mountains, but even if things deteriorate, well-established year-round biking, hiking and other activities mean there'll be plenty to do if chairlifts don't run.

I've yet to experience a disappointing trip to the mountains.

This was underlined during my last visit when I cycled Ohakune's Old Coach Rd with Visit Ruapehu general manager Mike Smith.

This track was extensively upgraded over summer.

The top section got muddy in winter, but it's now sealed, making this 15km trail from Ohakune Station to Horopito a true year-round ride.

If you don't have your own bike, it's easy to hire one to explore the countless trails around the mountain.

But even if you're not into skiing or cycling, the grandeur of walking tracks makes the four-hour drive from Auckland well worth it.

In the 1930s, this was the scenery which inspired John Mulgan's great New Zealand novel, Man Alone.

The marvellous Ruapehu rocks and crags haven't changed since then, or in the past few thousand years.

Active types will have no trouble amusing themselves.

They can even paddleboard year-round on Lake Otamangakau, a relatively warm, shallow lake compared to Taupo, and just 25 minutes drive from National Park Village.

Beyond all hoopla for the young and active, Ruapehu offers Aucklanders rare tranquillity and solitude.

There's nowhere better to merely stare out the window and think.