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THE ELEMENTS
for the best results.
Are you ready for winter? We are.
To find out why you should list with Bayleys this winter, call Bayleys Ruapehu 06 385 0170
LICENSED UNDER THE REAA 2008 Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 1
$10m govt money for gondola
The Labour-NZ First Government’s
Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will provide
a $10 million loan to Ruapehu Alpine
Lifts Ltd for the construction of a high-
speed gondola on the Whakapapa ski field,
Regional Economic Development Minister
Shane Jones announced at the Powderhorn in
Ohakune on 15 June.
“The project is estimated to attract
500,000 additional visitor days by 2025,
and significantly increase the number of
non-skiers visiting and using the mountain’s
facilities,” Shane Jones said.
He claims building and operating the
gondola will generate 150 direct jobs and
potentially a further 400 through associated
activities.
“As part of a suite of other projects, this
could be transformative for the central North
Island and the Ruapehu District in particular.
The new gondola will enhance the upper
mountain at Whakapapa and allow it to
become a year-round destination, providing
greater certainty for employers and stable
employment for local workers. Minister Shane Jones officially announces the Government’s $10m loan for
Whakapapa’s new $25m gondola. Jones says the lift will attract an extra half
Front Page Skiwi a million visitors to Mt Ruapehu by 2025.
“The project is part of a broader plan to linchpin investment creating the ‘must do’
Inspired by the local native kiwi boost visitor numbers to the Ruapehu and attraction around which other investments
population, Whakapapa’s lovable Taupo districts, and is expected to have would work,” Shane Jones said.
‘Skiwi’ is back in Happy Valley for the significant economic and social impacts in The total cost of the project is $25 million
2018 winter season. The mascot’s those communities. with investment also coming from local
old moth-eaten coat as been “The project has been identified through investors; Ruapehu District Council with a
remade, not only for the numerous the Manawatū-Whanganui Accelerate 25 $500,000 loan; a $1m from Taupo District
photo-opportunities but to also help
plan and the Ruapehu Regional Visitor Council and additional financial support from
promote a better awareness of New
Zealand’s national icon and remind Development Plan as key to boosting the local Ngati Tuwharetoa, along with the operator,
visitors that dogs are banned from economy. It is easy to see why – the economic Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.
the Tongariro National Park to potential is significant and Ruapehu Alpine Construction begins in November and the
protect all the endangered wildlife Lifts is committed to recruiting locally. gondola is likely to be open for business for
who live there. Photo: Liz Brooker “The Gondola has the potential to be the winter 2019.
Take the train to Mt Ruapehu this winter.
Whether you ski Whakapapa or Turoa, the Northern Explorer scenic train is a fantastic way to get there, making stops at
both Ohakune and National Park. The Northern Explorer departs Auckland and Wellington on alternate days, and with great
baggage allowances, there’s no need to leave any gear behind.
Book now at greatjourneysofnz.co.nz
2 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018
‘Luxury gondola’ plan all go
Whakapapa ski area is set to
be transformed with a new lux-
ury gondola – one of only two
of its design in the world – with
the Government’s Provincial
Growth Fund assisting with fi-
nancing of the project (see sepa-
rate story).
Fifty gondola cabins will fea-
ture floor to ceiling glass, in-
ternal ski racks, wifi, audio and
lighting and individual leather
seats offering “business-class
luxury to passengers befitting of
the UNESCO Dual World Her-
itage status of Whakapapa Ski
Area”, says RAL.
Each cabin accommodates 10
passengers with skiers able to
stand upright in the cabin with RAL board chairman Murray Gribben speaks at the Powderhorn Chateau in Ohakune
more than 2m of internal clear- after Minister Shane Jones had formally announced the Government’s contribution to
the gondola project. Photo: Robert Milne.
ance.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) “This project will change tion and the vibrant communities penditure and an additional 137
chief executive Ross Copland the traditional flow of visitors nearby.” full-time jobs in the restaurants,
said the gondola will transform throughout the North Island, He says that the economic in- maintenance, sales, retail and
the mountain into a world-class creating a compelling reason to dicators for the region are com- transport teams.
visitor attraction for skiers as venture off the beaten track deep pelling, with the new gondola “This translates into more
well as sightseers, and also boost into the Ruapehu District to ex- expected to contribute $50m per people booking accommodation,
the local economy. perience this world-class attrac- annum of additional visitor ex- Turn to Page 4
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Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 3
‘Luxury gondola’ plan all go A digital impression of the top station for Whakapapa gondola, attached to the Knoll Ridge Café. This will allow tourists to ride to the highest restaurant in NZ, protected from the elements. From Page 3 spectacular landscape, past waterfalls and snow-laden peaks. eating at local restaurants and experiencing local activities creating In comparison, the Rotorua gondola is 900m long; the Queenstown employment and lifting household incomes.” gondola is 450m; and the Cardona chondola (combined gondola- Ross adds that the gondola will also attract more high-value interna- chairlift) is approximately 900m long. tional tourists and that the number of sightseers is expected to increase RAL successfully secured a Tourism Growth Partnership grant in from 60,000 currently to 300,000 within a few years of opening. 2017 to complete a feasibility study and that work led onto an appli- “The mountain sits within a UNESCO Dual World Heritage Area cation being made for economic development funding support for the and its outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance is there to project in July 2017. be enjoyed by not only skiers and snowboarders, but also walkers and “Our design process involved working closely with Ngati Tuwhare- sightseers,” he says. toa and DOC during which time we significantly reduced the number As a public benefit entity RAL invests its proceeds back into devel- of structures on the mountain, the new installation having less than oping the mountain’s facilities and the new gondola forms part of the half of the structures it replaces. We are very pleased to take this op- $100m reinvestment strategy announced by the RAL board in 2015. portunity to continue shrinking the presence of infrastructure on the The $25 million gondola will be the largest and most technically maunga while still meeting the aspirations of visitors to the Tongariro advanced in New Zealand travelling 1.8km through the rugged and National Park,” says Ross Copland. 4 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018
Turoa to Ohakune
trail gets green light:
where to now?
It’s all go for the proposed Turoa to Ohakune mountain bike trail
– at least as far as the red tape is concerned – after the New Zealand
Conservation Authority approved the needed amendments to the
Tongariro National Park Management Plan in April.
Coming up to five years of behind-the-scenes work has gone into
the proposal so far, mostly involving a bunch of Ohakune locals led
by surveyor Dean Sherrit who chaired the advisory group.
But there’s still a lot of work to be done before a spade can hit the
dirt, cautions Dean, explaining that even with the Park Management
Plan review ticked off, there is still a lot of work to do.
“The Advisory Group will need to review the document and any
changes that the Conservation Authority has made.”
The thinking now is to set up a trust to oversee the project that
may also incorporate the whole Mountains to Sea trail, including the
Ohakune Old Coach Road.
“The plan is to call for expressions of interest from people to join
the trust,” explains Dean.
He said there’s still work to be done on the make-up of the trust but
it will include iwi representatives and “motivated people”.
They will need resource consents for some of the works, and
possibly a concession from the Department of Conservation,
depending on the detail in the TNP review, as well as approval for the
various works involved. A shared trail is the aim with the Turoa-Ohakune project,
“They should be rigorous, because we’re in a pretty special area.” similar to the Ohakune Old Coach Road, illustrated on the
Turn to Page 6 cover of the plan review document. Photo: Robert Milne.
THE LAND OF SELFIE OPPORTUNIT Y
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Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 5
Turoa to Ohakune trail gets
green light: where to now?
From Page 5 to chain shed.
The management plan change was needed because until then, Section 2A: 2.3km, all new. Chain shed to Old Blyth Track. Set
bikes were not allowed in the Tongariro National Park, except on the within a sub alpine beech environment and will cross the Mangawhero
Ohakune Old Coach Road. River approximately 500m above the Waitonga Falls and connect to
The plan change allows for the “establishment of new family- the top of the Old Blyth Track.
friendly cycle recreation opportunities in the park, but only where Section 2B: 3.5km existing. Blyth Track to the Ohakune Mountain
they cannot be more appropriately located outside the park,” says Road.
Authority chairman Warren Parker. Section 3A: 2.3km all new. Blyth to Mangawhero. Follows close
The project is estimated to cost around $4.9m with the National to the Ohakune Mountain Road crossing the road in an identified safe
Government having pledged $2 million. area with good visibility uphill/downhill. This section also includes a
The Bulletin understands that this funding is still secured. potential mid-trail access point and may necessitate a layby/pull off
The Trust option would allow access to funding sources. area and signage.
RDC is able to redirect some NZTA funding (approximately Section 3B: 1.6km existing. Upper Bennett and Punch Tramway to
$320,000) that otherwise would have been spent on Ohakune Mangawhero River terrace.
Mountain Road. Section 4: 4.9km, 0.6km new: Lower Bennett and Punch, utilises
The trails well-preserved existing tramlines, and links back to the Ohakune
Section 1A: 1.9km, half existing, half new. Turoa to Massey DOC field centre/Ngāti Rangi office.
University Alpine Club hut: Includes the Turoa Ski field lease area Section 5: 2km, 0.3km new. Campground Loop. Follows existing
and is an alpine environment requiring sensitive construction. This seal and gravel track to water intake, crosses Serpentine downstream
section will provide users of the ‘Round the Mountain’ track an of water intake.
alternative to walking on the road between the east and west sections. Section 6: 11km, 2km new. Horopito Link Trail. This track utilises
Section 1B: 2.8km, 2.6km new trail. MUAC to Chain Shed. sections of the existing Cowern’s tram line and the Punch and Bennett
Follows the Mangawhero River valley, crosses the Mangawhero at tram line. The section could also use part of the formed and gravelled
old quarry, re-crosses then passes the Mangawhero Falls, via plateau Matapuna Road.
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6 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018
An aerial impression of the new trails. Key: Light mauve, Turoa to MUAC; Purple, MUAC to Chain Shed; dark blue,
Chain Shed to Old Blyth Track; light blue, Blyth Track; orange, Blyth to Mangahwero; cream, Upper Bennett and Punch;
pink, Lower Bennett and Punch (east), also Campground Loop (west); yellow, Horopito Link.
Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 7
Mountain films
back in Ohakune
The 2018 NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival will once again
have an evening show of a selection of films in Ohakune, raising
funds for the Ruapehu Mountain Bike Club.
“The programme is jam-packed full of amazing films,” says
festival organiser Mark Seddon.
“This year our film competition received a record 209 films, 19
of which were New Zealand made.”
He said films came in from Australia, South America, USA,
Canada, Asia, Russia, Iran, Greece, France, Austria, Germany and
the UK. 83 films made the cut into the programme, including 10
world premieres and more than 40 NZ premieres.
“Once again the cinematography and scenery is sensational,”
says Mark Seddon.
“An inspirational aspect of many of the films this year is the
numerous women pushing the boundaries of sport and the equality
Yeti Tours has been operating in Ohakune for 30 plus year they’ve earned from adventures as hardcore as any man.”
and is one of the founding members that set up and operate. Strong environmental themes also come through in many of the
films. Animal extinction and the impact climate change has on the
Guided and freedom hire tours on this magnificent majestic landscape is at the forefront of many filmmakers’ and adventurers’
Whanganui river ... much of this through the summer period minds.
October through to Easter. We provide a 3-5 day adventures “There are a lot of edge-of-your-seat moments, and incredible
drone shots giving the sense of taking you into the scene. The
on this family friendly journey which run throughout winter
storytelling is inspirational, funny, breathtaking and often jaw
also. dropping.”
These tours include overnight camping, hut accommodation, See advetisement this issue for more information on the
Ohakune show.
lodge accommodation and Marae stays which is all
incorporated into a cultural experience as well.
This 2018 winter season, we are introducing a Whanganui
river Day paddle for those that are looking for something
different to experience, on those closed or over it days, while
in our back yard.
This is aimed at those that have never canoed or kayaked
before and want to have a very safe, great day out.
We will be departing daily from Ohakune at 10am (weather
and river conditions permitting) form our Yard, 3 Burns St,
next to Placemakers, Ohakune.
You have the options of canoes or kayaks (singles, doubles or
3 seaters).
We will transport you to Pipiriki, provide you with all the
canoe and kayak gear, safety briefing maps etc.
You will get the opportunity to paddle for 3-4 hours to
explore the historic settlement of Jerusalem. Pick up, back to
Ohakune late afternoon.
You will need to bring your lunch, change of clothes, camera
and sense of adventure.
Cost: Freedom hire $75 per person (minimum of 2 people)
VIEW OUR PORTFOLIO
Guided $275 per person
www.onsitebuilders.co.nz
Call 0800 322388 to book your space
8 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018
No pay no snow play
By Liz Brooker Conservation (DOC) concession and those
A dedicated area for safely throwing a just wanting to play in the snow can find
snowball at Tūroa and Whakapapa is no their own patch rather having a dedicated
longer part of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) area.
snow play proffering. “Last year we branded poorly and called
In responding to an avalanche of our sledding area, ‘snow play’ because
predominantly negative public opinion last that’s kind of what it is and that was kind
winter, RAL chief executive Ross Copland of the problem.
announced a re-think on their provision “We are not in the market of snow play,
of their dedicated snow play areas at it’s a free activity and there are lots of good
Whakapapa and Tūroa. places to do that practically when it actually
At the time he said, “we have to be able snows.
to co-exist and run in parallel so that those “At Whakapapa the area up behind
who can afford it can help fund the things the patrol buildings is where we are
that others can then enjoy. encouraging people to go.”
“We have a special privilege to be Tūroa is proving to be a little more
operating here, we hold a concession to run challenging for the company to provide any
a ski field in a National Park and it belongs advice to novices on the best place to create
to the people of New Zealand.” a snow angel.
Tongariro National Park Management “There’s just no flat area [at Tūroa] but
Plan 2006 – 2016 requires RAL to actively over summer we worked really closely with
provide snow play activities within the ski DOC on the Alpine flush and came up with
area boundaries and to minimise conflict a whole new plan about how that’s going
with traditional skiing activities. to be used.
However, it does not specify what must “When there’s good snow on there,
be provided in the area. people can go for it, but when the snow’s
Mr Copland said this year changes too thin and there’s a risk to the plants
see the pay-to-ride sledding areas fulfil underneath we will be encouraging people Visitors will have to find their own patch
the requirements of the Department of not to go there.” of snow to play this winter.
ww
engineers | surveyors | planners
Ph: +64 6 385 9534
Taupo | Taumarunui | Ohakune | Napier | Hamilton | Rotorua
Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 9
10 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018
Kiwi courage honoured and remembered
One hundred years on, the National Army
Museum takes a close look at what New
Zealand soldiers were up to on the battlefields
of the Western Front in their latest exhibition,
The Final Push – The New Zealand Division
on the Western Front 1918.
The exhibition focuses on the story of New
Zealand Division heading back into the fray
in 1918 and taking part in a counterpunch to a
massive German offensive.
“As with Passchendaele, many New
Zealanders have been unaware of the courage
shown by the Kiwis in 1918 and, on the 100th
anniversary of this ‘final push’, we hope
we can help raise the awareness of the part
New Zealand played in these battles”, says
museum senior curator Windsor Jones.
The story unfolds through an overview
of the key battles (Mailly-Maillet, Albert,
Grevillwers and Bapaume), the American
introduction into the war, some personal
experiences and small iconic artefacts from
the museum’s collection. It also provides
information on the change of tactics from
static (trench) warfare to a more mobile war
including the introduction of the German
storm troops or ‘Sturmabteilungen’.
The exhibition is on display at the National
Army Museum in Waiouru until the end of NZ Rifle Brigade at Bapaume. The National Army Museum has a new exhibition
August. showing the bravery of these men in 1918.
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Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 11RENTAL RETAIL TUNING Bike Rentals from $25
Shuttles to:
Skis/boots/poles from $20 Ohakune Old Coach Road,
Board & boots from $20 Bridge to Nowhere,
Clothing (pants, jacket, gloves, goggles) $25 Mountains to Sea trail
(available on demand)
NZ’s largest ski tuning workshop
Full tune on skis from $30
0800 BIKING
See www.SLR.co.nz
for more! www.mountainbikestation.co.nz
Ohakune’s new generaton Massive selection of jackets,
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10am – 6pm Saturday & Sunday Kids Jackets/Pants from $125
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If mountain weather poor, then we may open earlier
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12 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018Another step up the
freeride ladder for Jess
Ohakune freeride skier Jess Hotter has
moved up 10 places on the Oceania-Europe
ranking and is now 6th in the region.
She’s also been officially selected for the
2018/2019 New Zealand Freeride Team.
Jess spent her Northern Hemisphere winter
competing in Canada and the USA in the
Freeride World Tour Qualifier circuit. She’s
in her second year of competing in the series
that sees skiers and snowboarders competing
“on the most legendary and challenging
alpine faces and the most renowned ski
resorts across the world”.
Competitors pick their own line down the
face and are scored on line, fluidity, control,
air, style and technique.
She plans to continue trying to break into
the Freeride World Tour, which is the highest
level of freeride competition in the world.
The tour allows for eight women skier
competitors, with two dropping off each
season. They are then replaced by the top
placed skier in the North and South America
ranking and the top Oceania-Europe skier.
This means Jess has to move up from 6th to
first, to be included.
“It’s super competitive but really friendly
too,” says Jess.
She said the level of support among
competitors is amazing.
“The only reason I’ve been able to compete Jess Hotter in action in the North American powder last northern season:
is the support from the amazing people in the clocking up points towards her goal of making it big on the world freeride
freeride community.” stage. Photo supplied.
She’s been able to stay with other Jess will start the Southern Hemisphere ‘Intersection’ in the World Ski and Snowboard
competitors in their accommodation at competitive season with a 4-Star event at Festival. Their short film, Blonde Highlights,
various events and has put some of them up the Remarkables this spring and is skiing gained the People’s Choice Award, received
in return when they come to New Zealand. for sponsors Head, Marmot, Opus Fresh and Vimeo Staff Pick and was featured in many
“There’s no head games (between Snow Centre. online ski forums.
competitors) like there is sometimes with In North America, Jess was part of a group She will be heading to Wanaka for the
other racing.” who competed in a film competition called season to work and continue training.
Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 13RAL to charge pass holders
for ‘extra features’
By Liz Brooker have a season or life pass.
Despite being positively encouraged to “maximise your winter “For 2018 we cut the price of season passes to the lowest in a
and save heaps with unlimited day lift access [to] NZ’s two largest number of years and when you’re looking at managing capacity
ski areas” the purchase of a season or a life pass now comes with and value, the sledding areas don’t have the capacity for thou-
a small rider. sands … so we made the decision that it’s an extra feature.
For 2018, not all Mt Ruapehu lifts are created equal and despite “In the majority of the cases people didn’t buy a season or life
the passes being “stacked with on and off-mountain benefits”, pass to go sledding.”
holders are now required to pay extra to access the sledding areas. Mr Copland said the company would continue to make deci-
Over the years a double line clause found in Ruapehu Alpine sions on allowing access on a case-by-case basis.
Lifts (RAL) Terms and Conditions of Sale has changed slightly, “We made the decision with night skiing and first tracks that we
however its intent remains the same. would make them free for life pass holders as a perk.
“Use of [Life or Season] Passes is otherwise on the same condi- “You could easily make the argument that night skiing is a to-
tions as all other usage of the ski areas as determined by RAL from tally new product and there’s an incremental cost to operate with
time to time at it’s sole discretion.” staff and grooming … but we took the view that it was a nice perk
RAL chief executive Ross Copland said there were a number for life pass holders.
of reasons the sledding area was no longer freely accessible for “These are the folks who have made the biggest commitment to
season or life pass holders and suggested more exclusions could RAL and helped us fund the infrastructure.”
be implemented in the future. This season sledding passes cost $20 per adult, $15 for youth
“When we do the new gondola for example there is going to be 5-17-years-old and children under-five are free.
a whole lot of new experiences at the top of the Knoll Ridge and Life pass holders are entitled to receive 15-percent off the cost
it won’t automatically be free to do everything just because you and season pass holders 10-percent.
Turoa demos held most fine days –
try the latest 2019 skis for FREE!
Look for the flags and banners above the
Giant Cafe, Turoa!
Phone 06-385 9068 for more info
www.jonesbros.co.nz
14 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018Advertorial
Will it work? Prawn Park answers
Will it work? Thirty one years later Geothermal energy is used
and the proof is in the prawns. extensively throughout the park and
“We found the location, we built visitors learn all about this on the
the ponds, we found the best breeding guided tours.
fresh water prawns from Malaysia During peak season, the restaurant
and started breeding them here near will be full to capacity and the park
Lake Taupo,” says Stacey Richards, will have up to 1000 people.
Prawn Park’s marketing manager. “We recently celebrated our 30th
Huka Prawn Park started in a five birthday, this was a huge milestone,”
hundred dollar Army tent. Richard says Stacey.
Klein, director, remembers walking “We celebrated by inviting Taupo
2km up to State highway 1 to put locals to the park where we had our
the sign out for visitors. Back then biggest day to date – 1400 people
Richard would cook prawns and came to join us.”
serve beer to the patrons. “We are proud of the prawn
“We now have a huge a la carte empire we have built here. We would
restaurant set on the edge of the have hired over 600 local youth in
Waikato River. We can seat 350 our time. Every year is new we are
people and a tourism park that offers constantly adding new features and
prawn fishing, guided tours through growing, finding ways to master and
our aquarium, stand-up paddle improve our guest’s experience.”
boarding, pedal boats and various Stacey says they’ve come a long
other quirky activities – there really way since the army tent.
is something for everyone,” says “Whether you decide to join us
Stacey. and dine by the open fireplace in our
The company has added shelter, Restaurant or spend the day in the
geothermal seating and footbaths park, you are in for a unique and fun
Skylah and Amber Liddicoat meet Shawn the
for guest comfort while fishing. experience.”
Prawn, the Taupo park’s mascot.
takeabreakfromthemou
ntain!
Come to our geothermal playground
PRAWN FISHING
HEATED SEATS AND FOOTBATHS
HAND-FEED BABY PRAWNS
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Family (2 adults+max 5 kids) $75.00
Adults $29.50
Children $16.00
Seniors (65+) $22.00
Students (ID required) $22.00
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Huka Prawn Park - Huka Falls Road, Wairakei hukaprawnpark.co.nz
Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 15Ruapehu
Far West T-bar
refurbished
Events Round at Whakapapa the major summer project was a $1.4-million
refurbish of the old and unreliable Far-West T-bar.
Essentially, the foundations are original and everything else,
including the towers, have been replaced or upgraded.
JULY
“The big challenge we had out there was the weight of the ice had
Mt Ruapehu Ski Field Opens 30 June bent the towers, so over 25-30 years the towers, the cross-heads,
Turoa and upper mountain at Whakapapa is scheduled to open for the 2018 were actually drooping and it became really hard for our guys,” Mr
season, snow and weather permitting. Mt Ruapehu look forward to seeing you Copland said.
for a fantastic winter season. “We have adjusted the heights of the towers to get the optimal
profile, the queues will be shorter, it can run at full capacity, there will
Waimarino Art Awards 4–14 July be less break-downs and less stoppages.”
15th Annual Exhibition – for Painting, Drawing & Photography. The- “It’s still the Far West T-bar and has some of the most heinous ice
atre Royal, Seddon St, Raetihi. OPEN 11am – 5pm daily. For info see: storms but we very much took the view that we are a skiers’ mountain
www.waimarinoartawards.co.nz
and that is what we are here for, we are a ski business and this is some
Mini Games – Whakapapa 16-17 July of our best terrain on the whole mountain so the lift has to be right.”
Remediation projects have also been completed in the Hutt Flat
Winterdaze – Winter Season Opening 28 July area with the final clearing of the old Bridge Hutt patrol site and a
Ohakune Winterdaze festival coming this July, 4 Zones, 10 artists and your chance re-grade of the upper mountain access track.
to win the ultimate night away valued at over $500! Presented by The Edge “We had taken the building away but hadn’t finished the remediation
so we spent a reasonably chunky sum remediating that whole site.
AUGUST “During that we took the opportunity to reshape all of Hutt Flat
pretty much down to where the off load for the Rangatira is now.”
NI Primary School Ski Champs 20-22 & 27-29 August Now the slope boasts a 4.5-5% gradient all the way from the cutting
The NIPS is back for another year here at Whakapapa! to past the Schuss House.
“That’s a massive change and again that’s in preparation for the
Rail Jam – Turoa 25 August gondola.
“We are going to have a lot of people skiing down there and it needs
SEPTEMBER
to be a good ski experience.”
Retro Day 1 September
A celebration of the beginning of spring skiing and snowboarding in the Ruapehu.
It’s time to celebrate so break out your dads old one piece or maybe try and fit
into your old fluoro pants because the Retro Police will be out and about handing
out fashion fines that could win you and your outfit some stunning prizes. See
Facebook page for details.
Fallout Festival 1 – 15 September
Music, Media, Mayhem.The Fallout Festival is a three-week long agenda of comedy,
music and outright fun in Ohakune. You can catch a range of entertainers and
activities at various bars, cafes and restaurant venues in the main township and at
the Junction. See Facebook page for details.
NI Primary School Snowboard Champs 3 – 5 September
The NIPS is back for another year here at Whakapapa!
Mountain Film Festival 13 September
To be held at Kings, Ohakune Junction. See Fallout Facebook page for details.
Sponsored by Ruapehu Bulletin.
NI Secondary School Ski Champs 17 – 19 September
The NISSSC is back for another year here at Turoa!
Tom Campbell Memorial Big Air Turoa 22 September
NZ’s best freestyle athletes join a wealth of heavy hitters to put on a show on one
very large jump. Best tricks will take the prizes so there’s plenty up for grabs! We’ll
have NZ Winter Olympians & X Games Medallists throw down for the crowds
after the competition in memory of a freeski industry & local legend Tom Campbell.
Categories are Men’s and Women’s, Under 16 and Open, Snowboard and Ski.
NI Secondary School Snowboard Champs 24 – 26 September
Slopestyle, Boarder X and Dual GS are the events in this amazing North Island
Snowboard Competition at Turoa.
for more details, go to www.ohakune.info
16 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018Summer works focussed on snowmaking
After the herculean effort
undertaken by the Ruapehu
Alpine Lifts (RAL) to complete
their summer works programme
last year, this time round was a
little quieter.
At Tūroa eight new snow
makers have been installed on
the upper mountain under the
Express and Giant chair line.
RAL chief executive Ross
Copland said the snowmaking
upgrades for the south side
haven’t finished yet.
“At the moment our
snowmaking system has little
gaps, which rely on Mother
Nature to come to the party so
we have been trying to fill that
in which has been a big project
but one that made a lot of sense
to do.
“We’ve now extended
snowmaking up to the top of the
Giant chair lift and this means Snow guns pumping on lower mountain at Whakapapa in early June. Snowmaking has
been extended to the top of the Giant Chairlift at Turoa for 2018. Pic Steve Huish.
that, early season, we can try to
much-needed upgrades, other Nathan at the moment on an something that we kicked off
get some good upper mountain
immediate plans for Tūroa are a upgrade. with them last year and they are
skiing available.”
revamp of the Snowflake Café. “What exactly that will look just chipping away on it.”
While the major focus for the
“We are working with Lion like I’m not sure yet, this is More on Page 16
company is on Whakapapa’s
Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 17Crater heating cycle starts
Mt Ruapehu’s Te Wai ā-moe (Crater Lake) temperature is rising
along with an increase in volcanic tremor, reports GNS.
The change doesn’t mean Mt Ruapehu is “any more likely to erupt
right now than any time in the last year”, says GNS scientist Graham
Leonard.
Duty volcanologist Geoff Kilgour says the activity fits the regular
pattern of heating and cooling at the volcano that has been observed
since 2003. During these cycles, the temperature ranges between 12
and 40 °C over a period of 12 months, reports GNS.
The previous ‘relatively long’ warm cycle ended in February, after
the Lake reached 38°C.
Since then it cooled to 20°C where it remained until 29 May, when
the lake starting heating again at a rate of around 1°C per day.
“Following previous heating cycles, we expect the lake to continue
heating for the coming weeks.”
“The Crater Lake has undergone many heating and cooling cycles
in the past and we don’t see any unusual signs of increased unrest.
Therefore, current observations are consistent with minor unrest
behaviour.”
The volcano is at Alert Level 1, which corresponds to minor unrest.
“While this is the case, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can
occur with little or no warning. GNS Science continues to closely
monitor Mt Ruapehu and our other active volcanoes.”
“The thing about volcanoes is their eruptions are not regular, they’re
uneven in time, so like shuffling a deck of cards you can get a whole
bunch of kings, or a whole bunch of eruptions closely spaced in time
but it doesn’t mean that they’re linked,” Mr Leonard said.
“They’re a long way apart and they’re coming from very shallow
magma chambers.
“So it’s a coincidence that we’re seeing eruptions in Hawaii and
Located just a short stroll from the cafés and
Central America and Vanuatu at the moment.”
restaurants of Ohakune township,
Rocky Mountain Chalets
has 42, Qualmark 4 Plus rated,
contemporary and beautifully appointed
alpine style chalets.
Each chalet is either two or three bedroom and
consists of open-plan living, full kitchen and laundry
facilities, outdoor deck, Sky TV,
free WIFI and provisioned with linen
ready for you to relax, connect, play and enjoy!
Guests are invited to enjoy the lounge room and soak
in the two spa pools onsite after a day on the piste.
18 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018The stories behind the logos
Along with acknowledging the correct We are Mighty”, states Ruapehu Alpine Lifts. This also acknowledgement to the value
Māori pronunciation of Tūroa by adding a No clear mountain landscape features in placed on whānau (family) and the highest
macron to the ski field’s name, Ruapehu Al- the new logo in an effort to signify that eve- point represents the top of New Zealand’s
pine Lifts have launched new logos for the ryone finds Tūroa special in their own way North Island.
2018 season. and plays on the playground differently. Three triangles in the middle represent the
The three points of the Tūroa triangle ac- Whakapapa’s new mountain landscape physical space of Whakapapa because when
knowledge the peaks of Tahurangi, Paretetai- design logo also acknowledges three sacred looking at Whakapapa from a distance it can
tonga and Peretini visible from the south side peaks seen from the National Park side in Ta- be split into three iconic sections.
of Ruapehu. hurangi, Te Heuheu and Paretetaitonga and On the left is The Valley, down the centre
The peaks also symbolise Tūroa’s brand the ‘W’ of the logo connects Whakapapa with is the Knoll Ridge and to the right is the Far
values of “We are Wild, We are Playful and its ancestry. West terrain.
- Four buildings across Ohakune, Hut Flat &
Whakapapa Village.
- In-house Swiss Ski Instructor for adults
and children.
- Full-time chef in each building.
- On mountain lockers.
Join Ruapehu Ski Club
See website for a limited time new membership special offer.
www.rsc.org.nz | ph: 09-377-3856 | email: admin@rsc.org.nz
Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 1920 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018
TCB
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Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 2122 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018
Four year old Billy Hindle from Taupo rides the carpet lift
at Happy Valley on Day One, 2 June. Photo: Liz Brooker.
‘First Chair Winners’, Jonnie Moffett and Guy von
Dadelszen took away some Dragon Goggles and official
‘First Chair’ tee shirts for being first on the Double Happy
Chairlift on opening day, Saturday 2 June, at Whakapapa.
Photo: Liz Brooker.
INTRODUCING WAYNE FREWEN
Marketing Consultant
Licensed Salesperson under the REA Act 2008
A fresh approach to buying and selling
property in the Ruapehu Region.
Contact Wayne to discuss your real
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It’s your move!!
D 06 928 7515
M 021 1411 723
E wayne.frewen@bayleys.co.nz
Ruapehu Realty Limited, T/a Bayleys Ruapehu
Licensed under the REA Act 2008
16 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune.
Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 23Demand up for
Ruapehu property
from out of town
Property markets across the Ruapehu and King Country continuing to be
very active, reports Guy Hoban from Doyle Valuations, in his regular column.
In general, the residential property market within the Ruapehu area continues
upward with demand “generally outstripping supply”.
Noticeable trends include multiple offers being a common occurrence,
increasing demand for ‘doer-uppers’, increasing demand for vacant sections
despite cost often outweighing end value and continued increasing demand
from out-of-town purchasers.
Since June 2016, the median house price has increased in Ohakune by 34.7%.
Ohakune’s median house dropped, though only slightly, from $246,250
to $242,500. Sale numbers rose slightly from 80 to 83, though this number
doesn’t include a number of vacant sections that have also sold.
Ohakune was labelled the “second-cheapest” regional suburb on a list of 10
recently, according to oneroof.co.nz.
A New Zealand Herald article, headlined ‘Alpine retreat among NZ’s
cheapest locations’, listed the “10 cheapest regional suburbs”, with Ohakune in
ninth place at $249,300 (all property types), just ahead of Opotiki at $258,850.
But just down the road and also a popular place for a ski bach is Raetihi,
where the same website lists the median price at $120,000, up from $110,000
in 2017, for all property types.
That’s less than half the supposed second-cheapest ‘suburb’ of Ohakune.
The site’s data shows Raetihi residential property has increased in price by
16.67% over five years.
Ohakune’s residential property median sales prices, according to Oneroof,
had gone up 47.66% over five years.
National Park has also seen a steady increase, up 38.19% since 2014 for
residential properties, from $144,000 in 2014 to $199,000 in 2018.
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24 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018Getting to the back country,
through the ‘front country’
Access to the back country through Mt Ruapehu’s ski areas is possible, but RAL wants hikers to respect any closures
and warning signs.
By Liz Brooker “Comments along the lines of ‘it’s a National Park so you can do
In response to a number of queries from the back country com- what you like’ are rather incomplete and misinformed points of view”,
munity, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) have started drafting guidelines Mr Copland said.
around touring access across their Tongariro National Park ski fields. “The reality is that we’re obligated to take active steps to manage
Chief executive Ross Copland said traditionally, Ruapehu mountain the safety of folks within the ski area boundaries and we have the
users have cohabitated well but a new breed of backcountry novices delegated authority to restrict access when necessary.”
appear to be less aware of their personal obligations when traversing As the mountain environment is ever changing, owing to safety
through Tūroa and Whakapapa. concerns it’s not unusual for ski patrollers to block off access on any
“Historically, ski touring was done by experienced mountaineers of the mountain fields.
and back country people. Mr Copland is encouraging all users to respect any closures and
“What’s happened in the last few years is one of the fastest growing warning signs regardless of whether they have accessed the field with
retail category for [mountain] equipment has been ski touring, it’s a a lift pass or not.
whole new crowd. “Until the ski field is open for the day it’s pretty much like a con-
“They are largely people who are choosing to go for a ski tour in lieu struction site, there’s machinery, winch cables and explosives.
of going to the gym or as a fitness activity and their skill level is typi- “Some days we can’t clear certain terrain and close it, when people
cally a lot lower than the historical group doing back country touring. duck a rope line, which looks pretty innocuous, and then go out into
“The big one from our perspective is because their skill level is that terrain basically, you’re taking your life in your own hands.
where it is, they choose to ski within the ski area boundary because “We don’t get carried away with being ‘access nazis’ and we have
it’s perceived to be safe … what we don’t want to do is a blanket ban, huge respect for the touring community … I don’t see RAL unneces-
this will be a work in progress.” sarily getting in the way of anyone’s fun.”
In referring to RAL’s rights and obligations under their ski area More information about keeping safe and some of the courses
licences the company has to proactively manage public safety within available can be found at mountainsafety.org.nz, avalanche.net.nz or
the ski area boundaries. the Federated Mountain Clubs’ site fmc.org.nz.
BUYING OR SELLING? THEN CALL ....
Bill Te Karu Ken George
Office 06 385 8402 Office 06 385 8402
027 4144 031 027 7516 365
Email: thewatsonsruapehu@xtra.co.nz Goldfinch St, Ohakune.
Local knowledge and passion for our region
Licensed Real estate agent 2008
Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 25What you need to June snow
know about shuttles
On demand transport from accommodation services is available
from a number of local operators – for more information contact
a windfall
the iSites at Ohakune and Taumarunui.
RAL service:
Adults $6 return, Youth $6 return, Infants (0-4) free with a
paying adult and not occupying a seat. Before boarding a shuttle,
for Ruapehu
District,
tickets must be purchased from the cashless self-service kiosk,
which accepts debit and credit cards. Passes cannot be bought
from shuttle drivers.
National Park Station off Findlay Street, National Park to
claims RAL
Whakapapa: 15 June–23 September, 30-minute journey, departs
from National Park Train Stations daily, 8.15am | 8.45am | 9.15am
| 10.15am | 11.15am | 12.15pm | 3.45pm* | 4.45pm* *Night skiing
only. Not only are the skiers and snowboarders loving it but the local
Whakapapa Departures: 30-minute journey, departs from Top community is also benefitting from the early influx of visitors to the
of the Bruce Daily 1.15pm | 2.15pm | 3.15pm | 4.15pm | 7.45pm* | region, claims Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) chief executive Ross
8.45pm* | 9.45pm* *Night skiing only. Copland.
Ohakune to Tūroa, 29 June - 23 Sept, RAL office on Ayr Street: “Whakapapa welcomed 3685 visitors over Queen’s Birthday
7am | 8am | 9am | 10am | 11am departing from the Ohakune office opening weekend, smashing last year’s opening weekend record of
on Ayr Street – 30 min trip to Tūroa Plaza. 2700 visitors. The growth validates the $23m investment in new
Tūroa to Ohakune: 1:30pm | 2:30pm | 3:30pm | 4:30pm departing facilities at Whakapapa in the past two years, including a snow factory
from Tūroa Plaza – tickets available from Customer Relations at and new lifts,” he said in a press release.
Tūroa Plaza. “Local businesses have also reported extremely strong numbers
For other shuttle routes including Ohakune to Whakapapa head with Chateau Tongariro saying that they were ‘full of skiing families
to mtruapehu.com. from New Zealand and Australia’ over the long weekend.”
Traditionally, June has been one of the quietest months of the year
for the Ruapehu region due to the ski areas not opening until early
July.
Need “With snowmaking capacity now matching our counterparts in
South Island, and a June opening, we can guarantee the longest snow
Accommodation? season in New Zealand,” Ross says.
“Rather than being the last to open, Whakapapa is now the first
commercial ski area to open and that’s a big deal not only for us, but
for the wider Taupo-Ruapehu visitor economy.”
He said the outlook for more snow is looking good, with more
forecast.
“RAL is not ruling out early opening of other facilities on the
With us, you can select the size, style, mountain, including Turoa Ski Area if the snow keeps coming and
and location of alpine accommodation temperatures stay cold.”
A combination of a helping hand from Mother Nature and state of
to suit your needs. the art snowmaking led to the early start and the Lower Mountain
was also open via the Rangatira Express lift on Saturday 2 June – the
Browse & Book Online earliest the lift has ever opened for skiing and snowboarding.
www.ruapehu.co.nz
Ruapehu Chalet Rentals
The Shire
Ruapehu’s largest accommodation centre
Email: info@ruapehu.co.nz Boutique but affordable
16 Goldfinch St (opp. New World entrance)
Ph: 06-385-8149
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
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021 026 01764 22 Goldfinch St, Ohakune
26 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018Jumped a snow shuttle last year?
There have been a couple of changes.
Along side the traditional door-to-
door service offered by local transport
operators last year, a no-charge service
was implemented by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
(RAL).
For 2018 this as changed slightly and
snow lovers travelling from National Park
Station to Whakapapa or the ski field office in
Ohakune for transport up to Tūroa now need
to pre-purchase a $6 ticket for their return trip
before boarding the bus.
Following last year’s trial RAL, in
conjunction with Ruapehu District Council,
explored whether the snow shuttle service
fulfilled a public transport need.
This was a criteria that had to be met to
access NZTA funding for regional public Shuttles up to Tūroa and Whakapapa won’t be free this season but they are subsidised:
transport initiatives and as a co-investment now $6.
and RAL chief executive Ross Copland keep it free. Copland hoped that in time RAL could step
has announced the company as received a “Trying to get the numbers sorted without out of the market.
$500,000 boost for their 2018 service. other co-investment from the likes of DOC “We have no aspirations at all to be a
“Basically the cost of operating our [Department of Conservation], it was really transport operator, it’s simply out of necessity
transport [shuttle] service is around $1 hard to get it for free. to make it happen and in time I would say
million a year for the winter. “We are happy to put a quarter of a million that RAL will step away from transport
“There are a whole lot of benefits from the dollars into it ourselves as a prop up and to operations once we have proven that there’s a
NZTA point of view in reducing the accident try and keep the cost as low as we can and business case and model.
rates and with less congestion. that’s essentially what we have budgeted. “The challenge you have got is who else is
“If they are putting people on busses they “It’s really, really hard to get regionally willing to dip into their pocket for quarter of
don’t need to go and upgrade intersections so funded transport in any small community and a million bucks to make it happen?
it’s a real win-win for them … our application this gives us a huge opportunity to leverage “And until we can get the model to grow
was successful and it’s a huge win for the the scale we’ve got in winter to start building and there is enough ticketing revenue and
region.” a story around that and connecting.” that it’s actually a viable service it’s going to
Mr Copland said RAL would have liked to While currently running the service, Mr have to be RAL for the first couple of years.”
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Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 27Where’s Spud been up to?
By Liz Brooker
While many were sunning themselves at the beach, before Christ-
mas Schnapps Bar owner Craig ‘Spud’ Crosse jumped on an Antarctic
Logistics and Expeditions cargo plane, off to summit Mount Vinson.
“We were lucky we got the call and weather conditions meant we
flew out of Chile to Union Glacier the next morning.
“You don’t know whether you’re going to stay or have a hit-and-
run at the mountain, which is 4892 metres high and 1200 kilometres
from the South Pole.
“We landed and were taken through to the mess tent to have lunch
Turn to Page 30
Spud Crosse heading up a fixed rope line to High Camp for
the climb of Mt Vinson. Photo: Guy Cotter.
ACCOMMODATION | BAR | RESTAURANT
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Ruapehu Beers on tap
Ohakune’s largest screen for sports
Open from 4pm daily
(06) 385 8648 3 Rimu St, OHAKUNE
info@kingsohakune.co.nz
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28 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018Natty Park kids love snow
All the tamariki at National Park School would do just about anything to encourage snow lovers to head to their
annual ‘Pre-Loved Winter Gear Sale’ on 30 June from 3-6pm. The Carroll Street hall will be bursting at the seams
with donated clothing for both on and off the mountain, ski and snowboard gear and sleds along with some sweet
home baking treats as part of their major school fundraiser. Photo: Liz Brooker.
La Pizzeria
Ohakune’s best pizza for 31 years!
The longest serving restaurant in Ohakune
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06 385 8558
Check us out on lapizzeria.co.nz or on facebook
Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018 • 29Where’s Spud been up to?
From Page 28 Having climbed in Alaska, Spud Crosse had thought he had seen
and then were told we were leaving in 45 minutes for Mount Vincent, some of the most pristine and beautiful environments.
the weather window was right and the pilots were flying into camp “This was another world, another level, hike here – what you take
one.” in you have to take out.
Another of the teams ended up being stuck at base camp for seven “Vinson’s not a technical mountain by any stretch but I feel super
days and the only thing to do is go mountain biking round a 10-kilo- privileged to have been to Antarctica and summited.
metre track as they waited for their crack at the highest peak in Ant- “There is nothing on the radar for this year but, with only Everest
arctica. left on my Seven Summits list, it all gets heinously expensive and
“You know if things go pear-shaped you’re in a world of trouble, dangerous now.”
the cost of a evac [evacuation] is mega dollars. As of February 2010, only 1400 climbers had attempted to reach
“The cold is the big factor, the risk, you have to be sensible and the top of Mount Vinson.
think about every time you touch something that you don’t touch it
with skin.
“Quite often when I’m mucking round with carabiners I’ll quite
often put one in my mouth while I’m doing something and suddenly
you’re in all sorts of pain.”
During his two days at Camp One, swirling gale-force winds forced
the team to move their large protective ice walls after four tent poles
broke and a Russian team had their whole tent blown away with their
passports in it.
The forecasted temperature that day was negative -68 degrees Cel-
sius.
“Because ALE run heaps of trips, normally you would have your
own little tent spot and you would come back and use it again but
someone stole all our bricks so we had to go and cut more, which was
a massive, massive effort.
“Then the wind changed, it’s the coldest, remote place in the world.” Success: Spud Crosse’s Mt Vinson climbing team celebrate
in Antarctica. Photo supplied.
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30 • Ruapehu Snow Bulletin July 2018You can also read
