Mount Ruapehu is one of the most iconic mountains of New Zealand. With its highest peak at 2,797 metres, it's the highest point in the North Island. I first visited the area in the winter of 2014. Ever since, the idea of giving it a try on snowy conditions was going around my mind. But it wasn't until the end of October that my mate Andy and I finally decided to give it a go.

The All Blacks were to play the final of the Rugby World Cup. Both Turoa and Whakapapa ski fields were officially closed. The weather forecast for the weekend was looking great. We would probably have the mountain for ourselves. I don't think the overall conditions could be any better!

We drove up there on Friday evening and did the climb on Saturday. As expected, conditions were amazing. It was cold, as you would expect in an alpine environment, but the sky was blue and there was very little wind. We took the Whakapapa Glacier route and completed the following points/peaks:

• Paretetaitonga
• Dome
• Glacier Know
• Tukino Peak
• Te Heuheu
• Cathedral Rocks

On a normal day we probably wouldn't have gone around so much but due to the excellent conditions we decided to spend as long as possible around the summits and the plateau.

The day after was still good so we did a hike to the Tama Lakes. These lakes are located between Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe (aka as Mount Doom), providing excellent views to both mountains. From Whakapapa Village is a 3-4 hours return hike.

Haere Mai Maunga Ruapehu!

If you're keen on going for a mission to Mount Ruapehu or around the Tongariro National Park, check the DOC website for information on routes and conditions.