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T’was Labour weekend, the last weekend that Mount
Ruapehu could possibly be open before the end of
the snow season. Lauren and I were heading there
no matter what to try and make the most of a skimpy
snow season in between weather and yip, you guessed
it, Covid levels. We were just hoping for the classic
dodgy, four seasons in one day forecast to be wrong.
To begin our great weekend mission, we drove halfway
up Tukino field and decided to spend our very first night
in our brand new Kiwi Camping tent 1200m+ above
sea level. The 4WD road up felt like we were on a true
adventure and waking up to desert-like views, no wind
and the sun shining; we instantly knew today was the
day!
Lauren Murray, a professional Adventure photographer
who had also just finished her avalanche safety course
was all in for this adventure with me. Feeling super
confident with my skiing skills, I had done minimal
hiking and mountaineering so did still feel a little like a
fish out of water. Or should I say I felt like a surfer out of
the ocean. Lauren’s confidence and ‘go-get-em’ attitude
made me more comfortable about this mission ahead
of us. The only downfall about going with a professional
photographer is they have a sh*t load of cameras and
camera gear to carry but as you can see, it was well
worth it for the photos we did get.
As well as cameras, we made sure we were extra
prepared. Growing up with Mt Taranaki in my backyard,
I’ve seen all its flaws and heard of many hikers getting
caught out because of the weather conditions changing
within minutes or lack of gear. So with that in the back
of my mind, we packed many thermal layers and
jackets. As well as three sets of crampons (I had a set
that fit my ski boots and a set that fit my hiking boots).
Ice axes, snacks, as well as a gas canister to boil some
water for our new favourite lightweight hiking food;
a delicious vegetarian spaghetti bolognese made by
LocalDehy.
We had heard mixed reports of whether Whakapapa
or Turoa was the easiest way to get to the summit.
After a couple of days snowboarding at Turoa during
the season, we decided to head to Whakapapa purely
because we hadn’t been to that side this year. I’m so
glad we decided that side though because apparently
the gradient isn’t as steep as the Turoa side and
because I chose to skin up on my skis, it made it way
easier. Lauren hiked the whole way in her crampons.
Both great options. Before heading up we tried to do
some research and studied a topographic map and
talked to the Whakapapa Ski Patrol to plan our route
up.
Hopping off the highest West T-bar at about 3:30pm we
began our trek up and over the glacier knob ridge and
towards the dome. After multiple stops for breathtaking
views, snacks, layering clothes and facetiming friends
halfway up the mountain, we finally thought we were
there. Well, Lauren thought we were there. With a
disappointed tone in her voice she said “Yip, this must
Previous page: Paige at the summit
Inserts left: Paige chose to skin up in her skis / Insert right: Lauren hiked in her crampons
Right: Lauren working her magic