Mount Ruapehu*****
Peter's cousin, George had invited us to go skiing! We have never ski
before and thought it would be a great one since later summer, there
won't be snow in the south island. So off we go during the weekend. Still can't believe we can go skiing at NZ only after 3 days in NZ! We
woke up at 3.30am on saturday and George's friend Rana drove all 4 of us
towards Mount Ruapehu, the only place to ski on the northern island of
NZ. It was a 4-5 hours drive, very beautiful drive. Although P&A
slept through most the journey but when we are about to reach thr
mountain area, the scenery is just beautiful.
So excited!! Everyone is getting ready for the skiing at Turoa Ski Field...
By 8.30am we were already going up the mountain at Turoa ski area but
the traffic is slowwWW.... We had to park at the lower carpark and take
the shuttle bus up the entrance. George and Rana are into snow boarding.
Well, we thought the snow board is quite difficult to learn and
balance, so we decided to take the snow skiing.
We bought the Discovery package (NZ$108each) which includes the scenic
chair lift, a beginner lesson for 2 hours, and rental of skis and boots.
This package is actually cheaper than if you buy the full day mountain
pass ($95), ski rental ($39) and lesson for $60. The only catch is this
package do not allow you to get on the chair lift with your skis on,
since you're a beginner. So we can only ski at the Meadow alpine.
It was not as scary and we still manage to learn how to stop after yesterday's youtube video on 'how to ski'.. Hehe... Gosh, the small toddlers (like 4yrs of age) can even ski better than US! Paiseh nyer...
After the two hours lesson, both of us learned more on the basic skills, like how to walk uphill, stop properly but still struggle to make turns smoothly. However, the group is quite big (10 of us), so the instructor don't pay much attention to all.
Taking the scenic chairlift up to Parklane..
It is very FUN, snow skiing... We had a great time, even though just
skiing at the lower alpine area, which is overcrowded... Then we sat on
the chairlift and have a look around the Parklane area. Getting on and
off the chairlift for the first time is so nervous! We had to get on the
chair quick and even quicker getting out. Such beautiful views!!
We carried only Our small Canon camera so picture quality is limited :p
Before we know it, its 4pm. Closing time! Aaww....
Before we know it, its 4pm. Closing time! Aaww....
Having a beer after skiing is a MUST for these GUYS! (Rana, Peter, George)
That night we checked in at the Top 10 holiday park cabin at Ohakune.
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