Summer on the mountains

by Brown Bear - February 8th, 2008. Filed under: Latest News, North Island, South Island.

Winter may be over but that doesn’t mean you can’t still come and enjoy the New Zealand mountains with non-snow related activities.

At Ruapehu from 15 December Whakapapa will be open for sightseeing chairlift rides to New Zealand’s highest cafe, Knoll Ridge. Lorenz’s Cafe at the base area and Knoll Ridge will both be open and the Vertical retail store at the base area will have lots of cool summer clothing, tramping equipment and souvenirs. You can hire tramping boots and wet-weather gear from Vertical and check out one of the independent walks over volcanic terrain, or you can go on one of the spectacular guided crater walks where you’ll find the best views and learn about the volcanic and cultural history of the mountain. Check out www.mtruapehu.com for details.

In and around the Cheeseman area many activities are readily available – just because your snowboard has been retired for the season doesn’t mean you can’t get out on the mountain and test your skills. Go mountain biking, hiking, caving or rock climbing/boldering. See www.mtcheeseman.com for the latest info.

If mountain biking is your summer sport of choice, you’d be insane to not check out Dirt Park NZ – a new venture from the crew at Snow Park NZ, bringing you New Zealand’s newest freestyle mountain bike park. Chairlift access to progressive freestyle terrain for all levels of riders, beginners through to advanced, and there’s also a bonus downhill track on face of mountain. The Dirt Park season begins December 27th, so grab your bike and carve up the mountain, fat-tire style. Dirt Park is situated 35km from Wanaka and 55km from Queenstown. Check out www.dirtparknz.com for more info.