Depends on which way you are looking? These from last month, doesn't look marginal to me, but the wind hold was a biatch.
I meant marginal in a strict sense. Isolated and in what could be regarded as a sub tropical climate, if it were not for the elevations you have there in that part of the North Island.
sub tropical? wtf mate that line finishes at Raglan nothing marginal about that part of the world. Ruapehu is a frikken big big mountain..
Was actually thinking of the mountain range that runs between Ruapehu and Napier / Hawkes Bay. Not sure what they are called but the seem to be (Google maps) within the Ruahine Forest Park area. Got quite a good view of them looking west from Temata Peak and on the drive south from Hastings to Ashhurst.
I hit it yesterday it was pretty rad! shallow fresh dry cover on very hard pack. Had a tonne of fun, so many proper leg burning steeps too!
Turoa bud, was very surprised with my 1 day. we had horrid weather for 3 days with snow falling on the last day which led to the fresh cover in the morning. it was pretty much sugared up by 11-12. but at 10am it was fandidletastic!
From Lake Taupo south to Wellington they are The Main Dividing Range or Kaimanawas, Kawekas, Ruahines, Tararuas, Rimutakas and finally the Aorangi Range which slides into the sea on the eastern side of Palliser Bay. Mangaweka on the Ruahines is the highest point at about 1730m. In the colder months they can have pretty heavy snow cover. You can tell I used to live in Hawkes Bay.
Late. Think July. Ruapehu ski slopes are on volcanic boulder fields. Need a lot of snow to cover the rocks. But the season can run into November. Spring skiing is good there. But it is different to Australia weather wise. Plan for 1/3 days full resort closure (no skiing). Views to die for and a massive mountain. Lots of terrain. But jeez, bedevilled by tricky weather. See the Ruapehu trip report threads. Cheapest season pass in the world, just about.
