Queensland Term Abroad
New Zealand
Ruapehu Crater Lake
Led by volcanologist Peter Otway, a group ascended Ruapehu with hopes of seeing the crater lake. The climb begins at Whakapapa ski field. The landscape here is impressively stark - raw, jagged lava flows dominate the slopes. Using the ski field's chair lifts for the first part of the climb makes admiring the landscape easier, too. Once above the snow line, sunglasses are essential. Scrambling up the slope is worth it, though, for if the clouds part, the lake is truly impressive. Plus, you can slide back down the mountain!
Ngauruhoe from Ruapehu. Image courtesy DJ Hewey.
Max doing his Fonzie impression. Image courtesy Annmarie Mica.
Sunglasses are essential. Image courtesy DJ Hewey.
Lost Horizons. Image courtesy Annmarie Mica.
Tim's thumbs down. Image courtesy Annmarie Mica.
Spectacular view of Ruapehu's crater lake. There is now a natural dam blocking what used to be the outlet for lake overflow. This in turn has lead to increased danger from catastrophic lahar flows down the mountain. A sophisticated warning system is now in place; this should reduce the liklihood of another Tangiwai Railway Disaster. Image courtesy DJ Hewey.
Peter Otway, volcanologist and general good guy, deciding which student to sacrifice to the volcano gods. Image courtesy Annmarie Mica.