Travel to Ruapehu, New Zealand - where adventure begins

The Lord of the Rings"
This has to be one of the most amazing WOW places for me in the Ruapehu District. The Crater Lake on Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand's most famous volcano.

Mt Ruapehu has a history that dates back well before the ice age. It is sacred to the local Maori people and is the highest point in the North Island. Being an active volcano, Mt Ruapehu is prone to eruptions and lahars and there have been a couple of small to moderate ones recently. However, with sophisticated warning systems in place, people are able to enjoy the best skiing conditions in New Zealand in the winter season. And hiking and trekking in summer.

"The Whanganui River"
As you canoe, kayak or jetboat down the Whanganui River, it is easy to imagine yourself being transported back in time. Steep lush banks, crystal icy cold waterfalls, abandoned homes and farms from early settler days. You can almost hear the echoes of long ago wars between the Maoris and the Europeans. And the old steamboats making their way down the river filled with tourists and/or livestock.

Then you round the corner and are transported into the world of Tolkien and Peter Jackson. You imagine Gollum catching fish and diving for the ring, and Orcs travelling on foot, close to the river banks in hot pursuit of hobbits. A total wow.

Travel to Ruapehu and try swinging a golf club on the highest golf course in New Zealand. That's a definite "Wow"

NZ's premiere beginners' ski area - Happy Valley.
That's a wow wee!

Learn about the healing and sacred waters of the Maori people and be "wowed" by the flora, fauna, stories and historical sites.

That's right! Canoe, kayak or jetboat down NZ's longest navigable river - The Whanganui River.
A magical "Wow!"

Snowboard or ski on the Turoa Ski Area - Australasia's longest vertical rise and NZ's highest ski lift. Wowwwwwww!!!

Tongariro National Park, a trekker's paradise. Simply "Wow"!

Mt Ngauruhoe, a.k.a. Mt Doom in The Lord of The Rings movie trilogy. Truly breathtaking.

Big Hollywood blockbuster "WOW!"