Travel to Ruapehu, New Zealand - where adventure begins

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Wow Ruapehu

There are so many things I love about Ruapehu in New Zealand. This lens features some of the fun and wonderful attractions and activities that you can see and experience while you are there.

(If you are not sure where Ruapehu is, make sure you visit my Ruapehu New Zealand lens). 

All images on this lens are courtesy of Visit Ruapehu. For information about Ruapehu make sure you visitruapehu.com.

My favourite "WOW" Mt Ruapehu 

Reminds me of my favourite movie...

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.

A truly Wow river experience 

Beckoning you to follow...

"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.

Things to make you go "Wow" 

How high can you go?

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

No worries... 

Be happy!

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

Feel the magic 

Journey down the Whanganui River on a guided Maori cultural tour.

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

Enjoy the ride 

Try paddling your own canoe...

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

Be exhilarated 

Almost touch the sky!

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

Experience the extraordinary 

River deep, mountain high!

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

Behold a Hollywood Movie Star 

Awe inspiring

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

Big Hollywood blockbuster "WOW!"

Wow Music to play Visiting Ruapehu 

Split Enz & Crowded House

Split Enz is one of the most successful bands to emerge from New Zealand. Brothers Tim Finn and Neil Finn were both in Split Enz and when the band broke up in the 80's, Neil Finn started up with fellow Australian and NZ band members - Crowded House.

When visiting Ruapehu this is the sort of music that I recommend you need to be playing on your iPod or in the car. Great Wow music.

Featured "Wow - Ruapehu" Video 

This video is really engaging and while it was playing I was thinking "Wow - this looks like such a lot of fun, I really want to go to the Big Mountain Short Film Festival this year in Ohakune!"

Big Mountain Short Film Festival Call for Entries Promo

This is the promo that ran during the inaugural Big Mountain Short Film Festival on October 20 - 22, 2006. Visit http://bigmountain.co.nz to learn how you can be a part of the 2007 festival! It's free and the Call for Entries deadline is August 31st!

Runtime: 3:21
485 views
0 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

A big New Zealand "WOW" 

Latest promo from New Zealand Tourism

Keep an eye out for the kids playing rugby and also doing the Maori haka. They are on the Waimarino plains with Mt Ruapehu in the background. Also there is a scene with a motorbike, that was shot in the Ruapehu District.

100% Pure New Zealand - TV Ad 1

Legend has it that New Zealand was fished from the sea. Fact has it that New Zealand was the last land mass on earth to be discovered, making New Zealand the youngest country on earth. http://www.newzealand.com/tvcscenes

Runtime: 2:22
1308558 views
10 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Featured Lens about another Wow place in NZ 

Kaikoura - located in the South Island of New Zealand

Check out the "Essential Guide to Kaikoura New Zealand" by Lensmaster - Rachel

Great "WOW" Stuff on Amazon 

Ruapehu Erupts

Ok I haven't read this book, but Mt Ruapehu is so "Wow" even when it isn't erupting, that I thought it was worthwhile showcasing.

Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009) Buy Now
List Price:

The Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring (The Complete Recordings)

My most favourite "Wow" movies that include the Ruapehu District.

Amazon Price: $53.99 (as of 11/09/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $59.98

History Never Repeats: The Best of Split Enz

One of the most famous New Zealand "Wow" bands.

Amazon Price: $11.98 (as of 11/09/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $11.98

Whale Rider

My favourite "Wow" New Zealand movie.

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 11/09/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $14.94

Hayley Westenra - Live From New Zealand

A young New Zealand singer that has "Wowed" the world.

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 11/09/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.98

Wow... I would love to hear from you. 

Tell me about your wow experience in Ruapehu, ask me a question about Ruapehu, make a recommendation or just say "Wow" or "Hi".

MarieFlorian wrote...

Hi everyone. Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, prosperous 2008. Cheers Marie :-)

ReplyPosted December 20, 2007

driewe wrote...

Your lens are great, enjoyed the photos as usual.
Travel Insurance: Be In Safe Hands Wherever You Go

ReplyPosted December 18, 2007

MarieFlorian wrote...

Hello. I would just like to say "thank you" to everyone who has sent me comments and rated my lens. It is so good to receive feedback from the Squidoo community. Cheers Marie

ReplyPosted November 15, 2007

AidanR wrote...

You're my 'Feature Lens' this week! Great stuff.

Rachel

ReplyPosted November 12, 2007

suetv wrote...

Great lens! Thanks for helping people gain a greater appreciation of this beautiful land!

ReplyPosted October 30, 2007

Clutterbugs wrote...

Very cool! I have honestly never heard of Ruapehu before today...but I am a traveler and love to find out about new places. ***** for expanding my travel horizons!

ReplyPosted October 10, 2007

The_Bard wrote...

A 5-star lens. Crisp, fresh design with superb images.

ReplyPosted October 07, 2007

Meloramus wrote...

I love NZ and this brought the memories back! 5*!

ReplyPosted October 07, 2007

LisaJesse wrote...

Hi! I appreciate your lens and all the great info. Please visit my new lens Lisa Martin and get to know me better! Thanks! your friend, ~LISA~

ReplyPosted October 05, 2007

Reggie_Marigold wrote...

WOW! Really enjoyed your Things to make you go "Wow" mod and that crater - stunning!

ReplyPosted October 04, 2007

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Bridge to Nowhere - Ruapehu District

by MarieFlorian

Hello. Ruapehu is definitely a WOW place with so much to see and do.

For more information about Ruapehu go to my Visit Ruapehu lens.


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