The shit weather we’d experienced back in Methven also stretched to the North Island. But here in Mt Ruapehu the sun was blazing and there was talk it was going to last. It was coming up the the weekend, I expected the slopes to be busy.

The first day I met some local riders on the Turoa ski field. I had a full day riding this quality resort. There were more lifts and runs than the southern slopes I had experienced. This surprised me as it’s the south that gets all the hype.

The next day I drove half an hour round the volcano to National Park, a good base for Whakapapa resort. It was a tough choice leaving Turoa as it had been perfect. It was a classic case of stick or twist, and I’m glad I twisted. Another fine blue-sky-day although just as crowded. The cool thing about Whakapapa is the type of terrain. There are gullies, humps, banks and small drops everywhere. I found a really sweet run on the far side of the mountain. Other people were there too but it was easy to find a solo route down. I sessioned the same gully, formed by lava, for the rest of the afternoon. Around 3.30 the cloud came in and killed everything. It was a white-out, but I could easily find my way back out as I’d done the run so many times.

After two days riding it was time to bin my boots. They were knackered after 5 months in Whistler and many weeks riding since. The sole was hanging off and they were always wet. I dumped them off at a BP garage dustbin and headed North to Lake Taupo for the day.

At lake Taupo I visited an earthquake and volcano museum, Huka falls and some thermal hot springs and Geysers. It’s a fascinating area, one I will return to another day.

Rotorua is also part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Criminally, I spent just one day here, it deserves much, much more. I had time to see some more volcanic activity in the form of erupting Geysers and thermal springs. I also joined a small tour round an old Maori village. The next day I drove to Auckland and flew to Japan.

The last few days were very rushed, but I’d had a great time. Sometimes it’s nice to do one thing thoroughly rather than trying to cover too much. I am glad I have been able to snowboard here, I enjoyed riding with Phil and Annalie, lapping Snowpark, exploring local hills and riding a volcano. When my knees no longer work, I promise to come back experience everything I have missed.