*MT RUAPEHU - RINGATOTO PEAK - SNOW HIKE

WELCOME EVERYONE
Join us for a snowy walk up to Ringatoto Peak, one of the peaks of Mt Ruapehu. This is for people who have completed one of our snow skills events, or a snowcraft course with the alpine club.

TRACK INFO
There is no water on the track.
There is a toilet at the carpark and a toilet less than half way up.
Terrain may be snowy all the way, or a combination of rock and snow.
Two ice axes are required as it may get a bit too steep for regular walking.

SATURDAY 30 AUGUST
Leave Auckland at the time that suits you.
Drive 5h to either:
1. YHA National Park Backpackers, 4 Findlay Street, National Park Village, or
2. Mangahuia Campsite, which is 6km away.
Get everything ready today.
Make tomorrow morning very easy.

SUNDAY 31 AUGUST
4:50am Cars outside YHA National Park Backpackers, all wearing headlights, ready to drive.
Drive 53km to Turoa skifield carpark, Ohakune Mountain Road, Ohakune.
Helmets on.
Begin walk up to Ringatoto Peak.
We may have time to visit Girdlestone Peak too.
6:38am - Sunrise.
We may return to carpark at 4pm.
5:57pm - Sunset.
Drive 5h to Auckland.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

1. YHA National Park Backpackers
Cost varies.
Shops nearby.
Has hot showers, electricity, kitchen, heating.
Book at npbp.co.nz or by calling 078922870

or 2. Mangahuia Campsite
$15/night
No shops nearby.
Has non-flush toilet, tank water.
Book it yourself at doc.govt.nz/mangahuia-campsite

GEAR - SNOW HIKING
Winter mountaineering boots (crampon compatible).
Crampons (no microspikes).
Two ice axes.
Two umbilical leashes for ice axes (e.g. Black Diamond Spinner leash).
Helmet (bike, mountaineering or ski helmet).
Winter gloves (e.g. ski gloves with additional inner glove).
Buff.

GEAR - BACKPACK
Large backpack which can easily hold everything.
Harness (or backpack must have a hip belt).
Pack liner or rubbish sack (to waterproof gear).
Emergency shelter.
Food & water.
Headlight.

GEAR - CLOTHING
Thermal socks (e.g. wool).
Warm-when-wet breathable layers (e.g. merino long johns, merino shirt, merino jumper, puffy synthetic-filled jacket).
Rain jacket.
Rain poncho.
Rain pants.
No cotton.
No jeans.

GEAR - PROTECTION
Sunscreen, lip balm.
Sunglasses (with side protection, lens category 4 or greater).

GEAR - RECOMMENDED
Gaiters (knee height).
PLB (personal locator beacon).

GEAR - OPTIONAL
Cap (with no button and fits under helmet).

GEAR HIRE
Organise gear hire early.
Contact Living Simply in Newmarket for winter boots ($50), crampons ($50) & ice axe ($25) per weekend hire.
livingsimply.co.nz/page/hire.aspx
Contact Bivouac stores for crampons ($10) & ice axe ($10) per day hire.
bivouac.co.nz/gearhire
Contact me for two umbilical ice axe leashes ($5) or for one ice axe hire ($25).

DRIVING THERE
You're welcome to ask for a lift or offer a lift in the comments section.
790km return from Auckland.
If 1 passenger, suggest give $80 to driver.
2 passengers $70 each.
3 passengers $60 each.

BY ATTENDING YOU AGREE
Your safety is your responsibility.
Attendees must RSVP to event.
The slowest sets the pace.
Tell someone your plans.
We help each other.
We stick together.
Led by organiser.
No littering.
No guests.

TO ATTEND
Click on "Join waitlist with a low priority", then send $10 to organiser for helping with snowcraft costs, meetup costs, group safety gear.
There is no need to pay for Meetup+