Mt Ruapehu is a relatively young and active volcano, erupting about every 10 years. The last major eruption occurred in 1996 and completely wrote off the ski season. An eruption was due......
On the evening of Tuesday, September 25 the mountain spoke as it spewed rock and ash 4km into the air. Although minor as far as eruptions go, the event was spectacular and blanketed the top of the mountain in a layer of black ash. Numerous rocks left large craters in the snow on the upper mountain. Two lehars (mud flows) streamed down the mountain, one found its way through the Whakapapa ski area and narrowly missed a groomer! Unfortunately one man was injured when a boulder crashed through the roof of the hut his party was staying in, crushing his legs.
Although extensive early detection systems are in place at Mt Ruapehu, the eruption came with no warning. Luckily it occurred after the ski areas shut down for the day so no skiers were at risk. As a precaution Whakapapa and Turoa ski areas closed down for the day on Wednesday but lifts were spinning once again by Thursday. Mt Ruapehu - a unique experience not to be missed!