manganui
The symmetrical volcanic cone of
Mt Taranaki (also called Mt Egmont) rises dramatically above the
plain, thrusting up its snow-capped peak as a beacon to snow
lovers.
Manganui ski field sprawls over the eastern flanks of this silent
sentinel, offering the sort of spine-tingling volcanic-slope
skiing that pushes the pulse rate to the max. Exhilarating rapid
descents of up to 1 km can be made from the top tow elevation of
1,680 metres. When conditions permit you can make the
invigorating two hour climb to the summit crater, take in the
astounding panoramic view to Tongariro National Park and then
glissade 1,300 metres down through virgin snow - the ultimate
alpine adventure.
This delightful field is operated and funded by the Stratford
Mountain Club, whose members make visitors very welcome. The
season runs from June to October, and as the field is covered
with a soft cushion of alpine moss, it needs only 10 cm of snow
cover. Snow ratings are 5% beginner, 30% intermediate and 65%
advanced, and the lifting capacity is provided by 1 T-Bar and 3
rope tows.
Manganui ski field is a 45 minute drive from New Plymouth, where
you can obtain all your ski equipment needs, and 15 minutes from
Stratford. The access road from Stratford runs 18 km through
beech forest to the car park. From there it is a 20 minute walk
to the ski field, and 5 minutes along the way is a flying
fox goods lift that conveys equipment across the Manganui
Gorge.
The on-field lodge is available for overnight stays at reasonable rates and offers comfortable chalets and an excellent à la carte restaurant. Stratford has a wide selection of places to stay and an attractive pub scene.
Ski hire is available from the Kiwi Outdoors Centre in Ariki Street, New Plymouth, while snowboard hire is available from Seasons Cheapskates in the Burger King Complex.
The upper slopes of Manganui present a compelling challenge for
the adventurous skier or boarder. Its a rollicking ride on
the volcano.
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