Hawke's Bay Regional Council's principal air scientist Dr Kathleen Kozyniak says it's the perfect time of year to view Ruapehu from Hawke's Bay. Photo / Warren Buckland
Hawke's Bay Regional Council's principal air scientist Dr Kathleen Kozyniak says it's the perfect time of year to view Ruapehu from Hawke's Bay. Photo / Warren Buckland
Mt Ruapehu has always towered over Hawke's Bay, but often it sits in the background of our Kaweka Range.
But on Monday its dazzling white against a crisp August blue sky morning brought the giant of a maunga firmly into the foreground.
Ruapehu is visible from several places in Hawke'sBay - Napier Hill and even the Brookfields Bridge are able to catch a glimpse.
But its viewing is at its best on the hills around Havelock North.
A sheep on Te Mata Peak admires Mt Ruapehu on Monday. Photo / Warren Buckland
Hawke's Bay Regional Council's principal air scientist Dr Kathleen Kozyniak said the atmosphere was dry and skies were clear, providing near-perfect visibility on Monday.
"Good visibility also comes with low levels of particulates. The wind has been from the southwest so we haven't got too much in the way of sea spray and, given the good visibility, probably pollens as well.
"Plus we've had enough wind last night for smoke from home fires not to hang around. Our particulate levels measured at our air quality sites were low overnight following the wintry Sunday.
A pair out for a morning job eye the maunga in the distance. Photo / Warren Buckland
"Timing is everything though – once the high digs in and winds fall light, the subsiding air can start trapping particulates so enjoy the views while you can."
