Sarah Alexander (left) and Jodi Starr, both of Ohakune, enjoyed tubing on Mt Ruapehu. Photo / Supplied
Sarah Alexander (left) and Jodi Starr, both of Ohakune, enjoyed tubing on Mt Ruapehu. Photo / Supplied
The last of the season's snow on Mt Ruapehu, combined with pristine conditions, attracted a crowd over the weekend, with the mountain busy with skiers, snowboarders, tubers and sightseers.
It was a contrast to most of this year's ski season which was hampered by challenging weather conditions including storms, windand icy conditions.
Whakapapa's Valley T Bar was full of skiers and snowboarders and visitors took the new Sky Waka up the mountain for sightseeing and tubing.
"It's great to see so many people enjoying the mountain on such a beautiful weekend," Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) sales and marketing general manager Michelle Caldwell said.
"While the snow will disappear over the coming weeks the Sky Waka is open throughout the summer for sightseeing.
"As well as offering a great summer experience, the Sky Waka is valuable to the region's economy, resulting in employment for locals and a boost to local restaurants, bars and accommodation with the influx of summer visitors to what has traditionally been a winter activity."