There are high hopes for snow on Mt Ruapehu this weekend.
Some forecasters have predicted up to 30cm of snow will fall. However, the weather can change rapidly in the mountains, but even if things deteriorate, well-established year-round biking, hiking and other activities mean there'll be plenty to do ifchairlifts don't run.
I've yet to experience a disappointing trip to the mountains.
This was underlined during my last visit when I cycled Ohakune's Old Coach Rd with Visit Ruapehu general manager Mike Smith.
In the 1930s, this was the scenery which inspired John Mulgan's great New Zealand novel, Man Alone.
The marvellous Ruapehu rocks and crags haven't changed since then, or in the past few thousand years.
Active types will have no trouble amusing themselves.
They can even paddleboard year-round on Lake Otamangakau, a relatively warm, shallow lake compared to Taupo, and just 25 minutes drive from National Park Village.
Beyond all hoopla for the young and active, Ruapehu offers Aucklanders rare tranquillity and solitude.
There's nowhere better to merely stare out the window and think.