A team of seven climbers — Neville Palmer, Gavin Marshall, Jason Brown, Ali Bryant, Frances Woodhead, Mark Yeo, and Trey Guinn — ventured to Ruapehu during late August 2007. After favourable weather forecasts shifted to uncertainty, they discovered exceptional climbing conditions upon arrival.
Starting from the Turoa carpark rather than using chairlifts, the group ascended with crampons, encountering high-quality snow. The team possessed mixed abilities, allowing each member to find appropriate challenges. Navigation errors led some climbers to a col beneath steep ice on the summit’s northern aspect, yet this detour proved pleasant rather than problematic as they enjoyed lunch overlooking Crater Lake.
The descent became memorable when softened snow conditions transformed the return journey into “bum-sliding and shovel-sliding,” providing comic relief as they passed ascending snowboarders and skiers.
On the second day, rather than attempting Girdlestone as originally planned, the group identified impressive ice formations at First Finger Gully above the Giant Café. This alternative venue proved ideal for skill development. Members practised two-tool ice climbing, placing ice screws, anchor setup, and lead climbing. The informal instruction session allowed participants to learn a lot and have a ball in the process, before returning to Wellington.