Easter 2014

 

So..every year we head off at Easter to a new destination chosen by one of four from the Pengelly family. This year was my youngest brothers turn to choose and we ended up in Ohakune. Ohakune is approx. two and half hours drive from Tokoroa, nestled on the southern slopes of Mt Ruapheu. It is a small village that comes alive during the ski season when it is a bustling centre for après-ski activities!

 

A lot of towns in NZ have something they are known for and Ohakune is known for its carrots! :)

 
 
Mum, Vaughan and I enjoyed a lovely 2km walk along a stream right in town-it ran the length of the village and was very pretty!

 

 

 

 
There are numerous tracks and trails and, of course, a spot of geocaching was on the cards.

 
 
We found the most gorgeous 'gnome home' geocache-too cute!!

 

 

 
 We stayed mid-April before all the snow and enjoyed a fabulous three days exploring the area.
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
Jeff, Caitlin, Olivia and I ventured up the mountain road where we found a lovely one hour walk to a waterfall. The track was easy walking and was well worth the gorgeous view at the end! I just love waterfalls!

 

 

 

The Gash family spent a lovely afternoon at the Waiouru museum about 30 mins south of Ohakune. This museum is an absolutely in-depth collection of memorabilia relating to all the wars NZ has (unfortunately) had to  participate in. It is quite moving and emotional wandering around the displays and you get a very real sense of conditions and atmosphere at times. :(

On our way back to Ohakune we stopped off at Tangiwai. This is the site of a terrible train disaster; in fact, the biggest in NZ history. On Christmas Eve 1953, a lahar came down Mt Ruapehu damaging a bridge structure in its path. Unfortunately, not  long after, a train travelling from Wellington to Auckland came over that bridge. Due to the damage, the bridge collapsed plunging the train into the river. 151 died and many were injured on a bleak Christmas Eve :(
The memorial is a very sobering site!

Another wonderful Easter weekend exploring an area we have never visited before. I really enjoy discovering towns in NZ that we haven't stayed in before. Easter is a highlight of my year. Oh yeah...the chocolate is pretty good too :)