Blizzard traps Mt Ruapehu skiers

Blizzard conditions have closed Mt Ruapehu, with reports 30 people were at one point stuck on the Mountain.

Turoa and Whakapapa Ski Fields and the roads up the mountain have been closed with heavy snow and gusts of wind being reported by TVNZ.


Whakapapa skifield operators are advising people to stay put if they can. TVNZ.

It was reported earlier that up to 30 people were stuck on the mountain however, it is understood guided trips were being made down the mountain.

A Massy University Alpine Club is understood to have been part of the group of 30.

Student Charlie Watson Jones told ONE News visibility was poor and the winds were 'quite bad”.

"We don't have a set plan but we don't want to do anything stupid," he said at the time.

A Mt Ruapehu spokesperson says they are battling with blizzard conditions.

"We are convoying groups down on the hour, so it's taking a bit of time to get everyone down."

The spokesperson says the worst of the weather set in overnight and is expected to linger until Wednesday.

Additional reporting: TVNZ.

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