The Sarahsaurus Tubing Descent

In this early winter trip report, (perhaps my silliest) I went to Happy Valley at Mt Ruapehu where the skifield operators had made a sledding track with artificial snow for frustrated skiers to use to ride down on a tube while waiting for some real snow. Normally this snow tubing would have been fairly dull fun but when a young and very playful Sarahsaurus (Sarah’s lizard) wanders into the lift queue to try tubing then things became much more interesting and enjoyable.

There was something uniquely surreal about watching a Sarahsaurus—a creature not known for its alpine agility—glissading haplessly down the snow slope – but then the Tongariro National Park is full of surprises.

Why Share the Ridiculous?

Whether you are on a solo expedition along the Tin Range or hunting for a dinosaur cave in Ferny Gair, it is sometimes moments of silliness that make being in the hills so memorable. So, we hope this reminds you to pack your sense of fun on your next NZ tramp.

PS. Always make sure you have a safe run-out, and there are no obstacles to hit, before glissading – an uncontrolled descent can have unpleasant consequences.