AGM Field Trip: No.2 Drive Building
Sunday, 23 November 2025
Our second AGM field trip set off on a colder, moody morning at Whakapapa. Low cloud hung across the upper mountain as the group gathered, a marked contrast to the previous day’s sunshine.
The Rangatira Chairlift was started especially for our group, thanks to Steve Manunui (General Manager) and Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL), allowing us to travel up the maunga to Hut Flat. From there we took the short walk to the No.2 Drive building site.
At the site, trip leader Mark Davies talked us through the history and significance of the building, while Murray Wilson, who has a keen interest in the topic, enthusiastically added to the kōrero. Once part of Ruapehu’s original ski-field infrastructure, the drive station is now a redundant structure under Department of Conservation management. Attention was drawn to the craftsmanship of the stone masonry, carefully shaped blocks of local volcanic rock - and to current discussions about protecting the building’s heritage values and securing its future. Project Tongariro is advocating to the Department of Conservation and will take on the ‘restoration project’ if the building is moved off the redundant structure list, and is lodged with the Historic Places Trust, and if this occurs, then we can begin fundraising.
Mark also referenced a detailed conservation report during his talk linked here for those interested in learning more: No.2 Chairlift Building, 1956 Whakapapa Conservation Report for the Department of Conservation.
After time exploring the site and hearing about the challenges it faces, the group walked back to Hut Flat and was lucky enough to look through Glacier Hut - the first hut on the snowfield, built by the Ruapehu Ski Club in 1923 and recently lovingly restored, complete with amazing interpretation.. From there, we wandered down the mountain to the Sky Waka, with thanks again to WHL for organising a complimentary ride up the mountain for our members.
We then gathered for kai together at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, taking time to reflect on a wonderful trip before departing for home. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to those who helped make the field trip possible.
