Some people might have said that the snow was odd. After all, christmas trees and snow never mix do they? Some other people might say the christmas tree because there have been occasions when it has snowed in England in June (I think) and christmas is in December after all. Let me put you out of your misery. All of them and yet none of them. Perhaps I should explain...

We had debated the idea of staying a night in somewhere slightly more luxurious for a few weeks. Whilst researching sights to see in the central north island, we found the Grand Chateau sitting right at the base of Mount Ruapehu. Perfect. Take a look at the picture, you might agree. As it turns out, the Grand Chateau was also a stop for the LOTR film crew. As some of the scenes in Mordor and Emyn Muil were filmed fifteen minutes up the road, the Chateau made a perfect base for the cast and crew. It even has its own cinema where the dailies were viewed. Of course, filming took place in a warmer season and so it looked different when we went up there.

As we drove up to the Chateau, we encountered snow. It was only thin on the ground but snow none the less. We checked in to the hotel (and had our room upgraded). Before we'd even had a chance to wander around, the snow was falling thick and fast. We had a bite of lunch and a bath or two and then settled in for a rather delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant. Afterwards, we had a glass or port each whilst sat by a big window watching the snow fall. Just the other side of us was a christmas tree from the hotel's mid-winter ball. Hence the odd one out quiz above.

The following day turned out to be glorious. We could clearly see Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu (apparently ready to errupt sometime soon). We headed further up the mountain to find the Mordor location. Of course it was under several feet of snow so it was sort of hard to find the exact location, but it was still fun trying. We also took a 60 minute walk to the Taranaki Falls and by the time we got back to the hotel, we were both shattered. After another superb meal in the restaurant, we retired to the comfort of our room.

It was a great shame that we had to leave again. Fortunately the snow had melted a bit and the drive down was ok. Maybe in another eleven weeks we'll stay somewhere nice again. Back to hostels for now.