Springtime in them mtns (after dark!)

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 454, 22 September 1992, Page 10 (Supplement)

Springtime in them mtns (after dark!)

The social life around Mt Ruapehu is just as much of an attraction as the skiing, tramping, and climbing. Don't under budget for going out here because there's always more to do than you first imagine. At Whakapapa is the infamous Whakapapa Tavem. This is a favourite watering hole of RAL staff and it has some excellent bands and events through the winter season. They've got the hilarious Tricycle Boogie on September 30. Teams of three pay $6 to race on trikes whose axles have

been slightly offset making them ride up and down. Popular Wellington band Condition Red are playing lots of loud covers and originals three nights a week from Sept. 24 to October 3rd, and October 7th sees the last tug of war competition being fought out with $500 up for grabs for both the winning male and female teams. The Grand Chateau hotel has U.S. blues and country guitarist Kevin Atkinson playing five nights a week in the TBar. There's definitely

something for everyone in Ohakune which has the widest range of nightlife around the mountain. The town has two taverns and numerous bars and restaurants some of which are of a standard to rival anything in the main centres. Probably the most visible to skiers is the Powderkeg Inn at the bottom of the Mountain Road. There's always a great atmosphere here when everyone comes down from the mountain for a beer or a mulled wine after a hard day's skiing.

The 'Keg has an exceli lent restaurant with some huge meals for a very I reasonable price, an indoor pool to sooth your bruises and sunbeds for the truly vain. October 14th sees the running of the grand annual Peak To Powderkeg race. You have to ski, run, bike and skull from the top of the highest lift to the 'Keg, both the first man and woman home win a 1993 Turoa season's pass and a $200 voucher to the Powderzone, plus there are heaps of spot prizes. The 'Keg has promo nights every Tuesday,

Wednesday and Thursday and their bar manager confirmed there will be a good lineup of bands during October. Ohakune's famous Hot Lava nightclub has regular discos and a great lineup of bands next month. The Maxx are an Auckland based dance band who have just returned from touring Australia, the Phillipines, and the USA. Their act is visually very showy with excellent choreography with versatile music, and they'Il be performing at the Lava September 26.

October 9th sees the return of rave South American inspired band Kantuta. Kantuta played to a very receptive Ohakune audience who lambadaed all night, at the end of August so there will be lots of people looking forward to their return. The Blues Brothers Revue hits the Hot Lava Oct 17. Headed by local favourite Marty Free, and Ted Clarke from the Backdoor Blues Band this night is guaranteed to be a goodie for blues groovers. EMF support band and Muncho TV commercial stars Supergroove are re-

turning at Labour weekend. Their show at the beginning of September was a wild success and restored people's faith in original Kiwi dance music. It's hard to believe these guys are all under twenty they have so much energy and talent. The Turoa Lodge at Ohakune Junction also has some good bands through the next month. Auckland pair Marty Free and Kippa Royal are playing Sept. 29 and Oct 6, and various covers bands will be playing each weekend right through October.