What trip would you recommend in New Zealand for late April/early May? Are any mountains still in condition or is it strictly trekking season? I'm looking for 2 short excursions starting from Auckland. First trip 3 days. Second trip is 4-5 days. It's a first visit to NZ.

I'm thinking about Ruapehu for the first 3 days. Then catching a flight to South Island for a 50 mile trek. Any other suggestions?

Not sure if it's in right now, but Taranaki/Egmont, is a fantastic climb! You can see the ocean on three sides, from the summit. About a half days drive from Auckland,and an hour or so from New plymouth. There is a mountain shop in new Plymouth, if you need to rent gear,( ice ax, crampons,)

Saturday was the Tongariro Crossing w/ side trips to Mt Tongariro and Mt Doom. Sunday made the summit of Ruapehu. It's a very accessible and well conserved national park. I'll look into Egmont for the next visit in May. I could go for something a bit more technical on that one. I could use some ideas for flatland as well.