'New Zealand Odyssey', published in 1989 by Heinemann, was authored by me, Don Donovan (who did the text and illustrations) and Euan Sarginson, who did the photography and design. In this series of blog posts, I will publish some of my drawings.

Before the ski-fields of Mt. Ruapehu were developed and commercialized, Ohakune was a slumbering hamlet famous for growing carrots and other market gardening. Then came ski-ing, then came aprés ski and the need for entertainment at the end of the day. When,in 1987, I saw this so-called night club housed in an obviously pre-ski era clapboard building I couldn't help being amused at what looked like an attempt to create 'sin city' by some local entrepreneur; and I wondered what could possibly go on inside its ancient rooms!

Is it still there? I doubt it. The Ruapehu ski-ing industry has become as sophisticated as any in the world and if you want excitement in Ohakune these days you'll probably not find it at the Hot Lava Night Club.

© DON DONOVAN

donovan@ihug.co.nz