The shit weather we’d experienced back in Methven also stretched to the North Island. But here in Mt Ruapehu the sun was blazing and there was talk it was going to last. It was coming up the the weekend, I expected the slopes to be busy.
The first day I met some local riders on the [...]

I picked up Phil and Annalie from Christchurch airport and we drove to Methven, our base for the next five days. Rumors were floating around that a storm was heading our way, it was looking like we might not make it up to Mt Hutt ski field due to high winds.

The next day and the weather reports [...]

I met Bob at the Mountain Lodge in Arthur’s pass. He worked there. We were talking about the club ski fields in the area, there were many. He was of the opinion that New Zealand’s main ski fields (Cardrona, TC, Mt Hutt) were poor equivalents to north American and European resorts. He recommended trying out the smaller club-run ski [...]

I arrived in Christchurch after an epic three flight journey from Brisbane. Qantas had overbooked my flight and offered me a first class upgrade if I went via Sydney and Auckland. I decided to do it as I’d never travelled in anything other than the cheapest seats before.
I met Phil and Annalie in Christchurch. They had flown from [...]