Skiing (and not skiing) in New Zealand

 Well, the skiing holiday started off promising, driving towards the mountains and Methven and seeing some snow at the top.
But skiing in New Zealand is a bit of a gamble: the first day we managed, although there was only snow in the ski fields, and not lower into the village, or in the surroundings. The other two days the ski field were closed because of high winds! We ended up driving around and doing some hiking by the Rakaia River.

After Methven and a Christchurch break we tried our luck going towards Arthur's Pass National Park. Here some photos taken on the road.

On arrival we hiked to the Devil's Punchbowl (short hike) and then went back to the lodge as it was bitter cold and wet!

The day after we did ski, in Porters, while they were making snow. A real pity that the winter holidays are in July and not in August, so difficult to get snow in July!

My highlight? Seeing the Kea parrots, I love those birds!

And of course the stunning scenery of the South Island!

Photos and Recipes by Alessandra Zecchini ©