The First Snow

Image supplied by Bayview Chateau Tongariro. March 2009.

In the last two or three days most parts of New Zealand have been swept by a chilling southerly. The first snow has fallen in the far south and we’re all thinking that our delicious hot summer is already over. It’s no better in the North Island it seems. This was the view that the team at Bayview Chateau Tongariro in the central North Island opened the curtains to this morning – cold but beautiful. The ski season doesn’t start for several months yet but the first dusting of snow has already fallen at Whakapapa Village, Mt Ruapehu. Needless to say skiers are already polishing their skis in the hope of another bumper season like the one they enjoyed last winter. I’m no skier but every year I promise myself I will visit Tongariro National Park in the summer to walk the tracks and photograph alpine flowers. It never seems to happen. I’m invariably passing through in winter – but, snuggled up in that faithful old matriarch of the mountains – The Chateau – I’m not complaining. This architectural icon turns 80 this year - I wonder how many people have stayed there in that time. If you click on Bayview Chateau Tongariro in the label line below this post, you’ll be able to see that Chateau – looking magical in last winter’s big snowfall. www.chateau.co.nz

Winter White

Tongariro National Park. Photos courtesy Bayview Chateau Tongariro

It's snowing in my garden right now.

But it's not half as spectacular as these falls recorded in Tongariro National Park yesterday.

North Island skiers will be rubbing their hands together in delight.

The Great Snow Show

Bayview Chateau Tongariro. Images Courtesy The Chateau.

Growing up in the Waikato, well away from New Zealand’s coldest zones, I always had a fascination with snow. I still get wildly excited by a snow-covered landscape so I was delighted to receive a bundle of wonderful images from the central North Island today. They’ve been having bumper snow falls at Whakapapa Village and this is great news for anyone who hasn’t been skiing in the area for a few years. The 1996 Mt Ruapehu eruption closed both the Whakapapa and Turoa Ski fields and mild winters in the years since haven’t helped things. But after today’s record snow falls it’s definitely time to dust off the skis and if you’re looking for the perfect retreat, there’s something forever magical about the handsome architecture of Bayview Chateau Tonagriro. Built in 1929 this grand beauty has a New Zealand Historic Places Trust Category 1 listing and it’s just the place to unwind after a day on the mountains.