Snow Report

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Firstly, welcome to all our new subscribers. I hope you enjoy the tales and pictures of our New Zealand adventure. And, maybe, get a teeeeny bit jealous!

This time next week we will be in Queenstown and have already hit the slopes. In fact, by now, Alex will have learnt to ski!!! Hope there aren't too many bumps and bruises when we get home.

However, there has been a severe lack of snow in New Zealand, with all ski resorts in QT currently on hold. In fact, this has been the latest start to the ski season in fifty years! While here, in NSW, the ski fields have enjoyed vast amounts of snow over the last few weeks, the last snow fall in QT was 1cm last Saturday. Just our luck!!!

While the weather in QT has been unseasonally "warm" and sunny. Today, we recieved some very welcome news. Coronet Peak - a ski resort in QT - will offically opened! This is largely due to the tireless efforts of snow machines and there are limited lifts and trails available. Nevertheless, it's a start. And in a week's time there will be more snow on the tracks and there is no doubt we will be able to ski!

The Remarkables - another ski resort are planning to officially open on Saturday! In the meantime, we will continue to cross our fingers (and toes) for more snow falls! Machine made or natural - we really aren't fussy.

In the event of no snow or adverse skiing conditions, we have compiled a list of things to do and achieve while in Queenstown. So far, this is what we have:

Shot Over Jet boat ride
Underwater observatory
Minus 5 Bar
Glow worm caves - day trip to Te Anau
Ferg Burgers (apparently they are simply the best burgers!)

Please, if you have any other ideas and recommendations feel free to comment below. As a side note, bungee jumping was also on the list. But, Alex quickly scrapped it. Chicken!

Finally, alot have been asking about the effect the ash cloud will have on our departure. Don't worry! We are flying Emirates which have been largely unaffected by the ash and continue to fly to NZ. One reason for this is that they have to meet connecting flights to Europe. Sometimes it's worth paying that little bit extra!

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