Aotearoa Ski Safari
by Graham Pinkerton
Glencoe regulars Graham and Dawn spent their extended honeymoon travelling around New Zealand by camper van (2009). It sounded like an incredible trip in a country that many describe as "like Scotland on steriods, but with slightly better weather".
Aotearoa (Maori for "land of the long white cloud") boasts a grand total of 25 different ski resorts. Not bad for a population of just over 4 million people, and 47 million sheep. A perfect location for a quiet ski safari off the beaten track?
The small Kiwi resorts share alot in common with the Scottish ski scene - variable weather, lots of t-bars and a stoical determination that your there to ski what ever the conditions. The rough and ready 'nutcracker' rope-tows commonly found at the club fields are a unique experience not to be missed.
Download the trip report and NZ resort guide here. (pdf file) (thanks Graham! great write up)
