Had an absolutely amazing long weekend with my cousin Thomas. He cashed in a bazillion air miles and flew 1st class from London to NZ. Ridiculous stories of caviar, champagne, masseuses (in the 1st class lounge) etc. etc. More importantly, he arrived with a bottle of Ard Beg (Whiskey) and a scrabble trophy itching to be back with its rightful owner.

Thomas arrived on the Thursday – and the next morning we were off South to Queenstown. Stopped off at the frighteningly delicious Macs Fish & Chip shop in Ashburton. It really is the best F&C I’ve had in NZ – and that’s saying something. I, unfortunately, didn’t take as many pictures as I should have, but that night we met up with John (a Kiwi friend of Thomas’ working in Geneva), and his friend Simon (a nice Australian, and that too is saying something ;) hehe, ehem. John was having a very low-key wedding, and he kindly invited me to join in the festivities. So, the Friday night was really John’s stag. Beers were drunk, meat was eaten, and laughs (a plenty) were had. It was probably the most civilised stag night ever (certainly there was no trip to Accident & Emergency for me this time)

Friday we drove from Queenstown to Wanaka (just an hours drive) and I introduced Thomas to Cinema Paradiso which is Wanaka’s boutique cinema. We watched Toy Story 3.. and I must say – I *loved* it. Really really excellent film.

Then we had John’s wedding. It was a brilliant evening. Just immediate family and friends wrapped up in the joyous occasion and with ample quantities of excellent wine and food.

Saturday it was off to Treble Cone at first light. It was quite a misty day and I was irritated to find that Thomas was a far far better skier than I was border. All those years in Geneva finally paying off.

Still, I had my revenge. And it was sweet sweet revenge. I reclaimed the Scrabble trophy from Thomas’ hands.

Much like Sauron’s ring, the cup longed to be with its rightful owner. Long may it last.

Sunday it was back to Treble Cone again, this time with John&Shelley and Simon. It was a much better day conditions wise. I did find that TC is not remotely beginner friendly. Skiers and boarders whizz by on all sides – basically expecting that you’re going to be OK. I really don’t like drivers tailgating – and it’s just as bad (or worse) on a ski field. I even shouted at one person behind me. They were told.

Thomas and I, and John and Thomas.

And a picture of Thomas zipping down the slope.

All too soon it was time to head back to ChCh. This time, as we’d had a huge dump of snow in the meantime, the landscape was white as far as you could see. Really beautiful.

A fantastic trip all round really. Just a shame that it had to end. Still, can look forward to defending my title at Christmas ;)

I’m a pretty light sleeper. This is my current 5am alarm.

So the lovely Bronwyn and Will were wed. Absolutely fun couple. I first met Bronwyn back 3 years ago when I answered an CUTC email looking to see if anyone wanted to try potter about on a glacier. We’ve been friends ever since.

The following weekend I went to go snowboarding with Shelly and Paul and Co. We got around about 2/3 of the way to Broken River when the alternator belt broke. Unfortunately we didn’t know it was only the alternator so ended up calling out the AA and not getting to the snow. All we would have had to have done was park on a hill ;)

Veronica (Sweedish) and Charlie (English) are to be married (or may actually be married now – as this is written *in the future*..oooooooh) this year.. and they had a pre-marriage test ceremony up in Arthur’s Pass – at the Cragieburn centre.

It was a great weekend, featuring a days skiing at Broken River.

Since I had been there last (too long ago) Broken River had retrofitted their cable car so that it could carry people. This saves you a good half-hour of steep uphill walking to get you to the field. Perfect.

It was Maaike’s first time on the infamous rope-tows.

Unfortunately it also happened to be Maaike’s first time getting whiplash. Coincidence – I think not.

The party however was excellent – here’s a picture of the bride and groom to be.

Kiwi’s also go in for fancy dress at the drop of a funnily shaped hat. The theme for this one was Sweedish-English-or-Swinglish. Great fun.

This weekend it was off to Ohau for Eimear (Extreimear!)’s 30th Birthday party. Ohau is, I think, my favourite ski field. It’s a small field down towards Mt. Cook. With completely stunning views out over Lake Ohau and excellent off-piste runs (with a little walking) it really is a great place to go. I am, of course, slightly biased, as I had my first ever powder-day there (and it was amazing!).

Eimear had rented out a Bach (kiwi holiday home) for dinner on the Saturday night. It was the most amazing Bach I’ve ever ever seen. Really beautifully furnished inside (the owner had turned most of the wood himself). I’m definitely planning on having a party there sometime. Called “The Red Barn” you can see details by clicking that link.

The next day Extreamer got her first birthday present – which was a (double) paraglide flight out over the lake. Must have been simply incredible. She is lucky enough to have a friend who is rated to take these types of flights!

And a short video of them taking off.

Then it was on to boarding for the rest of the day. Great conditions – and we did a little hiking up the back of the field and found some reasonable snow for the descent! Fun.

And finally – a short video of me trying not to fall over on the way down.