Blizzards, below zero temperatures, snow, slippery surfaces, running nose, frost bitten fingers, hiking up steep mountains, aching legs…. honestly what more could a person want on a holiday??

This is exactly the reasons we take a holiday in the winter, not only do we encounter all the above phenomena, but also no crowds, completely silent landscapes, spectacular scenery, unimaginable clear starry skies, a winter wonderland and the possibility of photographing a multitude of white pristine mountains.

We live in Australia near the beach and experience summer conditions almost all year round. So I chose to have a winter holiday every so often…  Also having spent my childhood in New Zealand, I have a nostaligic longing for days of old.

The Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand are unbelievably beautiful.

This last winter we hired a cottage next to Lake Clearwater which was surrounded by snow and ice. A wood fire in the cottage was lit each day to enable us to warm up after our outdoor expeditions. A tiny possum climbed the outdoor stairs each night and tapped with his nose on the window. Frightened the life out of me the first night, but we soon got used to him, But we did not get used to tripping over his evening droppings which he proudly left at the doorstep each night!

Day one and two were spent sight seeing and photographing the pink sunsets in the area.

On day three we climbed a 2 kilometere walk up to the snow line of Mt Potts, located along Hakatere Potts road. The fog meant we were not able to see the top of the mountain. However I took photographs of our climb as we ascended, (Mt Potts and all the surrounding mountains.) Many shots are totally white but we found it completely exhilerating and I figured some shapes must come out in my photographs. Skiers call days like this a “A White Out.”

A helicopter kept flying over and  we realised the mountain peaks would be above the fog and probably great snow skiing would be the plan for those sporty tourists. It was actually on our descent that the fog cleared a bit and I got the peaks of the mountains through the cloudy mass.

If you are ever in this area Mt Potts Lodge is a great place to stay or take a leisurely coffee after your walk. AND if you do like a bit of coldness and silence, why not consider a winter holiday in some remote cool country.

It is truly an experience you wont forget.

Above, the twin peaks of the mountain in the Hakatere Conservation Park. To the left of the two peaks is where we began our climb.

Above, the road to Mt Potts.

Above, looking out from the track up the mountain

Looking down at a fast moving mountain stream

Helicopter flying overhead taking skiers to the top of Mt Potts.

Above, White, white and more white. Clean, dreamy and brilliant.

Above, one of the basins of Mt Potts, not sure where the skiers where, but those slopes looked good for some powder skiing.

Lake Clearwater in the early morning. Serene and so quiet.

Above image. It was almost dark as we were driving off and the mountains certainly throw up many majestical and amazing sights. Things change rapidly as the wind comes and goes and blows the clouds into shapes and patterns. As we looked back the bright contrasting blue against the sweep of white was so beautiful.

View out the window of where we were staying.

A framed cottage high in the snowy hills