A series of fronts has brought wild weather to New Zealand, including heavy snow on higher ground, ahead of the 2018 ski season which starts in just over two weeks' time.
Snow on Sunday to Tuesday brought reported accumulation totals of up to 45cm to South island resorts like Cardrona, whilst another resort, The Remarkables, reports that with snowmaking it now has a settled base of 40cm.
Both areas, along with Mt Hutt are due to open on June 8th or 9th in just over a fortnight, amongst the first in the country and the southern hemisphere to do so for the 2018 season.
The snowfall has eased on the South Island today but it is now dumping heavily on the North Island including at the largest resort, Mt Ruapehu. Hope to Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas.
The area plans to be the first in New Zealand to open for snow sports again on Saturday 2nd June when its Happy Valley snow play area opens thanks to its all weather snow making system which was added last year.
The wintry weather, which has also brought gales and heavy rain to lower lying areas, is forecast to continue right through the final week of May and in to June meaning it's currently looking good for the start of the 2018 ski season.