Summer camping in the snow

January 2006 was a year where we experienced summer snow fall on the mountains around Wanaka.

It made for freezing camping conditions - like winter camping. But NZ typifies the 'Crowded House' song lyric - "4 seasons in one day". This time it was one season - winter only! The snow capped mountains were beautiful to behold, but the only problem was that it was too cold to venture out and behold them.

But it's all about the company (as well as the scenery). It was a large gathering of the nations under one tent-site.

A mob of 'happy campers' from New Zealand - who fared the best because they're used to the arctic conditions; from Italy - although they're used to less arctic camping conditions; and from Australia - who are used to warmer conditions but are fully realistic about what the weather can be like.

In true camping style, Brent's family - always optimistic - make the most of every situation. This is probably the motto of many hardened New Zealanders who love the outdoors. If you waited for perfect weather you'd never go outside!

And we were very resourceful. We found that you don't need to have a fire to make toasted marshmallows. Even a gas burner will suffice when desperate.

But the sun did eventually shine one morning and we threw on our 'summer clothes' and went outside for breakfast before the sun decided to hide behind the next blanket of cloud.

That was camping this year at Glendhu Bay - beside beautiful Lake Wanaka. If you ever go camping in summer in NZ - take your thermal underwear - just in case it snows.