We took the SH80 for the short ride to Mount Cook.We had bought a walking guide leaflet the previous day, so planned to do a long walk.It was quite cold up there, so I bought a woolly hat and Graham bought some waterproof trousers ready for our long trek, and we were very pleased that we had.We did the Hooker walk from the 'i-site', so it was an estimated4 hour trek, and with the icy conditions it took us 3 and a half hours to do.The walk took us over 2 suspension bridges and ended at the Hooker Lake and glacier.Much of the lake was frozen over and it was really cold when we got there, but it was worth it, and I only slipped over once!

After our walk we had a quick look at the outside of the Sir Edmund Hilary Centre, but did not go in, as it was $26 each, and it was getting late in the afternoon.So, we got back onto the SH80 and then the SH8 to Lake Tekapo, where we checked into the campsite there and enquired about skiing for the next day.The stars were amazing here, and we saw the Milky Way for the first time.

The next morning we got up early to get to Roundhill Ski Centre for 9am when it opened.The season only started the day before, so we were eager to get there early so I could get booked into a lesson.I had never been skiing before, so I signed up to a beginners group whilst Graham went to practise, as it had been a long time since he'd last been skiing.As I waited for my lesson, I was surrounded by 5 year olds, all waiting for their lessons, and looking much more confident than me!Luckily they separate the kids and the adults for lessons, so I wasn't shown up by them.My lesson went really well, and only 2 of us turned up, so it was almost like having a private lesson, but cheaper!The instructor was so impressed with my skills he gave me a huge hug and said I was a natural.I think all those years of ice skating lessons helped me to instinctively know how to balance and stop when on a slippery surface!So, off I went to use the Platter lift and practice on the beginners slope.

We enjoyed ourselves so much that we decided to stay another night, as we are doing really well for time, as we have kept pushing on so far, so we can relax a little now.So, it was back to the ski field the next day.It was busier today, as it is the school holidays here; so many families have come for the week.Today we decided to go for tickets to all the lifts, so we could try the big hills.We had a couple of goes on the platter, and then went for the T bar lift all the way to the top.Somehow, we accidentally managed to get ourselves on the advanced slope, without realising it until we got to the end!I did ok, and only fell over once, but the whole experience really scared me, as it was so steep and I went so fast (I like going slow and feeling in control!)Graham spent most of his time on his bottom, but then persevered and did really well on the Intermediate slopes, whereas I decided to go back to the beginners slope as my confidence was knocked and everything ached so much from trying to stay upright on the advanced slope.I wish we had more time and money to stay for the whole week, as I wanted to go back and gradually progress and build up my confidence and speed, and I'm sure Graham would have been ready for the advanced slope soon, but we'll have to save that for another holiday.

Roundhill was a great centre, and really good for beginners.It was so busy though, with lots of kids whizzing about on their skis and snowboards, making it all look so easy!The only problem is that the drive there is mostly a gravel road, which is extremely bumpy and turns into snow and ice at the end.We made it both days without our snow chains on, but it was a bit hair raising in places!The journey however, takes you round Lake Tekapo, which is so beautiful, so it kind of makes up for all the jiggling about, but I won't be opening that bottle of Cava I've got in the van for a while!

In the afternoon we headed off on the SH79 and then the SH1 to Christchurch, where we checked in to Stonehurst campsite for 3 nights - time to settle down for a bit and relax after all the excitement of skiing!

Maggie x