Life in the freezer this week had a silver lining for folk in Maniototo.
Far from struggling with a "bit of snow", residents have pampered snowed-in visitors and revelled in continuing everyday life. The Naseby Ice Adventure Park’s luge, skating and curling rinks have been extra busy; Wednesday quiz night at the Ranfurly Hotel was held as usual and the Naseby Store has done a roaring trade in ice creams.
Kyeburn resident Amie Pont said visitors who were snowed in were relaxed and enjoyed the extra time they had in Maniototo.
"It’s been a real silver lining, as people who were stranded here had a great time being able to stay longer and do extra sightseeing and activities. And a lot of people have said just how beautiful it’s been. The cameras have all been out — both the visitors and the locals."
Mrs Pont said residents were able to prepare for the snow as the storm had been so well forecast.
But some people’s vehicles had still become stuck, and she praised farmers such as Hamish Cameron, from St Bathans, who had been "on duty" pulling vehicles out of the snow. She also praised the Fulton Hogan roading crews who cleared the roads.
Kyeburn Diggings farmer David Crutchley, of Shortlands Station, said farmers had "coped fine" with the snow, most already having their stock at low levels and closer to feed at this time of year.
"We’ve only had five inches [12.7cm] of snow. That’s nothing compared to the metre we had in 2013. This is a pleasure, to only have this much. It’s actually quite a nice, mellow day here today."
The Becks to Kyeburn road, which was closed on Tuesday, reopened yesterday morning.
