Warm winds overnight meant the venue for the Idaburn Trophy game - the outdoor rink - began thawing rapidly and the ice was covered in up to 4cm of water in places.
More than 30 curlers from Mid Canterbury south took part in the match, which was a "North versus South" game involving teams made up of selected players from clubs within the Idaburn and Naseby Curling Councils.
The morning games were completed outdoors but play was shifted to the indoor rink for the afternoon rounds.
However, the competitors were unperturbed by the conditions.
"It's less than perfect, but there's no such thing as a bad day's curling," Naseby council president Sam Inder, of Dunedin, explained.
"Conditions may be a little trying but it's a good test of your curling skills."
Idaburn won the trophy, scoring five wins and 130 points to Naseby's three wins and 109 points.
The Naseby council was hosting the event, which is usually held on natural ice.
Warm weather in the past week meant the Idaburn Dam ice had melted too much to be safe as a venue for curling.
The mild weather also appears to have dashed hopes for a national bonspiel on the dam.
Idaburn won the trophy, scoring five wins and 130 points to Naseby's three wins and 109 points.
The cup was presented last night during a traditional "beef and greens" dinner at Oturehua, attended by about 100 curlers.
The dinner was followed by a curlers' court.
