Snow and frost have greeted him many times, but this year the mercury was kind to long-time Brass Monkey Rally-goer John von Tunzelman.
The temperature stayed above zero for the 37th annual motorbike rally at the Idaburn Dam in Oturehua and the Te Anau man was happy to be a bit warmer than usual, tucked into a tent he always pitches in the same spot.
``Over all these years I've always slept within about a 10m distance from where my tent is this year. I like this spot. It's easy walking distance to everything and far enough away from the music that I still get a good sleep.''
This was Mr von Tunzelman's 36th Brass Monkey, making him one of a handful of people who have attended almost every rally.
This year he rode to Oturehua on his Honda ST1100, but other years he has come on various old English motorbikes: a Vincent Black Shadow, Vincent Black Prince and Vincent Comet.
Mr von Tunzelman (81) said it was great to catch up with old friends and acquaintances at the rally, which was a ``real institution''.
``As long as I'm able I'll keep coming to it. It's just magic.''
Others were collecting a rally badge for the first time, including Callum Dodds, of Dunedin.
He drove to the rally site, with his tiny Honda Z50 on the back of the ute. He then entered the rally on the bike, thereby qualifying for a rally badge.
One of the organisers, John Willems, said some of the 1300 rally-goers this year had wished for colder temperatures, but for others the warmer weather was good, him included.
``As you get older you prefer a little bit more heat.''
