There has been unexpected heavy summer snowfall in New Zealand.
Mt Hutt (pictured today) says its is postponing its 'summer' opening, planned for this weekend, until Sunday, while ice rime is removed from lifts and hiking and biking trails checked.
Snowfall is not that unusual at any time of year in New Zealand's mountains, but this fall is heavier than normal for February.
It followes snowfalls reported last week on Australian ski slopes and in the Andes of South America.
New Zealand ski areas usually start to open in just over three months' time, in June, with Mt Hutt usually one of the first to open.
