New Zealand's ski areas have celebrated the start of autumn with still more snow along with spectacular natural phenomena.
The country is celebrating one of its best seasons in memory and several resorts have now extended their opening period in to the latter half of October because the snow is still deep, and still falling.
Mt Ruapehu was actually caught in a blizzard yesterday and around two dozen skiers and boarders had to be rescued from the slopes by groomers and snowcats. In the end the resort reported 35cm (14 inches) of fresh snow and celebrated with a great sunset.
There was more fresh snow at Treble Cone too, but here the most phenomenal image was taken of the aurora there last night (pictured top).
Other areas reporting significant fresh snow included Mt Hutt, which has already announced an extended ski season.
Once the snow stopped falling and the clouds lifted today was reported to be a perfect clear ski day with fresh snow.
