We arrived during a blastery and bitter north westerly storm, so common of the southern alps of Nz. And yep, it was cold!

It was the beginning of spring and snow was all over the magnificent ben ohau range. As we cruised through the village we spied the ski hill set amongst the mountains and lake ohau lodge set in amongst the douglas fir trees. The lake is amazing!!! And there is a small village of houses where one day I want to buy!!!!

The lodge at Lake Ohau is homely, warm and charming. With its fireplaces, decks with the best view in the world and hospitality of mike and louise it makes a welcome change from queenstown and even wanaka these days.

So what's there to do?

Well we went hiking through the well managed DoC reserve (old old old beech trees) and up to the lake in the mountains. amazing views and a great walk.

We also fished in the lake for brown trout one morning. The snow on the hills was so tempting that we wish we had our skis and were here 3 months later as the skiing at the field of ohau is meant to be steep deep and cheap. They even have groomers for the kids and terrain to suit the freeskier, daylodge and terrain park. Can't wait to ski there this year!!!!!!

Theres also heaps more to do like climbing at the local crags, kyaking nearby and heli expeditions to mt cook (only 50 min drive away).

I love Ohau...a special place in a commercialised world :)