With 50-70cm of snow forecast to drop in a day, we headed for Christchurch and onto the Lewis Pass, with New Zealand’s best storm chasing vehicle.
I teamed up with fellow storm chasers Geoff Mackley and Sam James, and after carefully analyzing the weather models, we decided to head for Lewis Pass. We departed Christchurch that evening and drove through the night, reaching the St James walkway car park around 11pm. Snow began falling as we pulled in. With the main cabin full, I settled into the cramped back section – cold, surrounded by diesel fumes, but at least able to stretch out. Sleep was near impossible.
We awoke to a stunning winter landscape blanketed in fresh snow – a significant accumulation had fallen overnight. We spent the morning driving around the pass, capturing excellent footage that would air on the news that evening. From there, we headed toward the inland Kaikoura Road, where the snow continued relentlessly. Visibility became so poor at times that the road disappeared entirely. We stopped several times to assist stranded motorists.
By late afternoon, with conditions worsening, the generous owners of Mt Lyford lodge opened their doors to us and the other stranded travelers. Despite having no power, they prepared dinner for everyone – truly remarkable hospitality. In gratitude, Geoff fired up his generator and got their freezers running again, saving their frozen goods from spoiling.
