Well, it was far wetter than I expected, bar the fact the weather wasn't as great.

 

 

But holy people traffic, still a lot going up there to happy valley. Also a lot of families/tourists who don't buy passes and aren't there to ski but just sightsee in and around the cafes. Knoll ridge cafe was practically vacant thanks to having to go up two chairlifts in the cold.

 

 

I think I'm spoiled by the fields in Japan. I'm going to have to consider going down to south island for my next trip.