How do you guys plan it?  Do you head away at last minute and then what about accomodation?  Do any of you drive there and back the same day? 

I went there on the 19 August for 5 nights and on the 26 for 4 nights.  The first week I got 3 days of skiing, then it was closed and then only the bottom area was opened with quite thick cloud on my last day the day I was suppose to drive back.  The second week I did 0 days of skiing.  Least 2 days both mountain was closed (even Happy Valley), 1 of them I think Whakapapa was opened but only Happy Valley and Rock Garden but I had to drive from Ohakune.  The last day only Whakapapa was open with strong winds only Happy Valley was open, I did go for a sightseeing wander but when the wind came you saw the snow going horizontal hitting you.  

The forecast for next week is a mixture of sunshine, cloud, wind and southwesterlies picking up.  Not long to go before the season finishes.  Yes, I have a seasons pass, got 3 days out of it so far. 

:)