Timaru Civic Trust: Blossom and snow

​Karen Rolleston

​Over the winter months, you cannot help but notice the breathtaking views of the snow-covered ranges and Southern Alps that we enjoy as we crest the hilly tops in Timaru and travel around our surrounding countryside. They are impossible to miss.

There are 45 named mountains in our region. The highest and the most prominent is Mt D’Archiac, which stands 2850 metres tall.

In the far distance lies the Mackenzie Country, and from Timaru we can see some of the Southern Alps, which extend for 500km down the spine of the South Island/Te Waipounamu.

The tallest mountain in the whole of the Southern Alps is Aoraki/Mt Cook, with its three summits: Low Peak, Middle Peak and High Peak. The high peak stands at 3724m tall.

These mountains are visible all year round, of course, but in winter, with their snowy covering, they stand out and seem far closer than they do over the summer months.

As spring takes hold, we know to expect some dramatic swings in weather including our infamous nor’wester winds.

Born in the heart of the mountains, this warm wind accelerates down the great valleys east of the Main Divide and roars out across the plains, signalling the beginning of the end to our winter season.

Also at this time of year, spring is in full force. Over the past few weeks, a parade of beautiful and uplifting blossom trees has been unfolding throughout the town. It is so enjoyable to see.

For a few short weeks there is also still plenty of snow to be seen on those faraway mountains. The juxtaposition of blossom and snow in the same view is worthy of appreciation.