Anyone heading into the backcountry is encouraged to be extra vigilant with a considerable avalanche risk in place for several alpine ranges.
The Avalanche Advisory has issued warnings for dangerous conditions down into sub-alpine areas at Tongariro, rising to alpine terrain for Taranaki, Fiordland and Aspiring, and high alpine terrain for Tāhuna/Queenstown and Wānaka.
Last week two snowboarders were rescued after an avalanche near Tāhuna/Queenstown.
Alerts for a heightened risk of avalanches are in place for Arthur's Pass, Craigieburn Range, Mt Hutt, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Ōhau, Nelson Lakes and Two Thumbs.
RNZ
