When travelling to the South Island in New Zealand in winter here are some handy hints.

1. Buy really good thermal underwear. You're going to wear it every day.

2. You're going to need a hat, scarf and gloves. And even if you think you look like a dork in a hat, brain freeze is far worse than the embarrassment of hat hair.

3. Snow freezes on wooden boardwalks. Slipping on ice isn't fun.

4. 1 degree celsius makes your bare face hurt. Invest in a balaklava or wrap that scarf.

5. Get a ski instructor who can speak your language.

6. Ski goggle tan is not a good look. Use sunscreen on the slopes if you don't want to resemble a raccoon.

7. Snow is wet. Especially when it gets up your ski jacket and into your pants.

8. There is no such thing as real food sold up at a ski field, only overpriced facsimiles. $8.50 for a "hot dog" which resembles a turd is not right.

9. Learn to laugh when you fall over (10x) on the beginner's slope. Crying is useless. Also the 5 yr old skiing past you without poles will only point and giggle.

10. New Zealanders are amongst the friendliest people on the planet. Don't laugh when they say the number 6. Or fish and chips.

11. They make really good food and wine in NZ. Eat and drink plenty. It'll keep you warm.

12. The weather can be fickle. Don't always count on your plane being able to land.

13. Don't forget that camera batteries drain quickly in the cold weather. However hiding an SLR under your ski jacket can make you look 30 weeks pregnant...

14. Snow bunnies don't feel the cold wearing miniskirts. They are freaks of nature.

15. If you have the means, really really have a go at a helicopter trip. It is WILD. The same goes for snowmobiling.

16. Watching people bungey jump is quite amusing, and way safer than actually throwing yourself off a great height attached by a long rubberband.

17. Vow to visit again, because New Zealand is a helluva lot of fun. I'm gonna walk a glacier next time. The weather has defeated me twice!

Ciao!