If there is a weather god, he came to the party in Queenstown last night, enabling the 39th annual Queenstown Winter Festival to start with several thousand bangs.
The skies cleared over the resort - for the first time in over a week - yesterday afternoon, revealing snow covered mountains, providing the perfect back drop for the southern hemisphere's biggest party.
Parking was at a premium as thousands of residents and visitors, rugged up to combat the bitter temperatures, made their way to Earnslaw Park to enjoy the entertainment on the main stage, MC'd by New Zealand comedians Urzila Carlson and Paul Ego.
Mulled wine, warmed the bodies and hands of adults, while children, decorated with glow sticks, warmed their tummies with from street vendors and kept warm dancing and singing along with on-stage performers.
The event started with a celebration of local talent, including performances from Wakatipu rock band The Fletcherz and winners of Songstars, an original song-writing competition.
