Taihape hill country snowed in

A snowy scene in Mokai Rd, with a loaded picnic table at front and the distant curve of the Rangitikei River. Photo/ Mikayla Mattock

There was snow 50cm deep around the Mattock family's remote Rangitikei house on Thursday - and they don't expect to have electricity for a few days longer.

"We are completely shut off. The power lines are down and no one can get to us," Trudi Mattock said

She and Stephen Mattock live in Mokai Rd, 26km southeast of Taihape, out beyond the Gravity Canyon tourist attraction. The snow cancelled a honeymoon booking at their Tarata Fishaway Lodge this weekend.

It started falling at 4.30am on Thursday, and continued until 4pm. There was no wind.

On Friday it was snowing again at 6.30am, and carried on until mid morning.

The nine households on Mokai Rd are without power. The Mattocks don't mind, because they have a generator and are used to being self sufficient.

"We are all right, as long as the petrol lasts," Mrs Mattock said.

Their neighbours don't have generators but they have barbecues and gas bottles. Residents look after each other, and Mrs Mattock said they would call in if they needed anything.

Her family has been watching news about snow in Ohakune, and she said the Taihape hill country has more. It got to a depth of 50cm in their front yard - deeper on Mokai Station and farther up the Ruahine Range.

"You can only just see the fences, and you can't open the gates. Moawhango is snowed in as well, and Taoroa, and Pukeokahu."

The Mattocks have lived in the valley for 20 years. People there can remember a 2001 snowfall that was the biggest in 35 years. Mrs Mattock thinks this one was bigger.

Some power lines came down through the weight of snow. Others were brought down when trees loaded with snow fell on them.

The grip of the snow was loosening yesterday.

"It's starting to slush off the roof now. The farmers will be able to get up to their stock."

Getting power on could take longer.

"There's lots of people without. It's going to be a few days before they can get out to us," Mrs Mattock said.