When I was staying in Opunake south of Mt Taranaki last year, a local passed on an infallible weather forecasting tip: If you can’t see the mountain, it’s raining. If you can see the mountain, it’s going to rain.
Mount Taranaki. It's going to rain
New Zealand’s weather is famously changeable. We’re a mountainous country, floating in the middle of a big ocean, with the tropics to the north and nothing between us and Antarctica but the occasional penguin.
This means it’s vital to be prepared before heading into the backcountry. While you should always prepare for the worst you’ll still want an idea of what to expect from the elements so you’ll want a weather forecast.
That’s why DOC funds the Metservice to provide forecasts for mountain areas in a number of our National Parks.
You’ll find these forecasts and more at:
Check them while you’re planning your next trip into the backcountry. And once you’re there, get the latest info from the nearest visitor centre. You can’t beat local knowledge.
oh – those weather forecasts!
if only we could have the same on-board technology as the humble tree weta; Their little cerci don’t just pick up vibrations, but are possibly also able to gauge temperatures and windspeed, as well as barometric pressure and such vital meteorological data…
all in their last abdominal segment!
Just think about that for a moment and then google the word BIOMIMICRY
Don’t you just love Nature?
Ruud Kleinpaste
That’s so cool Ruud. Maybe we should get some weta doing our weather forecasts.
What are some of the flowers that bats pollinate?
Hi Mary-Rose,
Ruud can only reply to comments on the Birds, bees, and breakfast blog post – so please re-post your question there!
Thanks,
Melanie
DOC Web Team
Why does nectar only come from flowers and nothing else?
How much honey would one bee on average produce in a year in grams?
Hi Xanthe and Caleb,
Thanks for your questions. Ruud can only respond to comments on the Birds, bees, and breakfast blog post – so please re-post your question there!
http://blog.doc.govt.nz/2010/08/30/bees-bugs-birds-and-breakfast/
Thanks,
Melanie
DOC Web Team
Hi, this is lookling very promosing. always enjoy good weather reports.
Thanks Dave.
i am enjoing myself at mt cook a lot then i thought, as i come from christchurch. it was 6 hr drive.
the point is i love all of this talk i know avalanches are sceary, but i want one to happen.
i love how everyone is passing notes that is so cool