Tekapo Range a Backcountry Skiing Paradise

New Zealand-born private arts advisor, curator and photographer Helen Klisser During has found the perfect backcountry skiing paradise – in the Two Thumb Mountain Range near Lake Tekapo.

Together with four friends (including former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, now Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and her husband Peter Davis), During says she experienced a unique, customised five-day adventure with tour group Alpine Recreation.

“About why she’s drawn to these mountain excursions, Clark says: “It’s a time to exercise, unwind and spend time with Peter, family and friends, skiing, exploring and absorbing the rugged, dramatic beauty of one of New Zealand’s remote mountain ranges.”

The group began their tour at the Alpine Recreation office in Tekapo, where they met their three guides.

“We are driven 40 minutes to Mount Gerald Station, where we board a helicopter to the Rex Simpson Hut (pictured), our base camp,” During writes for Cottages & Gardens magazine. “After a cup of coffee and homemade soup, we set off for a couple of hours to get a feel for our skis, boots, altitude and snow, as we inhale the stunning view.”

In April 2016, Clark declared her candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. A front-runner for the position, Clark lost out to Portuguese diplomat Antonio Guterres who was sworn in to the role on 1 January 2017.

During, who lives in the US, is a member of The Connecticut Arts Council. Photo assignments include still photography for Gaylene Preston’s 2016 documentary My Year with Helen.

Original article by Helen Klisser During, Cottages & Gardens, August 2016.

Photo by Helen Klisser During.