Now the temperature has (finally) dipped and the ski-fields are opening their gates, it’s time to book your winter holiday. If you’re a bit of ski bunny, or have always wanted to be one, then New Zealand should be at the top of your list. But just in case you need your arm-twisted or your partner needs some convincing, here are top five reasons to book a New Zealand ski trip.
Aerial view of Lake Wanaka
Spectacular Scenery
So I know you think of New Zealand and instantly think of sheep, but the other thing it delivers on is scenery. And there’s no better way to experience it than from up high. My pick for the best view is Treble Cone, near Wanaka, where you can see stunning mountain ranges stretching into the distance and Lake Wanaka below.
Cardona Valley, NZ
Uncrowded Ski-Fields
What could be worse than skiing and spending more time in the chairlift line than on the slopes? Not to mention having to dodge other skiers as you glide (or hurtle) down the mountain.
Skiers on Coronet Peak
Compared with other International ski-fields, none of New Zealand’s offerings are truly crowded. Try some of Canterbury’s hidden gems like Porters or Mount Cheeseman and you’ll have the slopes to yourself 😉 .
Apres Ski
In my humble opinion, the most important part of a ski holiday is what happens after the skiing. Hot Chocolates anyone?
Hot chocolates in the snow
My preferred option is visiting the Central Otago wineries but for the more adventurous, bungy jumping or jet boating is also on offer. For those with a little romance in mind, head to Canterbury to soak in hot pools or a bit of a snuggle while star gazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in Lake Tekapo.
Stargazing at Lake Tekapo
There’s something for all ski bunnies.
I always feel a little inadequate listening to people discuss their next skiing holiday, what runs are their favourite (is the children’s slope classed as a run?), the gear they are taking and even how great a skier their seven year old is. Yes, New Zealand does offer amazing off-piste and heli-skiing options for those of us who are gifted skiers.
I, however, have not been blessed with the ski bunny gene and can promise you there is still much fun to be had.
Like building a snowman!
Chairlift at Cardrona
Check out Cardrona, near Wanaka, for some awesome skiing for those of you who want to give it a go without looking like a tool or risking life and limb on a slope much higher than your ability level. Read LML Mitzi’s blog post on Mt Hutt for some hilarious stack stories.
It’s all only a snow-ball throw away.
The beauty of everything in New Zealand is that it’s all relatively close together. Fly into Christchurch and you can pick nine different ski fields, the biggest of which, Mount Hutt is only a 90-minute drive away.
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown in Winter
Fly into Queenstown and it’s only 25 minutes drive to Coronet Peak and 45 minutes to The Remarkables. Head to Wanaka and you’ve got Treble Cone and Cardrona on your doorstep. If you’re a bit like me and find it difficult to choose, take ten days and ski them all.
Where have you skied in New Zealand? Tell us in the comments.
Read more on Skiing in NZ here and here.
- Flights to NZ
- All accommodation in New Zealand
- Christchurch accommodation
- Queenstown accommodation
- Wanaka accommodation