New Zealand

Aotearoa - land of the long white cloud - is home to the haka, the All Blacks and about 130 million sheep. It's also a temporary home to many of the world's thrill seekers, who come to New Zealand's peaks and valleys, glaciers and rivers to jump, dive, carve, climb and generally put the world's couch potatoes to shame.

It's little wonder Peter Jackson filmed the Lord of the Rings here. With so much spectacular scenery, he was spoilt for choice.

But it's not just the view. There's some 'choice' skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand. You'll find something for everyone, from wide open cruising slopes, to world class black runs and terrain parks.

New Zealand can't quite compete with the variety and sheer number of resorts in Europe, but pick the right time to go and you'll find the pistes aren't normally as mobbed. There's some great out of bounds riding and heli-skiing in New Zealand too, guaranteeing you first tracks and a thigh-burner of a ride home.

The main ski resorts in New Zealand's South Island are based in Queenstown, Wanaka and Methven. Although Methven and Queenstown are a six hour drive apart, you could feasibly tour all three areas.

Queenstown is the natural hub of the island, thanks to a wide range of accommodation and the fact that you can fly here directly. The two main ski resorts in Queenstown, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, both have night skiing and snowmaking facilities - ensuring that the season can stay open from mid June to October.

An hour's drive from Queenstown is the ski area of Wanaka, famous for its reliable snow, dry powder and extensive terrain. Of Wanaka's four resorts, Cardrona has four world-class parks, making it a popular choice with freestylers. Treblecone has more challenging terrain and attracts plenty of advanced skiers and boarders.

Methven, Christchurch's main ski area, is 500 kms northeast of Queenstown. Methven's wide open slopes are perfect for beginners, but there's mixed terrain here. Methven's also the place to come early in the season, with Mt. Hutt normally the first to open in late May.

The Southern Alps are undeniably impressive, but skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand isn't all about the South Island. Mt. Ruapehu, south of Lake Taupo in the North Island, is not only one of the country's favourite ski areas, but also happens to be an active volcano. Barring the odd lump of lava, the main resort of Whakapapa is easily accessible and popular with day-trippers.

There's no staying above the snow line in New Zealand. But what the country lacks in terms of alpine-style resorting, it makes up for at the foot of the slopes. If you've been to Queenstown you'll know what we mean.

Cost

There's a range of accommodation in ski resorts in New Zealand, especially in the South Island. It's not a budget destination, but there's plenty to choose from.

At the bigger resorts an adult one day lift pass will set you back in the region of NZ$80 (US$64). It is possible to pay half that in some places however. There are also several 'combination' ticket options including the NZ Superpass, which enables you to ski or board at a number of different resorts - ideal if you're touring.

Getting here

Christchurch is the main international airport on New Zealand's South Island. Getting to Queenstown normally involves a short domestic flight (unless you're touring by car), though travellers from some destinations in Australasia will find they can fly direct.

The North Island has two main international airports - Auckland, in the north, and the capital Wellington in the south. The ski areas are, roughly speaking, mid way between the two and about half a day's drive away.

To compare ski resorts in New Zealand by nearest town, city or airport, see our Resort Comparison pages.