Winter Wonderland
While other countries brace for wintry weather, in Aotearoa we rejoice in all the wonderful things season has to offer. So, there is no reason to stay indoors this winter. From skiing to wine tasting by open fires, hot pools in the snow and plenty of fun events to pencil in – from book festivals to beer, snow to Hobbits and even midwinter Christmas – there’s no reason to spend the colder months simply waiting for spring.
Winter is no reason not to head to the beach, with the winterless north and even the top of the South Island known for their subtropical climates. But it’s also a wonderful excuse to rug up, head indoors and indulge in the warmth of our great museums, art galleries, food, wine and beer.
Head for a wine region and visit the cellar doors that rejoice in the colder months by lighting the fire and serving up their best Pinot Noir. Do a road trip through the regions, or one of our great cities, taking in all the best galleries you can find, or design your own food-centric route, visiting local cafes and restaurants, roadside stalls, markets, and food and beverage producers.
But of course, the real drawcard in a New Zealand winter is snow, best enjoyed on our many ski fields. Whether you’re a skier or boarder from way back or want the simple joys of playing in the snow with the kids, there are plenty of options.
On the North Island, Mt Ruapehu has two fantastic options for all levels: Whakapapa and Tūroa. Located on the flanks of the country’s highest volcano, you can ride over ancient lava flows, old crater rims and other exciting volcanic terrain.
Whakapapa is one of New Zealand’s largest fields and is also one of the best places to learn to ski or snowboard in their excellent beginner’s area, Happy Valley, which has four carpet lifts. If you prefer to venture up to higher altitudes, the country’s longest gondola, the 1.8km Sky Waka, will take you there in style – it’s worth the trip for the views and the Knoll Ridge Chalet.
On the maunga’s southwestern slope is Tūroa, famous for its natural halfpipe-like bowls and smooth wide open slopes. It has the highest chairlift in New Zealand, and the longest vertical. And once you’ve shredded enough slopes for the day, the nearest town Ohakune, which transforms into a ski resort for winter, is the perfect place for après-ski. In the South Island, be sure to try Rainbow Ski Area next to Nelson Lakes National Park. Just a couple of hours’ drive from Nelson or Blenheim, friendly Rainbow is club-run but open to everyone, and perfect for the whole family. Wide, uncrowded slopes and groomed trails suit all abilities, and the view over Lake Rotoiti from the top of the t-bar is
something special.
In Canterbury, soar down Mt Hutt with wide-open terrain, huge snowfalls and ridge-top trails while marvelling at massive views of the weeping Canterbury Plains below. They are excited to bring you Moon Ski, a “last tracks” experience under the stars! Enjoy two hours of moonlit skiing/riding and epic views with the lifts spinning from 6-8pm.
Then, on to New Zealand’s premier ski resort town of Queenstown. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is known for its breath-taking scenery, vast range of experiences, cosmopolitan vibe and, of course, ski fields.
The region’s four ski areas, all within a handy 25 to 90-minute drive of Queenstown, offer a range of terrain for all levels – whether you’re keen to conquer the basics, cruise the groomed runs, tackle off-piste, or throw down some freestyle tricks.
Closest to Queenstown is the roller coaster terrain of Coronet Peak. Explore a huge variety of terrain with epic views over the spectacular valleys and mountains and be sure to try the famous Night Ski, from 4pm to 9pm. Across the valley, the rugged, iconic Remarkables range hosts the Remarkables Ski Area. Test out your skills in one of seven parks or take your first turns in their massive learner’s area. The remarkables offers terrain and facilities that suit first-timers to seasoned skiers and snowboarders!
Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, experience big mountain terrain with sun-soaked chutes and untouched snow. Heading towards Wānaka, you’ll find Cardrona Alpine Resort one of the most popular ski areas, attracting all kinds of snow enthusiasts from beginners & families to Olympic & X Games athletes. Cardrona’s 3 vast basins are home to the Southern Hemisphere’s most extensive terrain parks & pipes, & NZ’s most qualified ski & snowboard school.
The closest field to Wānaka is the South Island’s largest ski field with the longest vertical rise, Treble Cone. A playground for all abilities, its legendary off-piste terrain and long, uncrowded groomed runs come complete with incredible views over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps.
For those in search of pristine powder backcountry, heliskiing is always an option with plenty of operators happy to take you to the best spots in the Southern Alps.
So whatever winter activity you choose, New Zealand has it all!