Ski trips

South Island Skiing

In recent years, New Zealand has increasingly become an international ski destination, not only for families wishing to add an extra dimension to a vacation, but for top-notch skiers from countries all over the world, who come here to train and compete in the "off months".

The New Zealand ski season is June through October.
A New Zealand ski holiday is more than just a ski experience, for down in the valleys there are a host of enticing activities, such as jet boating, rafting, golfing, fishing, gold panning and hiking, as well as shopping and sightseeing.

Most commercial fieldshave highly qualified ski schools, equipment rentals, cafe/restaurant facilities anda great ambiance. Lift passesrangefrom NZ$30 to NZ$50 per day, equipment rentals from NZ$15 to NZ$30 (skis, boots and poles), and lessonsfrom around NZ$25 for half-day group classes, to NZ$45 to NZ$60 for one-hour private lessons. Snowboarding can be doneat all commercial ski fields.

On the South Island, the Southern Lakes' ski region, around Wanaka and Queenstown, has four ski fields. Together they offer the finest range of skiable terrain in the world. All have fantastic, panoramic views featuring the wild grandeur of the South Island: sparkling lakes, green valleys and breathtaking mountains.

Nordic Skiing

New Zealand's first Nordic area is the Waiorau field onthe Pisa Range near Wanaka. A fantastically scenic area, it has over 15 miles of groomed, cross-country trails with terrain suitable for everyone, from first-time Nordicskiers to advanced telemark skiers. Rental facilities, instructors, guides and overnight ski touring opportunities are available.

Heliskiing

Heliskiing offers skiersa way to experience skiing at its most stunning and exhilarating. With deep powder, unsurpassed anywhere in the world, comparatively low altitudes, temperatures that are relatively warm and staggering backdrops of glaciers and peaks, this is the epitome of perfection in the world of skiing.

From Wanaka and Queenstown, several operators offer more than 400 individual runs in a 770-square-mile area of peak terrain. Runs trace the towering forms of the Tyndall Glacier, with its steep peaks, long chutes and wide-open, treeless bowls.

At Mount Cook, you can take a ski plane to the magnificent Tasman Glacier, a stunning eight-mile run amid the towering peaks and tumbling icefalls of New Zealand's highest alpine terrain. Yet it is suitable for intermediate and confident beginner skiers.