Caught the ski-bunny bug? Now the slopes are open for the season skiers and snowboarders from all over New Zealand and abroad are booking time out in their diaries to take to the mountains.

Straightheads

It may be getting a tad cool to take to the countryside for campervan holidays, but winter doesn’t mean you still can’t get out and experience the majestic beauty of New Zealand’s great outdoors.

Whether you’re a novice or old-hand, taking a skiing holiday over the winter is a great recreational option given the range of fantastic New Zealand ski destinations.

If you decide to ski in the North Island check out Mt Ruapehu, located in the Tongoriro National Park. Just four hours drive from Auckland you’ll pass through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery on the way.

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In the South Island the choice is fantastic. If you want to enjoy a true New Zealand holiday

in winter, try your hand skiing or snowboarding at Mt Hutt. The Arthurs Pass region and Hanmer Springs have several smaller ski fields which are great for day trips.

Queenstown is of course New Zealand’s premier skiing destination.

Surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery, there are four major ski resorts and several minor ones in the Queenstown and Wanaka region. The most famous of these and the closest to Queenstown’s accommodation is Coronet Peak, which recently underwent a multi-million dollar face lift and is only twenty minutes drive from the center of Queenstown along a sealed road.

The Remarkables are about 45 minutes drive, and Cardrona is situated further into the range. Cardrona has the highest snowfall in the region and is the only south island ski resort with on snow accommodation. Treble Cone is closer to Wanaka, is the largest ski resort in area in the South Island and has the highest vertical drop.

It does pay to remember that most ski and snowboarding fields in New Zealand do not have their own accommodation, so you’ll need to find somewhere nearby if you plan on staying overnight. Get in touch with a travel advice expert to ensure you get the best deal and advice in planning your skiing adventure.

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Warm up your winter with a skiing adventure and find travel information

and tips in the NZS.com directory.