Reach the Peak This Summer in New Zealand

Though New Zealand is perhaps best known for its hobbit-infested lands and breathtaking scenery, it’s also a luxury-seeker’s paradise with world-class ski resorts luring travelers from June (the start of winter in the South Hemisphere) through October. Go up top Down Under with four world-class ski areas for snow bunnies who love to get their winter thrills year-round!

 

Central North Island Area

Mount Ruapehu New Zealand

The North Island is where you’ll find the country’s largest ski region and the must-try skiable volcano. Head out to Whakapapa Ski Area, located in a World Heritage National Park, so you’re guaranteed to see awe-inspiring sights while zooming down the mountain face. Plus, Mount Ruapehu’s volcanic history created natural half-pipes in lava tubes and challenging trails for the experience skier. Newer and younger skiers can enjoy Happy Valley for their snow delights.

But Whakapapa Ski Area, with more than 50 runs, is only part of the adventure on the island. Snowboarders will love Turoa Ski Area with a terrain park, while the lesser-known gem of Tukino Ski Field offers greater thrills with cat skiing, which means getting a ride up the mountain on a cat machine and plunging down un-tracked snow.

 

Christchurch – Canterbury Area

Mount Hutt New Zealand

Get your adrenaline rush at seven ski resorts in New Zealand’s “Southern Alps.” Skilled skiers love Mount Hutt for its high elevation (more than 6,000 feet) and its close proximity to Christchurch, just 1.5 hours from the city center. However, the closest chairlift to Christchurch belongs to Porters, while Craigieburn Valley Ski Area welcomes experts with more than 60% of its runs classified as “hard.” If you love night skiing, then make sure to head to Mount Olympus. If you are truly an outdoorsman/woman, then Temple Basin Ski Area is your dream escape with a 45-minute hike up to the base lodge before you hit the trails, and here, you’ll see stunning vistas from Arthur’s Pass National Park.

 

Mount Cook – Mackenzie Area

 Lake Tekapo New Zealand

Lake Tekapo

If you’re looking for some quiet time on the slopes, then Mount Cook – Mackenzie Area is your ski place with Roundhill Ski Area and Mount Dobson Ski Area. The family-friendly Roundhill near Lake Tekapo is not all beginner tows and intermediate trails as this resort also houses Australia and Asia’s largest vertical drop at 2,568 feet. Mount Dobson offers the largest beginner and intermediate skiing and boarding area in New Zealand, plus untracked snow.

 

Queenstown – Wanaka Area

Treble Cone

Whatever type of skiing you enjoy, you’ll find here in this southern region of the South Island. Treble Cone is only 30 minutes from Wanaka (a nature lover’s playground) or 95 minutes from Queenstown, and it offers the South Island’s largest ski area and longest vertical rise with a longest run of 2.5 miles and a vertical drop of 2,296 feet. Coronet Peak is the closet mountain to Queensland and the longest hours of any New Zealand ski resort with first tracks and night skiing. The Remarkables Ski Area opened a new base building and introduced a high-speed, six-seater chair lift in 2015. It’s also one of the favorites for freestyle skiers and boarders with the South Hemisphere’s only Stash, a Burton signature terrain park. Lastly, Cardona has the longest scheduled snow season on the South Island and offers groomed runs, steeps chutes, super pipes, and even child care and a kids ski club.

 

If you’re an avid skier, you need to hit New Zealand’s snow-covered mountains this summer. Book your New Zealand ski excursion with your local travel agent, and find superb comfort on Air New Zealand, perfect for families with the Economy Skycouch and perfect for couples with Premium Economy and Business Premier.