New Zealand (NZ) is on of the finest places in the world to go for a skiing or a snowboarding holiday. High snow capped mountain ranges form a central spine along the center of both the North and the South islands of the country and the high latitude ensures an abundance of winter snow that blankets the ski fields in fine white powder. Any northern hemisphere skiing or snowboarding enthusiast can come to New Zealand in confidence knowing that they will find fantastic skiing conditions during the northern summer which allows them to ski all year around. The spectacular scenery is an added bonus for any holidaymaker and New Zealand is also a safe destination to visit which is most important in today’s troubled times.

On the North Island, Mt Ruapehu provides some of the worlds finest snow conditions. When you ski here, you will be doing so on an active volcano so you will really have something to brag to friends about when you return home. There are two major commercial resorts on the mountain. They are Whakapapa and Turoa. Both have plenty of modern facilities which include ski and snowboard hire, tuition and an abundance of lift capacity. Like most ski resorts in New Zealand, the accommodation is off snow. Surrounding villages and places like Taupo and Rotorua all provide a wide range of accommodation. Access to these ski fields from overseas is through Auckland international airport and it is wise to then hire a rental car or campervan for your stay.

On the South Island there is a lot more to choose from. Christchurch is the main point of entry and many international flights come here direct. Mt Hutt is close by and this is well known as one of New Zealand’s premier skiing and snowboarding destinations. The mountain is located just over an hours drive from Christchurch accommodation and shuttle services provide easy access on a door to door basis. Once again, there is no on snow accommodation. There are also a number of smaller ski fields further inland along the road to Arthurs Pass that provide fantastic skiing and snowboarding. If you want to visit these it is pretty well essential that you hire a rental car or campervan.

Further to the south lies New Zealand’s adventure capital of Queenstown. This is skiing central for four of the countries best ski resorts. Coronet peak is the most famous and it has just had a multi million dollar upgrade. The Remarkables are also close by and once again there are great snowboarding and skiing facilities. Cardrona is the only ski resort in New Zealand with some on snow accommodation however this is usually booked out year on year. Treble Cone is the other of the big four and it is closest to Wanaka accommodation. Regular shuttle services operate to all four of these resorts so even if you don’t hire a care you can still experience all off these different resorts. All have plenty of lifts and chairs, Ski schools, ski hire and everything else that you would want in a modern ski resort. Queenstown also has its own airport and you can fly in from Christchurch or Auckland and also direct from the east coast of Australia.

NZ is a fantastic place for any holiday and if you are a skiing or snowboarding exponent then it is one place you must put on your holiday itinerary.

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