Images of golden beaches and the Outback’s dry red earth keep the region’s snowy playgrounds one of the best kept secrets. Northern Hemisphere skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the reverse seasons (July to October), relatively warm temperatures and uncrowded slopes to suit all experience levels, as well as the opportunity to ski some spectacular terrain.
Ski the slopes of the Mt Ruapehu active volcano. Party with the locals in Queenstown and Wanaka or heli-ski through deep dry powder in the Harris Mountains.
The steep peaks and wide open treeless bowls of the South Islands’ Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone and Coronet Peak ski fields will rival those anywhere in the world. Skiing, snowboarding, downhill, cross country, ski mountaineering and heli-skiing are all on offer.
Across the Tasman, visitors to Australia between June and October can also enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Snowy Mountains, their runs lined with majestic Australian snow gums.
So pack your skis (or hire them there), gloves, hat. And don’t forget the camera!
New Zealand's excellent ski fields are increasingly being visited by northern hemisphere skiers who can't live without their favourite sport from June to October. In years when the snow is particularly good, the Southern ski fields can operate from May to November.
Facilities are world class. The commercial fields have a team of qualified instructors, rental equipment, cafes and restaurants. In the South Island the principal fields are located near Queenstown (Coronet Peak and the Remarkables), Wanaka (Treble Cone and Cardrona) with Mount Hutt near Christchurch.
In the North Island, Whakapapa and Turoa commercial fields operate on Mount Ruapehu, a sometimes active volcano.
Heli skiing is increasingly popular in the South Island, giving visitors magnificent skiing in unforgettable landscapes. Take a helicopter into remote areas where the deep powder snow lies to comparatively low altitudes and enjoy the skiing that will become part of a life-long memory.
Southern Crossings can access private instructors, organise transfers and provide an adventure skiing break backed by firsthand experience.