New Zealand goes into overdrive during winter as crisp blue skies, steaming geothermal pools and vibrant festivals enliven the country from north to south.
The New Zealand ski season runs from June to August. The North and South islands both have world-class ski fields set in spectacular scenery. And there’s just as much excitement off the slopes.
Rotorua, in the central North Island, sizzles with relaxing, hot mineral pools, while in the South Island, Queenstown celebrates with a series of fun-filled winter festivals. New Zealand’s major cities - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin - make great weekend breaks for designer shopping and world-class dining experiences.
In the North Island, Ruapehu region has New Zealand’s largest ski fields. Volcanic Mt Ruapehu dominates the skyline of Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage Site recognised for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
Running the length of the South Island, the Southern Alps have many public ski areas, and numerous private and club ski fields. Coronet Peak, in Queenstown, is New Zealand's most popular field. Mt Hutt,
in the Canterbury region, has one of the longest and most consistent seasons in the southern hemisphere.
Highlights of the ski season include the annual Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival (late June) with something for every style of snow enthusiast. The Winter Games - a major international sporting event - will be played out at several southern locations in late August.
June is the month to celebrate Matariki - the Māori New Year - a time of multiple cultural celebrations and art events throughout the country. In August, Coromandel Scallop Festival gathers scallop-lovers to celebrate the harvest of this tasty New Zealand delicacy.
View more Winter images in the Tourism New Zealand Image Library. All images are available to download.
When snow falls on Queenstown village (only a few times each year) the effect is magical. For most of winter, snow-based activities are concentrated on the region’s many mountain ranges while, in the valleys and towns, there's golf, jet boating, rafting, lake cruises, hiking, shopping and restaurant hopping.
Photo credit: Destination Queenstown
A 90-minute drive from Christchurch or Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is an extensive thermal complex with large native gardens in an alpine environment. The reserve has thermal mineral, sulphur and freshwater pools, and a large children's activity area. Private thermal pools, Scandinavian sauna and steam rooms, and a licensed cafe are also on site. The Spa has beauty and massage treatments.
Photo credit: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
Everyone is welcome at Cardrona - friends, families, locals, visitors from afar, skiers, snowboarders, teenagers, kids and senior citizens - where there are specialist slopes for beginners, wide open groomed slopes for intermediates, chutes for the advanced and an extensive park for freestylers.
Photo credit: Cardrona Alpine Resort
Nestled at the foot of the Southern Alps, Mt Hutt’s spectacular views stretch out to the Canterbury Plains and the Pacific Ocean. With 472 hectares of varied terrain, first class facilities, snowmaking, two terrain parks, high speed 6-seater chairlift, excellent snowsports school, licensed Skiwiland crèche and dedicated beginners area, Mt Hutt has something for everyone. Children six and under get a free day pass.
Photo credit: Miles Holden / www.nzski.com
Sunrise over Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand's central North Island. Mt Ruapehu has a permanent cover of snow and ice, and seven glaciers. It also has the only commercial ski fields in the North Island – Turoa on the south-west side of the mountain, and Whakapapa on the western slopes.
