Winter

New Zealand’s southern regions are preparing for an influx of the world’s top winter athletes for the inaugural Winter Games NZ – an international sports event billed as the ultimate lead-up to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Winter has come early to New Zealand this year delighting skiers and snowboarders, and lifting the spirits of the tourist industry with the promise of a bumper season ahead.

Calm settled weather, vibrant colour-filled landscapes and a long list of seasonally charged events make autumn the prime time to visit New Zealand.

A bumper 2008 ski season - with plenty of snow and international tourists boosting visitor numbers to record levels – has New Zealand’s ski tourism industry in a positive frame for the 2009 winter season.

Keen on whale watching and seal spotting? There’s no better time than winter and New Zealand’s extensive coast offers endless opportunities.

The ski culture in New Zealand offers something remarkably different to an overseas visitor. Overview of skiing in New Zealand.

Great regions for New Zealand snow adventures. Covering best skiing and snowboarding areas, in North and South Island.