Lake Wanaka

Snow has been falling thick and fast in New Zealand in an unseasonably early arrival that spells good news for winter sports enthusiasts.

Top snowboarders and skiers with a taste for the wild side are preparing to descend on one of New Zealand’s most remote mountainous regions.

Over 200 of the world’s top snowboarders will be on the slopes at Wanaka next week for the Burton New Zealand Open.

The record-breaking 2009 winter season that’s kept New Zealand ski resorts humming is set to ramp up as the inaugural 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games get underway this weekend.

On the crest of a bumper winter sports season, fresh snow falls and clear days are providing good conditions for skiers and snowboarders as New Zealand shifts into spring gear.

After three days of extreme exploits, American freeskier Ted Davenport, of Aspen (Colorado), has raced away with top honours at the World Heli Challenge in New Zealand.

Unseasonable snowfalls, causing havoc in New Zealand’s central North Island, at least have a silver lining for winter sports enthusiasts who’re keen to make the most of spring skiing and snowboarding.

It’s called the silly season and no wonder! While most Kiwis celebrate Christmas in a traditional way, the summer sun and pending holidays sometimes incite out-of-the-ordinary festive behaviour in New Zealand.

A veteran Auckland conservationist is footing it on a lengthy trek to help save endangered New Zealand spotted kiwi.

New Zealand's focus is turning to cooler times as the country’s top skiers ready for the Winter Olympics and the ski industry begins its early-bird marketing campaign.