WHY NEW ZEALAND?
Why New Zealand?
A winter holiday in New Zealand offers breath-taking scenery, arguably the longest winter season in Australasia and an affordable holiday for all.
The South Island’s premier mountain resorts offer varied terrain, world-class facilities and fun for family and friends. In the nearby resort towns and boutique villages there is a wealth of exciting activities and invigorating experiences off the slopes.
Getting to New Zealand
Travelling to New Zealand for your winter holidays has never been easier. Several airlines fly from Australia to New Zealand directly. There are services from main East Coast cities to Christchurch and Queenstown. You have the choice of flight times, connections and importantly, competitive fare levels. As an added bonus there is duty free along the way.
All other international flights often come via Australia to Queenstown and Christchurch airports directly. Alternatively you can transfer at Auckland airport and take advantage of an extensive list of New Zealand’s domestic destinations.
The longest season
The South Island mountain resorts are high in the Southern Alps, capturing snow laden weather systems from early in the season through to the spring. It is almost as if the high Alps and their orientation were custom-designed to capture not only the early snow but arguably the best snow all season long.
The 2016 season starts as early as June 10th, with Mt Hutt being the first mountain to open. Cardrona and Coronet Peak open the following day, Saturday June 11th. You can check season dates for the South Island mountains here.
Opposite Seasons
New Zealand winter season is the reverse of that in the Northern Hemisphere. The season kicks off in early/mid June and runs through until October.
The first of September officially starts the spring and the last few weeks of the season offer superb skiing & riding. The days are longer and the sun higher, making the days on the slopes last longer too.
