New Zealand skiing: Six reasons why the South Island is worth the journey

It might seem a long way to lug your ski boots, but there’s more than just great snow to tempt skiers to the Southern Hemisphere

Cardrona is one of four resorts within easy reach of Queenstown (Getty/iStock)

It might not be able to match the steeps of Europe, the tree runs of North America or the powder stashes of Japan, but New Zealand has its own unique advantage when its – very decent – ski resorts crank into action each June. With many of the country’s top attractions accessible year-round, a winter trip to New Zealand is much more than just a ski holiday – especially if you’re headed to Queenstown. Here are six reasons to visit.

The skiing is actually very good

Running from mid-June to early October, New Zealand’s ski season might be a little shorter than that of Northern Hemisphere resorts, but if you time your trip right – aim for August for the best chance of dry powder – the skiing here can be just as good as anywhere in Europe or North America. New Zealand has more than 25 ski resorts spread over both islands but most argue the best lie within a "cooee" of Queenstown on the South Island, namely Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone. All resorts offer quality alpine terrain for all levels, with good lift systems and plenty of off-piste to explore, especially at Treble Cone. While they get busy, by NZ standards, on weekends, you’ll never wait more than a few minutes in a lift queue.

You can ski at a different resort every day

There’s nothing worse than feeling trapped on a pre-booked ski holiday when resort conditions are below par. The beauty of skiing in Queenstown is you can decide where to ski from day to day depending on the weather conditions – which can vary wildly between resorts – and how far you fancy driving. Just 25 minutes from Queenstown, Coronet Peak is the closest while Treble Cone, near the lakeside town of Wanaka, is the furthest, at 90 minutes’ drive away. You’ll save a few quid buying a multiday pass for a single resort though the fact that passes for Coronet Peak and The Remarkables can be used at either resort offers some flexibility. If you don’t fancy driving, ski bus services are available from Queenstown and Wanaka.

Resorts like Cardrona get plenty of snow (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There’s loads to do off the slopes

They don’t call Queenstown the adventure capital of the world for nothing. Conveniently, almost all activities it is famous for – from bungee jumping to jet boating and sky diving to luge carting – run year-round. For those who aren’t keen on being strapped into a harness, the western fringe of the Central Otago wine region – famed for its pinot noir – is just 15 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, with wine tours (try Queenstown Wine Trail) available throughout the year. The region is also home to several standout microbreweries. Don’t miss Wanaka’s Rhyme and Reason and the excellent Cardrona Distillery, which has been picking up awards for its white spirits while waiting for its first batch of whiskies to age. Overlooking the turquoise Shotover River, Queenstown’s Onsen Hot Pools are arguably the most scenic hot tubs on the planet and yes, Lord of the Rings tours run around the calendar too. Queenstown is also packed with an enormous range of quality dining options – schedule a fancy dinner at celebrity chef Josh Emett’s Rata, and don’t leave town without queuing for a Fergburger.

Queenstown has a winning après ski scene

If your idea of après is downing pints of German pilsner in your ski boots to a soundtrack of blaring Europop you might not agree with us on this one, but Queenstown is the place to party after a big day on the slopes. What it lacks in ski-in access, Queenstown makes up for with more than 40 watering holes packed into a square kilometre, from chic cocktail bars like Reds and Little Blackwood, to more casual hangouts like World Bar and Pub on Wharf. From as early as 8pm, underground clubs start pulsing until the wee hours.

Aim for August for the best chance of dry powder (Getty Images)

You don’t have to stay in a ski lodge run by hungover 19-year-olds

European-style catered chalet lodging doesn’t really exist in New Zealand, with accommodation centred around hotels, B&Bs, self-catering apartments and hostels. With stunning views across Lake Wakatipu and a super fun retro-alpine vibe – complete with room number indicators shaped like little gondolas and Merino wool socks in the minibar – QT Queenstown, which opened in December, is the hippest ski hotel in Queenstown. If you’re on a budget, aim for the recently refurbished YHA Queenstown Lakefront, one of the best hostels in NZ.

You can (finally) go heli and cat-skiing

While you can just about count Europe’s heli and cat-skiing operations on one hand, both activities are big business in NZ. Queenstown alone has several heli-ski operators with access to up to 600 runs across 11 mountain ranges and with prices starting at a reasonable NZ$940 (£482) for three runs with Alpine Heliski. It’s a great opportunity to get your heli-ski legs before taking on the bigger slopes of North America.

There are abundant heli-skiing opportunities (Getty Images)

Cat-skiing is available in the private Soho Basin resort near Cardrona. Open since 2015, the resort allows just two dozen guests on its slopes each day, so when you think about it, NZ$685 (£351) for a full day’s cat-skiing and a gourmet lunch prepared by Amisfield Bistro – one of the best restaurants and wineries in the country – isn’t bad. Soho Basin is also open to the public, by which read experts with their own ski touring gear.