Tailored New Zealand Ski Holidays

At destination-nz.com we know that every snow-bunny expects something different from their ski holiday of a lifetime.

Therefore, we have come up with some great snow ideas for backpacking, family-orientated and indulgent snow lovers. Of course you can mix and match all of the options we pulled out – in the Land of the Long White Cloud (or should we say ‘Land of the Long White Mountain’?) there are no limits!

New Zealand Family Ski Holiday

If you’re planning a ski holiday for the family, it’s probably best to base the whole clan in a ski resort from where you can access a range of ski areas while also finding heaps of alternative attractions to keep everyone entertained. Holiday homes, self-contained apartments or family motel units are especially popular with holidaying families. You’re entirely flexible and can enjoy facilities such as your own laundry, full kitchen facilities, drying rooms and garages/off-street parking. If you book a family ski holiday package your accommodation will be included, otherwise go shopping around on our website.

New Zealand ski areas offer learners’ slopes and beginners’ fun parks with jumps and berms for the kids, while snow schools offer great ski lessons for the little ones (or yourself if you’re a newbie!). Many ski areas also rent out gear which is ideal for those fast-growing kiddies.

When it comes to winter family activities, tubing, ice skating or snowshoeing trips for the whole family are all great alternatives to skiing and snowboarding. Off the mountains you can, for example, visit zoos and wildlife parks or interactive museums. For more holiday family activities click here.

Our pick for a family ski holiday: Canterbury – New Zealand’s biggest range of ski areas offers variety for the whole family.

New Zealand Deluxe Winter Escape

New Zealand luxury travel is a treat year-round, but we reckon the snow-capped mountains, roaring fires and crisp winter air make it especially indulgent during winter months. For your stay in winter wonderland you have a range of deluxe options ranging from private mountain chalets and cosy boutique B&Bs and hotels to self-contained villas and, of course, luxury lodges.

Whether you book a small-group tour, something extra-special such as a ski pamper package or have your winter itinerary custom-designed, let New Zealand’s travel planners take care of the details. For you, it’s time to sit back and relax. How about soaking in a natural hot pool, gazing out on frosty mountains and shrouded rainforest or seeing the stunning mountains from a bird’s eye view on a flight-seeing adventure? When hitting the slopes, you want to do it in style: book the unique experience of heli skiing to board and ski New Zealand’s most pristine backcountry or try skiing a glacier. Another mountain activity is a dog sled tour, great for taking in white trails and the snow’s glistening peace and quiet from the warmth of your sleigh.

At night-time, choose one of New Zealand’s fine dining experiences or have your in-house chef cook your meal at your luxury accommodation.

Our pick for a deluxe winter escape: Southern Lakes region – stay in exclusive lakeside lodges, indulge in Central Otago’s world-class Pinot Noir and cuisine and choose from a myriad of adventure activities.

New Zealand Snow Road Trip

Who says that backpacking is a summer thing? In New Zealand you can go on a road trip year-round. Mild temperatures off the mountains allow you to stay at camping grounds all year which makes accommodation nice and cheap. Rock up with your rented campervan or stay in one of the backpacker facilities or cabins! Club ski areas offer excellent bunk-style accommodation right on the mountain. Of course you’ll also find a range of hostels in all major snow hubs and if you book early you can get good-value winter deals in hotels.

Hop on one of the many winter backpacker tours on offer or rent a car and hit the road independently. Just make sure that you know how to fit snow chains, carry food and hot drinks and check the weather before you set out. If you need maps, you can download them here.

Activity-wise there are a myriad of inexpensive and free things to do. With regards to skiing and snowboarding it’s best to stick to club ski areas which are cheaper than commercial ski areas. Go on a winter wonderland walk, attend a free winter event, have a go at curling or hang out in one of the country’s ice bars where everything, even your glasses, is made of ice. Splash out on adventures such as ice climbing or snow kiting and get your spine-chilling adrenaline rush from bungy jumping or skydiving above snow-capped mountains. For après-ski action including mulled wine, live music and cosy fires head out to bars and pubs around the country!

Our pick for a snow road trip: central North Island – travel the Thermal Explorer Highway, the Desert Road and head on to the Forgotten World Highway and Surf Highway 45 to combine snowboarding with surfing!