New Zealand is a haven for nature lovers and anyone who loves to indulge in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Tourists from over the world hire New Zealand self drive tours to access some of the coolest snowy destinations this country down under has to offer. And there’s no reason why you should be left out! July to September is the best time to visit New Zealand for winter sports. So here are some of the best locations for adrenaline junkies and families alike to visit in this winter wonderland.
- Mount Hutt
This location offers breathtaking beauty and is a paradise for skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts. The terrain of this mountain is very suitable for both beginners and advanced snowboarders and skiers as there are plenty of routes for all different levels. If you’re a first timer, you can hire out coaches or take a group class to help you learn the winter sport of your choice.
- Wanaka
This beautiful town is located next to Lake Wanaka and is an extremely popular tourist destination for winter travelers. However, it still retains it’s quaint atmosphere, with very friendly locals and plenty of calm energy to indulge in after hitting the slopes during the day. When in this region, people also visit Treble Cone and Cardrona Ski fields. If you’re a beginner, then Cardrona may be the perfect spot for you as it has a wide terrain and very reliable snow. If you’re more advanced, then treat yourself to Arcadia Chutes. Treble Cone is more suitable for advanced skiers as the terrain is somewhat challenging and steep. But both locations offer classes and lessons for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
- Queenstown
If you want to get the very best out of your ski vacation, then a visit to Queenstown is a must! Travel for about 25 minutes outside of this great city and you will come across Coronet Park, which is one of the busiest locations for winter sports. The south facing skiing fields have good facilities for everyone, and another great location very close to Coronet Park is The Remarkables. This area is perfect for intermediate and beginners you can use this areas to hone your skills.
- Mackenzie Country
After you’re done with Queenstown and Wanaka, make your way up north and visit Mackenzie Country. After a night’s halt you should then make your way to the Ohau snow fields located next to the beautiful Lake Ohau. This gorgeous spot has a varied terrain and provides a fabulous view of the lake. If you’re a more experienced snowboarder or skier, then a visit Round Hill should be on your list.
So there’s our list of the best New Zealand locations for winter sports! Consider taking a New Zealand self drive tours and travel at your pace. All you need to do before visiting is a bit of research on the weather conditions and accommodations and you should be all set for the winter adventure of a lifetime.
This is a guest post by Seema Gurnani , who’s a well known travel blogger at www.pandareviewz.com