The Southern Hemisphere is renowned for beautiful beaches, days filled with sunshine, and some remarkable snow fields as well. When people say that New Zealand is a country that has it all, they are not exaggerating. The two islands that make up this country have something to offer thrill-seekers and adventurers all year round. When winter hits the south from June to September, the scenery of New Zealand comes alive with snow-capped mountains surrounding stunning lakes.
This is the perfect backdrop to get your ski gear on and enjoy the slopes. New Zealand is a country with phenomenal scenic views and incredible places to stop by on a road trip. As New Zealand has well developed state highway network,one of the best ways to get around in New Zealand is by hiring a car. And getting a car rental from Hertz comes with luxury in a wide variety to suit anyone’s needs.
Where are the best locations for skiing?
Across the islands of New Zealand, there are some remarkable destinations to enjoy the ski fields. In the South Island, the towns of Christchurch, Mount Cook, and Queenstown-Wanaka have some exceptional ski fields. When visiting the North Island, sites near Mt Ruapehu and Great Lake Taupo are a must go-to destination.
What are the best ski fields in New Zealand?
The South Island draws many visitors to Coronet Peak, Treble Cone, The Remarkables, Cardrona, and Mt Hutt. In the centre of the North Island, thrill-seekers can find Mt Ruapehu. This is the only skiable volcano in New Zealand. The North is also home to Whakapapa’s ski field which specialises in skiing for beginners, and Turoa which caters for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Where does it snow in New Zealand?
Generally starting in about June, the snow in New Zealand tends to last through to October, especially in the South Island where the climate is cooler. The snow mostly falls in the mountainous areas of the volcanic islands. The Central Plateau in the north gathers a lot of snow through the winter months. On the South Island, the Southern Alps attract many tourists and visitors to enjoy the skiing activities and scenic snow-capped mountains. Interestingly, there are also considerable amounts of snowfall inland on the flat plains of Canterbury and Otago.
The average snowfall varies across the islands throughout the year. Some destinations in the south can receive up to 5.5 metres of snowfall on a 700 metre vertical rise, and others in the north receive upto 2.3 metres on a 430 metre vertical rise.
Where should you take a ski lesson?
There are ski fields all across New Zealand that cater for different experiences, ages, ranges, and abilities. This means you will be able to find a ski lesson that is just what you are looking for. Ski fields in New Zealand are well equipped to supply people with ski and snow gear to alleviate the pressure of bringing everything yourself. Most ski fields are located near resorts and accommodation options, but they can often be at a considerable distance. When you hire a car with Hertz, you have the added option of getting some snow chains for the car wheels to ensure that you get to your ski lesson safely.
