Whether you are a seasoned skier or snowboarder, or you are seeing snow for the first time, New Zealand is the place to go this winter with their majestic mountains and fields of snow.
North Island
New Zealand’s North Island is home to Mt. Ruapehu, which is also New Zealand’s largest commercial ski field. The terrain is formed by solidified lava, with long, gentle slopes and fantastic beginner facilities to enable first-time skiers and boarders to get the hang of turning and stopping at a pace of your choice. For our more advanced skiers and riders, the free ride terrain with natural bowls, wind lips and vast number of cliffs and shoots mean you are able to ride to your heart’s content.
South Island
Ski the South Island with a 10 day road-trip. Start in Christchurch and enjoy the slopes at the different stops along the way before you finish in Queenstown. The trip is approximate 830km with about 11 hours driving time.
Day 1: Spend the day in Christchurch
Explore Christchurch before your snow holiday begins.
Day 2: Methven
Get up early and start your journey to Porters (60 minute drive) or Mount Hutt (90 minute drive)
Day 3: Aoraki Mount Cook
Give your skis and boards a break and head south towards the Mackenzie region Take scenic flight, soak in a hot pool, ride the tube park or relax with a massage at Tekapo Springs
Day 4: Twizel
Give your skis and boards a break and head south towards the Mackenzie region Take scenic flight, soak in a hot pool, ride the tube park or relax with a massage at Tekapo Springs
Day 5: Wanaka
Visit the picturesque Lake Wanaka which is about 30-45 minutes away from the ski areas of Cardrona and Treble Cone.
If you’d like a break from the slopes, explore this area with a half-day cruise on the lake to Mou Waho Island or a 4WD Safari tour into the Wananka high country. If you’re after something a bit different, visit Puzzling World for its 3D maze and the optical illusions.
Day 6: Cardrona
Cardrona Alpine Resort is characterised by wide-open basins, with beginner trails, long blue runs and off-piste slopes. With four terrain parks, you’re spoilt for choice as a freestyler.
Day 7: Treble Cone
Treble Cone is the South Island’s largest ski field, featuring the longest vertical rise, at 700m, compliments of a leg-burning 4km downhill run and two basins to explore.
Day 8: Coronet Peak
After arriving in New Zealand’s adventure capital Queenstown, spend the day exploring before gearing up for a night of skiing at Coronet Peak. Ski from dawn to dusk on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights only.
Day 9: The Remarkables
Finish your ski adventure on The Remarkables’ amazing ski slopes. Finish off with some backcountry runs and black diamond runs to challenge the most accomplished skiers or riders, or slow down in the sun-drenched learner’s area and finish with a spa or massage for the day.
Day 10: Queenstown
Spend your final day exploring Queenstown. Take a sightseeing tour or try out bungy jumping and jet boating.
With all the fun adventures to look forward to, don’t forget to think about travel insurance. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind when it comes to unexpected events such as medical emergencies, lost or stolen luggage or trip cancellation.
When taking out a travel insurance policy, it’s crucial to ensure you check what you are and are not covered for. If you are participating in snow sports, make sure your policy covers the activities you are part-taking in.
Woolworths Team Bank have partnered with PassportCard Travel Insurance. If you are planning to visit New Zealand consider adding Snow Sports Holiday and Adventure Activities Cover if you plan to ski/snowboard and go bungy jumping or jet boating. Something else to consider may be Search and Rescue cover if you think that may be something you need.
For more information on PassportCard click here or call them on 1300 392 885 to speak to someone about taking out a policy for your upcoming trip.
* All benefits and covers are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions listed in the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement and on other policy documentation, including the schedule. Terms and conditions of the PassportCard also apply.
PassportCard Australia Pty Ltd (PassportCard) ABN 76 621 476 220 (AFSL 551 057) is an Underwriting Agency acting under Binder from Guild Insurance Limited (Guild) ABN 55 004 538 863 (AFSL 233 791).
