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Snow sports to try in New Zealand

By September 25, 2015November 6th, 2018No Comments
Snow sports in new Zealand

Snow sports in new Zealand

With September well underway, you might be starting to consider your plans for the upcoming winter season.

But if you just can’t wait, winter conditions in New Zealand usually linger into October around Queenstown.

If you’re able to plan a quick, spur of the moment trip, here are some snow sports in New Zealand you’ll be able to enjoy for a month or two yet.

 

Alpine skiing in the Queenstown area

While most of the world’s best known alpine skiing can be found in the Northern Hemisphere, some of the best options during the Southern snow sports season can be found in the peaks surrounding Queenstown.

From Treble Cone, which offers a variety of terrain for skilled boarders and skiers, to the more family friendly environs of Coronet Peak, there are a variety of choices for those looking to soar steep pitches or cruise mellow slopes alike.

 

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Wanaka

If you’d rather stick to flat earth, then take a short drive to the lakeside town of Wanaka. Here you’ll find the best cross-country skiing in New Zealand.

With little more than gently rolling terrain challenging you, you can enjoy the best of New Zealand’s Southern Alps; without having your attention diverted by trying not to crash into a tree.

Those looking to get out onto terrain, that’s otherwise covered by metres of deep snow, should look into trying out snowshoeing.

These weight dispersing shoes allow you to stride across snow-choked hills, and trails, without sinking in up to your thighs. This will allow you to enjoy a hike in the woods, even in the depths of a cold winter day in September.

 

Snowmobiling in the backcountry

Feel like taking a petrol driven machine out for a rip into the most remote reaches of Queenstown’s backcountry?

With assistance from local heli operations, you can take a snowmobile and ride it straight up steep mountain slopes laden with powder. Or you could even blast across flats, where you can go faster across the white stuff than you ever thought possible.

While there’s only one operation in all of New Zealand offering a tour like this (Queenstown Snowmobiles), this sport is widely enjoyed throughout the rest of world where winter pays a visit. So come and enjoy it in a place where it’s a novelty to the locals on your tour.

 

Snow tubing in Tekapo Springs

If that seems just a bit too hardcore, you can feed your need for speed with a snow tube down the slopes in Tekapo Springs.

Located a short distance northeast of Queenstown, it’s well worth the journey for the day. Not only will the tube park be the source of much excitement, but ice skating is available for those not into sliding as well.

After your time in the cold, take an hour or so to sooth your chilled body in Tekapo’s steamy hot springs. You’ll find three separate tiered pools, with temperatures ranging from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, and views that’ll take your breath away.