Bangkok--Jul 13--Tourism New Zealand
While the whole world is going bikini on the beach, New Zealanders are not going crazy in their fluffy jackets at their ski resorts. It is, of course, the picturesque, fresh air, winter in New Zealand.
Make snow the focus of your New Zealand winter holiday during July — September every year. With a number of ski areas in both Islands, New Zealand provides plenty of variation for the keen skier or snowboarder, from wide open family friendly runs, to extreme off-piste skiing.
World-class ski fields, combined with top quality accommodation options and great night life at nearby towns, make New Zealand the perfect ski holiday destination.
New Zealand's ski season is surprisingly long. It begins in June and often continues until the end of October. The first ski area to hang out the open sign is usually Mt. Hutt in Canterbury. The last to close is Whakapapa on Mt. Ruapehu, which sometimes keeps its snow cover long enough to open on Christmas Day.
In the North Island, the big buzz is skiing on Mt Ruapehu — a volcano in the Tongariro National Park. Natural half pipes, created by lava flows, are a memorable feature of volcanic skiing. One lift pass gets you access to both ski fields on Ruapehu. Whakapapa, on the northern slopes of the mountain, has jaw-dropping views across to Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Taranaki. In spring, the ski field holds its Snowboard Festival — a total blast for devoted boarders. Turoa, on the southern side of the mountain, has New Zealand’s highest vertical drop at 720 metres.
Nearby towns of Whakapapa, National Park and Ohakune provide comfortable accommodations and great night life. Try long soaks in geothermal hot pools at Tokaanu and Taupo, to ease sore muscles in readiness for another awesome day on the slopes.
At the foot of the Southern Alps in the Canterbury region, Mt. Hutt offers spectacular views across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean. Considered to be the most consistent ski area in Australasia, with a new chairlift for the 2005 season, Mt. Hutt offers world class downhill skiing, heliskiing (off-piste and glacier) and snowboarding on its wide, welcoming slopes. Skiers at Mt. Hutt can choose to base themselves at Methven, a lively country village close to the mountain, or they can commute from the urban attractions of Christchurch, just 90 minutes away.
Around 3 hours drive from Christchurch, with majestic views of Mt. Cook, the Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, the Mackenzie District is renowned for cold, crisp, winter weather with blue, sunny skies. The three uncrowded ski areas of Round Hill, Mt Dobson and Ohau offer some of the most welcoming slopes in the country.
Enjoy all the space and freedom these smaller courses can provide, along with personal service and a family friendly atmosphere. The nearby towns of Fairlie, Lake Tekapo and Twizel provide plenty of accommodation and dining choices, to recharge the batteries for the next day on the slopes.
Winter in Queenstown is one long party that kicks off with the opening of Coronet Peak ski resort, the crown jewel of New Zealand ski areas. Coronet Peak offers all kinds of terrain, to suit all skiers and boarders, as well as night skiing - a surreal experience under powerful, sports-stadium lights. Coronet Peak has a new chairlift and the largest snowmaking capacity in the Southern Hemisphere ensures optimum conditions throughout the season.
The gentle slopes of The Remarkables ski area, which overlooks Queenstown, are particularly perfect for families and learners alike. But it's not all tame - powder bowls and off-piste big mountain riding prove a challenge for the most advanced skier and rider and is complemented by the much expanded Xbox Terrain Park and Superpipe. In September, the field hosts The Remarkables Spring Festival - a riot of snow sports and crazy events. Another event that’s hard to miss is the Gay Ski Week scheduled for 3-10 September in Queenstown featuring a downhill swimwear slalom race, adventure day, cocktails by sponsor 42 Below Vodka, horizontal bungy, a 42 Below White Out dance party and ski area picnics.
Less than an hour over the mountains from Queenstown is the relaxed alpine town of Wanaka, and a choice of four ski areas and numerous heliski runs. Cardrona, a ski area in the Crown Range, is the 'snowboarders capital' - it has four boarding parks and prides itself on 100% natural snow. With 320 hectares of undulating trails and miles of wide open slopes Cardrona will inspire you. Cardrona also offers family facilities including child care for children 3 months old and up.
Treble Cone, TC to the locals, has the country's only six-seater express chairlift and a new chairlift ready for the 2005 season. Except for a learn-to-ski area, it is a steep mountain offering exciting terrain for intermediate to advanced skiers and boarders. Also on offer is the Snowfarm, New Zealand's only Nordic area, and the Snowpark, a dedicated freestyle area.
For more winter activities visit www.newzealand.com
For media inquiries, please contact:
Voranan Chakamanon — 0 4088 9210
Suwarat Sajamark — 0 1848 1213
PR Consultant for Tourism New Zealand
Tel: 0 2978 6660, 0 2978 6719
Fax: 0 2978 6661
Email: [email protected] and trupr@asianet.co.th
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