New Zealand Skiing?

Anyone have beta on where to go? Where are the goods? Was thinking of planning a trip to new zealand and not sure exactly where to go. I'm looking for both in area and off piste. Which island is best? North or South? Where city would one fly into if coming from Denver? Is the hostel system adequate? Best to rent a car, or go by bus taxi, thumbing? Is June/July a good time to go? Any info would help. Thanks much!!!

I spent a semester in NZ in 2007. You will want to go to the south Island to ski for sure. From denver you would most likley fly into Auckland then from there to Christchurch. There are a lot of ski areas within a couple of hours of christchurch. There are also a lot of areas in Queenstown which is like the Aspen of NZ. I only skiied once while I was there an it was ok, the views were far better than the actual skiing. If you are from utah or Colorado the skiing here is better. Either way do not miss a chance to go to NZ.

The hostels are great and there are tons of them. You can plan on about $20 NZ per night.

I skiied in late june and it was still pre-season type conditions.

I was there for quite a while so I bought a junker car. Renting would be good, but there are busses that can get you anywhere. We also hitchhiked a lot and got rides very fast.

Plan to stay as long a possible as it is such a beautiful place. (lots of great climbing too, and moderate weather up north!)

Hope this is helpful

South Island for sure, head to Wanaka, and you won't come back. 3 ski hills, tons of off piste as well, and sport climbing right down the road.

Go for as long as you can afford, buy a car, junker I've bought and rented, and hitchhiked.....having your own ride is worth it especially on the South Island.

Have fun, book your tickets now you'll get a screamin fare....

don't miss the hut skiing!! if you ski off/on piste they are just what your looking for. cheap, nutcracker lifts and lodging if you want. no grooming, nothings closed, no crowds.

If you could go a little later would be better. June is too early and July things are just starting to crank up. My favorite months for skiing down under were always August/September. Best chance of good coverage and snow conditions.

Try to do a trip into the Murchison/Mannering Gl region (Mt Cook) if you can swing it. You're need a car if you want to make the most of your time.

Make sure you stop at the Berry Barn Bakery in Geraldine (inland from Chch on the way to Mt Cook/Wanaka). It has some of the best meat pies.

Also if you visit Dunedin, take the Speights Factory tour. It's like going to Dublin and going to the Guinness factory.