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[oldhongerlady]

anyone ever travel during their winter?

I'm planning a trip to new zealand this august. just wondering what you guys can recommend in terms of activities and places to check out? (I'm aware of snowboarding, although considering I'm from Vancouver, BC, Canada, I'm sure my standards for 'good' snow is probably a lot higher than the average kiwi).


any advice would be greatly appreciated! thanks!

[ScottWoz]

Hi!

The main focus will be skiing and snowboarding in both islands, but that doesn't mean the usual activities are off limits. I know that around Queenstown there'll be plenty of mountain biking, night skiing, ice climbing, curling and snowshoeing(!) going on and you'll also have access to the usual adventure sports that are popular all-year round: skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting etc..

In general though, apart from the main ski areas, things will be fairly quiet so should make for a very pleasant trip. And the scenery will be absolutely stunning!

As for places to check out, my first response would be 'everywhere' but it really depends on how much time you have and which island(s) you'll be visiting. What are your plans?

[ScottWoz]

Hi,

I posted this info on another thread, but it might help:

Depending on where you're headed in New Zealand there's good skiing in both islands:- some of the popular ones being:-

North Island

Whakapapa on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu

South Island

Mt Hutt - Canterbury
Ohau Snowfields - Nr Twizel, Mt Cook area
Treble Cone and Cardrona - Wanaka
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables - Queenstown

There's an incredible atmosphere here in Queenstown at the moment. The slopes officially open in less than two weeks and already fresh new faces are starting to appear.

If you're headed over here during July/August you should make it just in time for the peak season. The atmosphere will be electric!

...as for the skydiving, you'll have no problems but it will be weather permitting. There's plenty of option too depending on your location: Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Frans Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown all offer skydiving packages and if you're in the right place at the right time, the view (and the experience) will be out of this world!

'Are there any hostels nearby the mountains?'
- plenty, you won't have a problem, though do bear in mind if you're arriving in peak season in the busiest resorts you may want to consider booking in advance..