Posts Tagged skiing

Plan Your New Zealand South Island Independent Holiday Itinerary

When you start to plan your New Zealand holiday it throws up some difficult questions. I have often been asked which I like best, the North Island or the South Island. That is quite a difficult question, as living in a location is different to seeing it as a tourist. Scenically they are very different and both lovely.

However, if you have limited time for your New Zealand holiday I would definitely recommend the South Island as your choice. To really do justice to the South Island, you need 4-5 weeks. This allows you to take time to enjoy the many activities. You could spend a lot more time, if you are intending to do some of the long hikes such as the Milford Track, Heaphy Track, or go to some of the remoter areas. But usually choices have to be made.

The Best of the South Island Independent Tour Route

Some people may adapt this and manage a rushed New Zealand holiday in two weeks, but will have to reduce the suggested route further, or have quicker stops in some areas. This is itineray will take about 3 weeks , travelling time.

The route I would suggest that gives you the best overall coverage of the South Island, would start from Christchurch, the only international airport. This semi circular route can of course be driven in the opposite direction.

  • Drive north to Kaikoura, for whale watching, swimming with dolphins and great crayfish!
  • Hanmer Springs will make a nice break for a swim in the thermal hot pools.
  • Carry on to Nelson. Take 2-3 days here to enjoy the beaches – don’t miss beautiful golden Kaiteriteri beach, check out some wineries, arts and crafts, and walk or kayak in Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Blenheim, Marlborough, is the wine center – where our famous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc grows best.
  • Nelson Lakes – are very scenic, with plenty of day walks in the area.
  • Drive through Murchison to the West Coast.
  • Karamea – at the northen most tip is worth the rive if you have time – you will be doubling back.
  • Greymouth – Shanty town will give the children a thrill with its replica goldmining town.
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – are a unique sight. The layered rocks, with pounding seas and blowholes are spectacular. The nikau forest is an unusual sight too, giving a tropical feel to the area.
  • Hokitika – has glass blowing, greenstone carving, arts and crafts, and is right on the beach.
  • Whataroa Sanctuary for the kotuku – New Zealand white heron – is a good trip in the season, to view New Zealand’s only white herons.
  • Gillespie’s Beach, 25 kilometers north of Fox Glacier is a good beach walk to see the seals. There are about 1500 so it is quite a sight – and smell! But worth it! You need to allow several hours.
  • Fox Glacier
  • Franz Joseph Glacier – You will want to spend at least a couple of days in this glacier area to really have a good experience. You can do guided walks on the ice, fly over the glaciers, and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
  • Haast Pass through to Lake Wanaka, which is a beautiful stop.
  • From Wanaka you would go over the Crown Range a challenging but very scenic drive, or round Lake Dunstan , past Queenstown to
  • Te Anau – From here you can go to
  • Milford Sound
  • Doubtful Sounds – this is an excellent wilderness boat trip
  • Alternatively, base yourself in Queenstown and do a tour to Milford Sound
  • Queenstown – If you have only a very limited time for your New Zealand holiday then Queenstown is the place to go. Voted one of the world’s top 10 destinations for 2008, you need to allow plenty of time to do day trips – Lord of the Rings tours, Arrowtown, try some of the extreme sports – bungee jumping, Shotover jet boat, 4WD to old goldmining towns, Skippers Canyon, jet boating, heli skiing, take the historic “Earnslaw” boat to Walter Peak sheep station across Lake Wakatipu.. The choices are prolific. Adventure activities are a major industry, the scenery stunning. There is something for everyone in this fabulous part of the country.
  • Options – Twizel to Mt Cook if time is short, or to Dunedin then to Mt Cook.
  • Twizel – once a town built for the workers building the power station, it has become a popular center for those wanting to do the many outdoor mountain activities in the area.
  • Queenstown to Dunedin. Take a day to go out on the Otago Peninsula to the Albatross Colony and visit Larnach Castle. You can also see penguins.
  • Travel up the East Coast via Moeraki Boulders- visit the Moeraki Fish Restaurant on the wharf, en route to
  • Mt Cook – or Aoraki – New Zealand’s highest mountain. It tempts many climbers – but they do need to be experienced. Sadly it has claimed many lives. The walks and outdoor activities could keep you busy for a few days if you are keen. On to Christchurch via
  • Lake Tekapo – see the little stone church with the sheep dog monument overlooking Lake Tekapo in the middle of the MacKenzie country.
  • Arrive Christchurch.

This suggested itinerary could be increased by taking a route south via Invercargill, if you have an extra week or two. But the route above will give you an amazing scenic, activity packed holiday. You can also adapt it incorporating the best of the North Island and starting the circuit at Nelson.

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Ski Holidays in New Zealand – Where is the Snow Skiing in the South Island of New Zealand?

Now is the time to get excited and to get your snow gear ready to head to New Zealand this winter to have some serious fun in the snow.

Here is some up to date information on the main three South Island New Zealand ski areas.

Opening Dates 2009 ski season:

  • Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are scheduled to open on Saturday 6 June and Saturday 20 June respectively
  • Mt Hutt is scheduled to open on Saturday 13 June

CORONET PEAK QUEENSTOWN Lifts: 1 detachable Quad lift, 1 Triple Chair, 1 Double Chair, 1 T- Bar lift, 1 Magic Carpet and 1 Beginner tow lift Terrain: For Beginners 20%, for Intermediate skiers 45% and advanced 35% Season: Early June – Early October Facilities: Everything you need for your New Zealand Ski holidays and children are well catered for and if you forgot to bring any clothing or accessories you can purchase them from the Retail outlet shop Drive from Queenstown to the mountain: 25 minutes (18kms) Ski Shuttles: Daily service to/from Queenstown Operating Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm Night Skiing: Mid July to mid September, Friday and Saturday nights 4:00pm until 9:00pm

Coronet Peak’s South Island Ski Season has open slopes and wide rolling terrain and with only a short drive from Queenstown is the New Zealand most popular ski resort It is the first New Zealand resort so this is the original one and leads the way with quality. Coronet Peak has everything for your NZ Ski Holidays – from easy beginner to rolling off-piste slopes including long well groomed runs. Whatever your style or speed, there is something for everyone to enjoy their NZ Ski Holidays including amazing views from the top.

Coronet Peak also offers night skiing which is an experience out of this world and not to be missed – only the main trails are lit up for night skiing. If you get hungry or wish to rest the West End or Rocky Gully Cafes are open for great meals and drinks At the Base lodge you can get mountain chains, tickets and rental, also food and beverage.

The Remarkables Queenstown Lifts: 3 Quad Chair lifts, 1 Magic Carpet & 1 Beginner Tow Terrain: Beginners 30%, Intermediates 40%, Advanced 30% Season: Late June – mid October Facilities: Everything you need to make your Ski Holidays enjoyable including a children’s crache, self service cafe, ski and board repair and rental, a shop where you can purchase gloves, hats and scarf’s etc Drive from Queenstown town centre: 45 minutes (26kms) from QueenstownFor clients with no vehicle a daily Ski Shuttle runs from/to Queenstown.

Across the valley lies the Remarkable’s – Queenstown’s real alpine ski area. The emphasis here is in joining in and having serious fun on the New Zealand ski slopes – especially if you are a beginner or advanced skier or rider looking for a serious adrenaline kick!

The Remarkables enjoys three sunny sheltered bowls framed by towering peaks, and is known for its friendly and very relaxed atmosphere. This New Zealand Ski area is a wonderful place to learn to ski with the easy to use chair lift. For the more adventurous ones you will find lots of challenging terrain you have never seen before. The Remarkables offers one of the longest off-piste runs on the south island. Children are well catered for. If they are ten years or younger they will receive a free day lift pass and ensure that your New Zealand Ski holidays will be remarkable and unforgettable. Check out the new tubing park – it offers even greater fun in the snow for small and big children.

In addition to the above, all Multiday Lift passes and Combo Packages to the Remarkable’s include this year free transport to/from the Queenstown Snow Centre at Duke Street (The Station) – opposite the Hotel Sofitel.

MT HUTT – METHVEN CANTERBURYLifts: 1 Quad Chair, 1 Triple Chair, 3 T-Bars, 2 Platters and 2 beginner tows Terrain: Beginners 25%, Intermediates 50%, Advanced 25% Ski Shuttles: Daily service to/from MethvenLifts operates 9 am to 4 pm daily depending on the weather

Nestled high inside the eastern rim of the Southern Alps lies the Mt Hutt New Zealand Ski Area, which receives some of the deepest, lightest, driest powder in the entire Australasia region. Overlooking the spectacular patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains with the blue Pacific Ocean in the far distance, skiers and snowboarders from all around the world can enjoy the longest winter season in the Southern Hemisphere.

The wide open terrain is great for first time skiers and families alike. Extreme skiers and boarders will find more different challenges they can handle. There is a newly designed children’s crache available. The beginners terrain is well catered for teaching you how to ski and ride a snowboard.Snowmaking machines are busy from early May on to ensure great snow conditions for the whole Ski season.

Mt Hutt ski area is only one hour’s drive away from Christchurch and Mt Hutt’s village – Methven is very close by. The newly introduced radio station can now broadcast live on road snow conditions and other important information for everybody heading up the mountain.In 2008 Mt Hutt experienced one of its biggest snow seasons ever and we hope this year it will be another bumper season much better prepared.

So, what are you waiting for – come and have fun in the snow this winter – you will have a New Zealand Ski Holiday experience of a lifetime?

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The Joys of a New Zealand Luxury Holiday

New Zealand is truly a country with the most spectacular landscapes almost everywhere you look, making it popular for film-makers – the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed here as was the hit movie Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and its sequel, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. From dense forests to snow-capped mountains, along with an abundance of wildlife, and lakes galore, there is plenty for you to see and do on your luxury New Zealand holiday.

This is a country that is drenched in culture and history, with a unique blend of Maori, European and Pacific influences making up the friendly warmth that New Zealanders are known for. Wherever you travel in New Zealand, on both the north and south islands, you’re sure to have ample opportunity to see some of the traditional Maori lifestyle. The Maori New Year is centred around the time when a particular cluster of stars called the Matariki appears over New Zealand’s Aotearoa, bringing on a huge celebration throughout each June.

No matter what part of New Zealand you are visiting, there’s sure to be celebrations at this time of year, including traditional dancing, food, craft-making and generally renewing relationships with family and friends.

New Zealand luxury cruises are another way to see this amazing country. There are many long, breath-taking strips of coastline for visitors to discover, either on a large cruise liner or by chartering a smaller, more personal yacht or motor boat. Cruising in the World Heritage listed Fiordland is simply amazing. The rocky landscapes around Dusky, Milford and Doubtful Sounds are almost vertical and dwarf even the largest of cruise ships, with a wealth of cascading waterfalls adding to the already incredible scenery. The Bay of Islands has more than 144 islands and bays for you to explore.

As well as the stunning coastline, New Zealand offers many picturesque harbours, fiords and islands for you to explore. If you enjoy a bit of adventure, there are several places where you can experience the exhilaration of white-water rafting on your New Zealand luxury holiday.

Christchurch is known for its formal parks and gardens, along with its TranzAlpine train trip. Cited as one of the top 6 scenic rail journeys in the world, this is an ideal way to explore Arthur’s Pass. Meanwhile Wellington, on the country’s north island, is more creative; better known for its arts, culture and heritage.

Food lovers will appreciate the fine selection of fresh cuisine throughout New Zealand, with their unique blend of European, Asian and Polynesian influences. Eating in New Zealand is traditionally more relaxed, with a focus on enjoying the company and experience in a laid-back manner. If you enjoy a fine wine, visit the Hawkes Bay wine region where there are several vineyards for you to sample the local fare. You will also find a lot of Art Deco architecture around this region.

Rotorua offers visitors a selection of beautiful beaches, boutique shopping with nearby natural hot springs for total relaxation. This area also boasts some amazing volcanic landscapes that are definitely worth visiting. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is another natural phenomena worth experiencing. This Valley was formed after the 1886 eruption of Tarawera, with seven massive craters forming. One of these, Inferno Crater, is the largest geyser-like phenomenon in the world, with its contents flowing over below, into the Frying Pan Stream, every few weeks.

Many of New Zealand’s cities, including Auckland, have a selection of five star resorts and lavish retreats where you can relax in style. After a day of exploration and discovery you can indulge in some well-deserved pampering before deciding how to enjoy your evening.

For absolute opulence, New Zealand’s north island offers Rahimoana Eagles Nest. This exquisite accommodation boasts a personal chef and personal trainer, along with use of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo!

For luxury New Zealand travel to the snow-fields, Terrace Downs, near Christchurch, is the perfect place to stay. Here you can combine the ski slopes with a fantastic golf course, fishing, bushwalking and delectable food and wine. If you’re keen on skiing around Queenstown, Peppers Beacon, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is ideal.

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