Skiing in New Zealand

Posted by maz27 (305 days ago)

After realising our budget couldnt stretch to a ski holiday during CNY/Easter a friend in Hong Kong suggested skiing in NZ may be cheaper during the HK school summer holidays (July/August) and that we could have a 2part holiday - 5 days skiing and then cruising around a part of NZ in a camper van.

I have been overwhelmed by websites on skiing in NZ. I have 2 children - they will be 4 and 12 yrs by the summer months who have never been skiing before and would need a creche facility and ski school so that my hubbie and I can also have lessons without worrying about the children. We can then play with them in the afternoon or something.

I'd want the skiing to be near to accommodation - not high end but not backpacker style either just comfortable for a family with restaurants nearby or hotel providing food.

Then once we are finished with skiing any suggestions of driving around parts of NZ.

I really appreciate anyone who can give me some guidance.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by Huggy (304 days ago)

Hi maz27

We took our children to the south island skiing when they were 4 & 11. We stayed at a fabulous 'rental' in Arrowtown run by a guy from Liverpool. He advised us to ski the 'Remarkables' as it was both adult and child friendly - and it was. I dont know about creche facilities as they were on the snow learning to ski in their group and we were in ours. Afterwards we met for lunch then all 4 of us were on the same slopes - great fun. Queenstown was much busier and finding accomodation was a nightmare. Arrowtown is a short ride away next to the old Chinese mining village. Sorry - dont have an exact address for them - but the rentals were very A lined structures of brick (bit like a uk dormer bungalow) and they advertise outside and on the notice boards in Arrowtown. Tiny place but very pleasant and only a short ride to the Remarkables.

This place was not high end - nor was it anywhere near backpacker - but the prices were VERY reasonable. We did not hire a camper van as accomodation around NZ is reasonable and easy to book our summer time - do what we did - drive up - ask to see the room - and if you like it - book it for a day or two. We liked Arrowtown so much we stayed a week. We used a big toyota with three rows of seats and the kids both had their own spaces to sleep or play in the back.
We did a total of 6 weeks - first Australia for 4 weeks - then NZ for two - fab trip!!
I think they still do triangle fares too.

Hope that it is of some help to you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by timorous (303 days ago)

hi, we went to ski in nz last summer. suggest you fly to Queenstown then rent a car self drive to a place called Wanaka and stay there as a base for your daily trip to ski sites. accom: http://www.minaretlodge.co.nz/location.htm. it's very nice lodge. and the host Alan manages it very well....
if you want to save $, it's best to buy the ski pass ahead. they are available around March each year, this allow u to ski at 3 different sites nearby. u can actually drive to those sites, this save you ski bus fares. and it's manageable to drive to there.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by timorous (303 days ago)

btw, u should take advantage of the weak NZ$ and start to buy in some NZ notes now...

(I am based in Hong Kong)