Skiing in NZ without Breaking The Bank

danjerman on 10/04/2022 - 20:14

Hi Oz-bargainers,

I'm wanting to take the family away skiing in NZ in the July school Hols and was hoping I could get some tips from experienced Skiers who've been to NZ before on the best way to book, buy passes, ski hire etc etc. We've never skied in NZ before and I've only Skied in Oz once a long time ago when I was young and free. I think it would be better to go to NZ as I understand the skiing is better than here in Oz. (and Oz is expensive AIUI)

We're a family of 5 and we've skied in Europe once before. We are not great skiers but will have a good go and could do with a few refresher lessons when we get there but want a good variety of intermediate slopes. Any recommendations on locations to go to?

Is it better to do a package or book everything individually? Any other tips?

TIA
DM

Travel Skiing

Comments

  • bitesized on 10/04/2022 - 21:25
    +1

    Hi OP, yes NZ is much better skiing compared to Oz, and potentially cheaper too but you are going over peak season so don't expect too much savings.

    I was last there in 2013 with a group of friends. We stayed at lake Wanaka and skied for 5 days at Cardrona. From the research I did, Cardrona seemed the best option with lots of variety for intermediates (compared to the Remarkables or Coronet), and we had a blast there. While NZ is much better than Perisher or Thredbo, don't expect the levels you would find in Europe though.

    From memory, we booked accommodation and car rental via Expedia. To save costs, we flew into Christchurch (instead of Queenstown) and did the 5 hour drive to Wanaka. There may be better all-in deals from Flight Centre or other travel agents, but once again I'm not sure if they apply to peak season.

    Also, there isn't on mountain accom so you would have to drive to ski fields each morning. Back then they made us stop to put snow chains on, but I think snow tyres are probably good enough now. Good luck!

  • dust on 10/04/2022 - 21:33
    +1

    Wouldn't recommend Treblecone if you're not comfortable on the snow.

  • aggregate on 10/04/2022 - 22:17
    +1

    I find the Queenstown NZSki resorts (Coronet Peak and the Remarkable) to be the most reliable and cost effective. These two resorts are run by the same company so the lift passes can be used at both locations. Not only you get two mountains worth of terrains, if one resort is shut due to poor weather the other may still be open. The latter is important, as time is as important as budget when you are travelling overseas.

    In terms of cost, with NZski, you can sign up to a very cheap 3 day beginner program (intro to snow) with lessons included. If you want to stay longer, grab a multi day pass.

    I’ve also been to Cardrona and Ruapehu. At the end of the day, Coronet Peak remains my favourite resort. It is so close to Queenstown, so I can spend more time skiing than travelling to the slopes. Just be aware that most ski resorts in NZ are busy during school holidays. If you can, go on the week starting 18 July. That week is still school holiday in Nz, but students in Aus Eastern states are back to school.

  • Ryk on 11/04/2022 - 13:32

    skip NZ, go to Japan in Dec/January.

  • Subere on 13/04/2022 - 14:57

    Airbnb in Wanaka, hire a 4WD, go Cardrona

  • Farrba on 21/04/2022 - 06:46

    is it still worth going there middle of September?

  • Azza890 on 08/05/2022 - 12:28

    Hi, what would a 3 day package for flights and skis and day pass and hotel cost PP?

    Budget

  • blutek on 09/05/2022 - 19:39

    the Ski Expos are coming up this month. A good opportunity to talk to the resort Reps and collect bag of resort brochures (if you live nearby).

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