New Zealand has so many great places to visit that unless you have all the time in the world it can be hard to choose where to go. One fact to keep in mind is that the seasons reverse, when it’s summer in Europe, then it’s winter in New Zealand. There are 2 main islands, the North Island and the South Island, both of which have many interesting elements, but it is the South Island that attracts the most visitors and has the most views.
Much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was shot in New Zealand and there are guides that will take you around some of the locations where the filming took place. They are not only fascinating due to the fact that they appeared in the movies, but they are also some of the most beautiful places you will ever see. See the rolling hills of Matamata that became Hobbiton, and the volcanic region of Mount Ruapehu when it erupted into Mount Doom, and then there’s Queenstown, a hub of adventure activities and the location of several scenes, including the Eregion Hills, and the Pillars of Argonath.
If your plan is to come to New Zealand to ski, then the best time of year to visit is July and August. Queenstown is the most popular choice for skiers as it is a tourist town with many adventure activities. You can find all sorts of activities here to get your adrenaline pumping, from rafting and mountain biking to jet boating and bungee jumping. But most famously, Queenstown is known for its variety of snow sports.
One of the 4 main mountain ski resorts in Queenstown is Cardrona Alpine Resort, where you can take snowboarding and skiing lessons. They have programs for all ages and abilities and even cater to the little ones. Your Freestyle Terrain contains jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, rough terrain, and other built or natural terrain features.
Coronet Peak has an instructor training program for aspiring ski and snowboard instructors, while Treble Cone has the longest vertical rise in the southern lakes and stunning views over Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring and Tititea. The ski field is used as an off-season training ground for the Austrian and Norwegian national ski teams. And last but not least is The Remarkables with its Ozone Tubing Park, designed specifically with the young and young at heart in mind. If you want a snow experience with some fun then this is the place to go. Have fun as you slide down lanes of cut tubes on an inner tube.
Of course, along with any skiing comes après skiing and the night on the town is lively. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs to choose from. In terms of accommodation, Queenstown has it all, whether you’re backpacking the country and looking for a real bargain, or living your dream vacation and wanting the best of luxury, it’s here. There is a wide range of hostels, quality 3, 4 and 5 star hotels and exclusive luxury lodges. Selections of B&Bs, farmhouses and homestays offer a taste of New Zealand hospitality, while motels or managed apartments are perfect for those who like their independence and privacy.
Also in the area you can find a number of holiday parks and campsites, all with good amenities. If you really want to make the most of the fresh mountain air, Department of Conservation huts are situated in mountainous and bushy areas. Search online for quality Queenstown hotels and book the vacation of a lifetime today!
