Everything you need to know about ski season in New Zealand

New Zealand is looking like it's going to be the hot destination for Aussies this winter, thanks to the newly-opened travel bubble with our neighbours to the east.

We all know that it's an epic place in winter, with world-class ski fields, incredible scenery, and seriously good food and wine.

Planning a trip across the ditch this year? Here's everything to know about winter and the snow season in New Zealand.

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When is ski season in New Zealand?

Ski resorts around the country have different opening dates. Generally, slopes open in late April and close in October, though the South Island starts and finishes a little later. April and May mightn't be cold enough to get snowfall, so the season doesn't fully kick off until late June. August is when the snow is best, but tourist numbers are at their peak.

Guide to ski resorts in New Zealand

Skiers are spoiled for choice when planning a trip to the slopes. From big resorts, small-town vibes, or isolated cabins in the woods, you'll find whatever your heart desires. Here's a basic rundown:

Queenstown is small town known as the adventure capital of the world. It's definitely NZ's best-known destination for skiing. Here you'll find four epic ski resorts, as well as a ton of other adrenaline-pumping activities to keep you busy if the weather on the mountain isn't great.

Canterbury is the area around Christchurch in the South Island. Mt Hutt is a favourite with Kiwis because it's a lot quieter and less touristy than Queenstown. It's location at the tip of the Southern Alps means that it gets a lot of fresh snow, so the powder skiing is excellent. For more of an adventure, small club fields like Craigieburn, Temple Basin and Mt Olympus offer great backcountry skiing.

Mt Ruapehu is the place to ski on the North Island, home to two ski fields: Whakapapa and Tūroa. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and there are some great hiking opportunities here year-round as well. Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano, so the terrain has a lot of natural jumps, expansive bowls, and can be pretty challenging.

Guide to après ski in New Zealand

Nailing your après ski experience on a snow trip is almost as important as the skiing itself. Whether you want to guzzle espresso martinis and hot rum in a trendy bar, or sip fine Kiwi wine by the fire, here are some top spots.

Queenstown

The Cardrona Hotel, filled with roaring fireplaces and comfy armchairs, is often called one of the best après ski bars in the world –– and it's easy to see why.

Lake Bar at Wanaka gives you incredible views out over the slopes as you rest and recover with a drink after a day of skiing. There's nothing like watching the sun set from Lake Bar with a glass of local pinot noir in hand.

For a rowdy night out in town, Rhino's Ski Shack is the place to go. It's a cosy basement bar with warm cocktails, epic DJ sets, and some impressive alpine-themed decor.

Mt Hutt

In Mt Hutt you've got two choices –– but they're both pretty excellent picks. The Brown Pub in Methven is your classic country pub vibe, with a cute courtyard, complete with a toasty fireplace and Kiwi craft beers on tap. Across the road, The Blue Pub has been a local après fave for half a century. Between rounds of pool and listening to live music, be sure to try their famous venison and pork burger.

Mt Ruapehu

At Turoa Lodge in Okahune during ski season, there's a party every night of the week. Refuel with a huge meal by the fire in the late afternoon, then stick around for cocktails and the dance floor.

For a more refined evening, try Powderkeg, with wood-panelling and an impressively long wine list. Sit around the central fire pit and defrost after a day on the slopes with a glass of local wine.

Must-do winter activities in New Zealand that aren't skiing

Not keen on skiing or snowboarding? It's still worth visiting New Zealand in the winter — here are some epic experiences to try out.

Snowmobiling

You don't need skis to get out on the mountain. Take a snowmobile trip through the Remarkables, which starts with a helicopter taking you out to the best backcountry riding spots. The views are astonishing; on a clear day you can see across the water to Stuart Island.

Hot springs

Winter is beautiful, but damn it can get cold. Warm up in natural hot springs which can be found in a number of places across the country. Rotorua is the most famous spot, with geothermal water and mineral-enriched mud said to have healing properties. The South Island's Hanmer Springs is a popular one for families, featuring leisure pools and waterslides for the kids, and destressing thermal springs and indulgent spa treatments for the adults.

Matariki

This Maori holiday celebrating the new year is celebrated throughout June and July–– and 2021 will be the first year where New Zealand has a public holiday to mark the occasion. It's a time for celebration and reflection, with various festivities like cultural performances, art exhibitions and community events.

Whale watching

Kaikoura is a prime whale-watching spot all year round, though the whales are at their migratory peak in July. If you visit in winter, you're more likely to see multiple species of these incredible creatures, who breach surprisingly close to shore. Wellington and Pictor are other top spots for whale-watching.

Hiking

Some of New Zealand's best mountain hiking trails aren't suitable in winter, but the North Island has a ton of great spots that are perfect year-round. In fact, it's almost better to be hiking on a crisp sunny day than a hot, humid one in summer. Basically anywhere north of Lake Taupo is a safe bet even in the dead of winter. The sandy white beaches of Northland are a top choice, otherwise head for the rolling hills of Waikato or the geothermal landscape around Taupo.

Things to know about New Zealand in winter

• Temperatures vary across the country. Auckland hovers around 12-15ºC, while it's a lot colder in the south. Queenstown doesn't often get below 5ºC during the day, but will drop below zero overnight. The coldest areas in winter are Central Otago and the Mackenzie basin.
  
• Always be prepared – the weather can change pretty quickly, and you don't want to be caught outside without a jacket, gloves, hat, or waterproof coat.
  
• If you're driving, be careful of black ice on the roads especially at night and in the early morning. You might need snow chains in some areas.
  
• The west coast of the South Island experiences a lot of rainfall in winter, so be prepared!