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Blenheim Palms Motel
Blenheim
With Jack Frost well and truly making himself known around our beautiful country, there's no better time to head to the hills for a true Kiwi snow experience. Whatever your skills on the slopes, there's something for everyone at our world-class ski fields. From the advanced trails of Manganui and Treble Cone to the meagre mounds of Happy Valley, Footrot Flats or other beginner runs, New Zealand is a skier and snowboarder's dream.
Family Fun at Whakapapa Ski Area © Cory Scott
New Zealand is a first-class skiing destination. Natural powder playgrounds and amazing terrain are found at more than 25 ski areas around the country, so wherever you are in the country, chances are a snow-topped mountain is less than half a day's drive away. The options are endless - go freestyle or cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, or even test the jumps and half-pipes at a terrain park. If you're a novice, don't worry; most of the commercial fields have gear rental and on-site ski instructors to show you the ropes.
The ideas are limitless, and they don't have to break the bank. Simply playing in the snow, making a snowman and snow angels and then riding the chairlifts to admire the dazzling views can be just as much fun as a day's skiing. The kids will love you for it!
Skyline Walk, Mt Ruapehu © AA Tourism
Organize an action-packed weekend of extreme skiing
The snow is the perfect destination for a romantic weekend away with your other half. Imagine this: spending the day on the slopes together (skiing or not), before heading back to your accommodation and easing tired muscles with a relaxing soak in a hot spa. The many alpine villages that surround the ski fields are great for a glass of wine or a cold, hard-earned beer, before snuggling up near an open fire at the end of the night. Guys, take note - this is a great idea for a surprise winter getaway.
Another awesome idea is to get a group of mates together, hire a van or 4WD, and organize an action-packed weekend of extreme skiing, boarding or even heli-skiing (for the adrenalin-junkies among you). After a day in powder heaven, the nightlife in alpine villages is said to be fantastic - you may even meet some of the locals and pick up on a few secret runs of untouched powder. A weekend to remember is so easy to plan - round up your mates (bear in mind, the bigger your group the cheaper transport and accommodation will be), jump online at www.aatravel.co.nz and get booking!
Regardless of whether you 'go snow' on skis, toboggan, board or even bum, make sure you get out and experience winter at one of our many ski fields. I guarantee it'll be the highlight of your winter!
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