 The South Island of New Zealand is renowed for having some of the best skiing in the world, easily accessed from the resort towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Methven. These resort towns serve as a base for day trips to the ski & snowboard areas of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Treble Cone and Mt Hutt. The New Zealand ski season runs from June to October.
Queenstown
The aprés ski and adventure capital of the Southern Hemisphere is home to Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Not only is this resort town surrounded by some of the most spectacular alpine scenery, it has a whole raft of adrenaline-pumping, heart-stopping activities on offer. Shoot the mountain gorge rapids by raft or jet boat, take a skydive from 12,000 ft, hurl yourself off bridges with a bungy cord around your ankles or ride by helicopter for outstanding views and sensational untracked powder.
If the most action you want after a day on the slopes is lifting a cold beer or a crisp chardonnay - then Queenstown is the place for that too. The town is known for its cafes, bars, restaurants and night-clubs - full of people from around the world who know how to party hard. During the daytime, there's great shopping, scenic trips on Lake Wakatipu, sight-seeing flights to stunning Milford Sound, international standard golf-courses and much more to give your holiday the ultimate mix of action and relaxation.
Needless to say, all this resort living is more than matched by the outstanding range of accommodation available in Queenstown - all within easy reach of the town's two ski areas - Coronet Peak and The Remarkables & only a scenic drive away from Wanaka and Treble Cone ski area. 
Click here for information about Queenstown ski packages.
Driving times to Queenstown from:
Queenstown Airport - 10min drive
Wanaka - 1hr 30min drive
Christchurch - 6hr 30min drive
Wanaka
A little over an hour's drive from Queenstown, Wanaka township has just 3,500 permanent residents yet offers a wide variety of entertainment. The drive over the Crown Range is awesome and the road is now sealed the entire way to Wanaka.
Beautiful Wanaka, home to magnificient Treble Cone, is an awe-inspiring place of peace and picturesque vistas. As hard as it is to tear yourself away from the fine alpine terrain, you'll also enjoy a perfect blend of sophisticated fun and laid back partying.
Enjoy any number of outdoor activities including full day walks, hunting, fishing, jet boating, tandem skydiving and much much more. Indoors, there’s the largest collection of airworthy World War II fighters in the Southern Hemisphere at the New Zealand Fighter Pilot’s Museum and a day’s worth of brainstorming at Puzzling World and the Great Maze.
Driving times to Wanaka from:
Queenstown Airport - 1hr 30min
Christchurch - 5 hr 35 min
Methven
Beneath the mighty Mt Hutt, Methven is the easy going town that knows how to give skiers the perfect end to a perfect day. Relax in the easy-going ambience of this small country town and recharge those batteries for another day on the slopes.
An hour's drive inland from Christchurch, the alpine resort of Methven lies nestled beneath the mighty Mt Hutt. Here you will find great après ski restaurants and pubs offering a cosy place to unwind. We have selected a range of accommodation that will suit you no matter what your taste and budget – from romantic bed 'n' breakfasts and family friendly lodges to apartments and hotels, you’ll be surprised!
The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming. Just ask the locals...life is good here! If you want to take a day off skiing, there are excellent alternatives to choose from. Try your hand at a thrilling jetboat ride, bungy jumping, horse trekking or perhaps a round of golf.
Driving times to Methven from:
Christchurch Airport - 1hr 30min
Queenstown - 5hr
Wanaka - 4hr
Ski Area Operating Dates 2007
Please note that opening and closing dates are subject to snow conditions on each mountain and may vary from the dates listed below.
Queenstown Coronet Peak : 9 June - 7 October 2007
The Remarkables : 23 June - 7 October 2007
Wanaka
Cardrona :23 June - 1 October 2007
Treble Cone: 23 June - 1October 2007
Methven
Mt Hutt:9 June - 7 October 2007
Mt Ruapehu
Whakapapa: 16 June - 15 October 2007
Turoa:16 June - 15 October 2007
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