4 Places To Have An Unforgettable NZ Snow Trip That Even Non-Skiers In Your Group Will Enjoy
Maybe it’s just because we grew up with English stories and American movies that all depict a cosy, romantic snowy world, but there’s something magical about snow. Soft white powder covering everything, making it still, covering the grime, inviting you to stay curled up indoors — that sort of thing.
What isn’t universal is how much fun people find snow sports. Personally, I’ve been snowboarding once and it was great — except that everything was too bloody cold. For me, the joy of snow lies in hot chocolate, fluffy clothing, a good book and a roaring fireplace.
So what do you do if you have someone like me on a group trip full of keen skiers? You pick a place that has something for everyone.
Luckily, that means your New Zealand ski trip is still the perfect idea. There are plenty of popular ski fields that also cater to the non-skier — whether they want to stay indoors or still get out in the snow for a non-skiing or snowboarding adventure.
Here are four of the best options with something for everyone.
#1 Wānaka
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Home to two of the most popular ski fields in New Zealand, Wānaka also has plenty for non-skiers to entertain themselves with. Join a dog sled tour at Snow Farm Lodge in Cardrona Valley for epic mountains views and lots of pats. Or for the more adventurous, try your hand at ice climbing, with small group courses running out of Treble Cone Ski Resort.
#2 Tekapo
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While the rest of the group head off to Roundhill or Mount Dobson for a spot of skiing, the group’s non-skiers have a plethora of other ways to enjoy the winter scenery. Head to Tekapo Springs on the edge of Lake Tekapo where you can go ice skating, glide through a 130-metre long snow tubing course, or simply sit outside while enjoying the warmth of their hot springs.
You could also try seeing the snow-covered world from up high, with helicopter tours that go over the top of Mt Cook, and even out to New Zealand’s largest glaciers: Franz-Josef and Fox.
#3 The Remarkables
The Remarkables are very appropriately named, considering the beauty this area has in both summer and winter. Hitting the slopes isn’t the only way to explore the snow-covered winter landscape though, you can join a snow-shoeing tour through the back-country and over waist-deep snow to end up at the top of Remarkables Ski Resort for the best alpine views in New Zealand (debatably).
#4 Queenstown
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Of course, there’s always the option of setting up in Queenstown, where there’s plenty of ski fields and other snow activities, but also plenty of things to do that have nothing to do with snow. Everybody wins.
If you’d rather explore the snow while expending less energy (no judgement), jump on a snowmobile tour. The tour leaves from Queenstown and includes a scenic helicopter flight over the mountains. Take a two-hour drive over to Naseby to have a go at the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor curling rink.
(Lead image: Instagram / @gabbybilling_)
