If you have been thinking about snowboarding in New Zealand then I suggest you stop thinking and start organising the trip!
There are a few things that make snowboarding in New Zealand absolutely incredible…
Everyone knows that New Zealand has some of the most amazing landscapes in the world.. but just imagine when you are a few thousand feet in the sky and looking over the land. It is something you need to witness for yourself. When you sit down for a minute and take a break from snowboarding you get a stunning view. I wish that I could put it into words, but no words can describe the view. You’ll just have to come and check it out!
Another thing you will love about New Zealand and the ski fields here is that they are not overcrowded. The weekends certainly pick up and are busier, but by international comparisons they are not busy at all. And if you can spare time during the week – you are in for a real treat! Most days you will have the mountain to yourself (or at least it will feel like that). It is one of the most peaceful yet exhilarating things when you are up there on a quiet day. I am not a religious person, but I can say that when I am snowboarding on a New Zealand mountain I feel close to God. It is an amazing experience.
Now that you are seriously looking at snowboarding in New Zealand – you need to think about locations. We have the North and South Islands in case you aren’t familiar with our Country. In the North Island we have ‘Mt Ruapehu’ which has the two main ski fields of the North Island. These ski fields are called Turoa and Whakapapa. Whakapapa is north-west facing, while Turoa is more South East. Personally I find the Turoa fields more enjoyable. I find their fields more open and they have more variety. However you do get a beautiful sunset on the Whakapapa side!
The South Island of New Zealand has an abundance of ski fields. Some of the main fields are based around the towns of Queenstown and Christchurch. Queenstown is in the far south – in a region called Otago. If you are familiar with the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies then you have seen some very stunning shots of the South Island. Let me tell you that they are just as stunning in real life – actually MORE stunning. Near Queenstown you have two main ski fields – which are called ‘Treble Cone’ and ‘Cardrona’. Treble Cone is geared more towards the intermediate – advanced snowboarders and skiiers. Cardrona has much more variety and space I have found. Both fields offer amazing experiences though.
The quality of the snow in the South Island seems to be more consistent. It tends to be much drier and powdery (is that a word?). On many of the North Island ski fields you have to wait for a couple of hours when the fields first open because everything is just ice and that is no fun at all!
There is heaps more information I would like to share – and I am sure you have questions. Send me an email at sean@snowgeek.co.nz and tell me what you want to know about. It would be a pleasure to help you find out more about Snowboarding in New Zealand!