13 June, 2011
Travel

It’s ski season… in New Zealand

13 June, 2011

Summer is here in Hong Kong, which means the Southern Hemisphere’s winter season is upon us. If you’re pondering the powder, Lightfoot Travel has got the perfect suggestion for all you ski bunnies.

Whip up your appetite for adventure and head to Queenstown – New Zealand’s premier skiing playground where a mountain of activities await you. Think crispy days under clear blue skies, endless white powdery slopes and sublime vistas all around – this crowned adventure capital of New Zealand overlooks the beautiful lake Wakatipu and is bounded by the craggy peaks of the Remarkables.

Just a short 20 minute drive away from the centre of Queenstown lies the open slopes and wide rolling terrain of  Coronet Peak – a classic little ski hill with everything from beginner slopes to rolling off-piste runs and long groomed trails that’ll have you working up some ski magic whatever your style or speed. Night skiing here is an experience in itself.

Just across the Wakatipu Basin is the  Remarkables Ski Area. If you’ve just begun learning the ropes, you’re sure to progress quickly here. The terrain at the Remarkables is ideal for any and every learning situation. For you die-hard skiers, runs like Terminator, Eliminator, Diangulator and Exterminator will leave your heart pumping in no time.

Snowboarders we haven’t forgotten you –  Treble Cone, the largest ski and snowboard area in the South Island offers you some pure free-riding experiences on the most fantastic and scenic terrain imaginable.  Cardrona, the ‘home of the boarders’ is also another spot to hit. 320 hectares of snow covered fun and unlimited trails make the perfect recipe for an exhilarating time in the snow. New Zealand’s most comprehensive Children’s Alpine Centre, with facilities catered to children from 3 months to 12 years is also based here.

When you’re not seeking thrills and spills up in the slopes, Queenstown promises you other forms of heart-pumping adventures as well. Trust us, you’ll be striking things like bungee jumping, sky diving, canyoning, horseback-riding and river boarding off your ‘life-list’, soon enough.

But when all you want to do is wind down and relax, The Rees is the perfect indulgence – enjoy a glass of wine at the comfortable Bordeau or head over to the hotel’s Observatory for an extraordinary evening of star gazing under the Southern sky. A Lightfoot favourite, wake up every morning to fairytale views of Lake Wakatipu and the rugged ranges of the Remarkables in your fully-furnished apartment.

And if you want to factor in some leisurely sightseeing during your trip, go cruising aboard Queenstown’s historic steamship or ride the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for stunning views across Queenstown and the lake. A tour of the region’s award-winning vineyards will have any wine and food lover satisfied. After hours, Queenstown has many live bars, night clubs and a casino to keep you entertained

Flights from Hong Kong with Air New Zealand via Auckland, or Quantas via Melbourne, with Queenstown just an hour’s domestic flight away.

For those of you not able to ski in the next few months, you should really start thinking about hitting the slopes come December – remember though, rooms fill up really fast, so we suggest you start planning that trip now!

Brought to you by Lightfoot Travel, a luxury tour operator offering expert travel advice & inspiration, tailor-made itineraries & full booking services. To plan your next trip call: +65 6438 4091 or +852 8125 4093, email [email protected].

 

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