There’s no denying Aotearoa New Zealand is a winter wonderland, but did you know it’s an unbelievable spring wonderland, too? With unrivalled snow experiences, world-class ski schools, and ski packages – plus spring savings – there’s a vacay to suit every level of skier and snowboarder. Plus, agents: get a self-famil discount on your own New Zealand spring trip!
Spring is an epic time to hit New Zealand’s world-famous slopes. The spring temperatures ensure the snow is forgiving, and the bluebird days are longer and warmer, leading to even more fun on the slopes!
6 reasons why your clients will love New Zealand spring skiing
- Spring ski + skillset upgrade time. For those keen to take their slope skills to the next level, spring delivers. The trifecta of longer daylight hours, soft snow, and stable weather make for an ideal environment to try new things on the slopes.
- The mountains are quieter. The kids are back to school, the busiest ski months are over (July and August), and the slopes are quieter meaning shorter lift lines. Sounds perfect to us!
- The sun is here to stay. Bluebird days – those bright, sunny, cloud-free days – are the love of any snow bunny’s life and New Zealand spring delivers a ton of them. The sun’s regular appearance results in the shedding of heavy winter gear in favour of light jackets, hoodies, and sometimes even t-shirts and board shorts!
- You can ski the slush! While die-hard powder hounds might turn their noses up at spring skiing, skiing slush is fun – some would even argue it’s more fun than powder! Not that winter’s end means the powder days are over. In spring, you can enjoy both the deep stuff one day and slushy softness another.
- Learning is easier. For beginners and those looking to transition from skis to snowboards (or vice versa), the slushy spring snow ensures a softer fall your body will thank you for.
- Everything is cheaper. Discounts on everything, from lift tickets to accommodation to ski gear, food, and even flights mean it’s easy to book a significantly cheaper ski holiday.
Top packing tips for New Zealand spring ski
- Layers are everyone’s friends in spring, as well as ensuring the sunscreen is not just applied, but reapplied multiple times a day. Pack: lots of sunscreen.
- Spring is a time that colours the world over and that’s true on the slopes in the form of fabulous funky outfits! Pack: colourful outfits that stand out.
- With the chair lifts open longer, your clients can hit the slopes later and enjoy the whole afternoon skiing or snowboarding. Pack: favourite protein bars for sustenance on the slopes.
- Spontaneous ski trips are more doable in spring thanks to accommodation availability near your client’s favourite ski field.
Spring ski events on the slopes
Did you know New Zealand has some amazing spring on-mountain events? Winter Pride traditionally kicks off spring, bringing endless fun to Queenstown’s ski fields.
Next up, one of the world’s biggest on-snow festivals is coming to party in Queenstown. Snow Machine’s lineup includes the Hilltop Hoods, Peking Duk, and Neil Frances on stage across Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and central Queenstown.
Longer days = more off-slope adventures
Thanks to the longer days and glorious spring sun, there’s more fun happening off the slopes, too. The après ski scene is unrivalled and dining al fresco returns. To maximise spring days, many head to the slopes in the morning before exploring off-slope for the rest of the day.
Here’s a teaser of post-slope spring activities:
- Queenstown: Double-dipping on spring ski activities is easy. One minute you can be revelling in Cardrona Alpine Resort’s world-class parks; the next jetboating, skydiving or bungy jumping. With Coronet Peak so close to downtown Queenstown, visitors ski early before hitting Queenstown’s beautiful golf courses. The perfect complement to a day on The Remarkables from first lift till last? A sunset drink in Frankton on the way home.
- Wānaka: After whizzing down Treble Cone’s epic slopes, one of the town’s 750km of walking/hiking trails sees the scenery enjoyed at a different pace. Spring is an incredible time for canyoning, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Our pick? Jetboating into Mt Aspiring National Park.
- Canterbury: With Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, Methven’s Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, and Ōtautahi Christchurch’s He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools, a revitalising soak is never far away for weary post-slope limbs. There’s also Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Orana Wildlife Park or picturesque Akaroa for wildlife gems.
- Mt Ruapehu: Waterfall visits in spring – including the popular Lord of the Rings filming location at Tawhai Falls – are a perfect add-on in Mt Ruapehu, alongside the alpine villages vibes in Ohakune and Whakapapa.
Agents, Explore spring yourself
Experience how much fun a spring vacay in New Zealand can be on the ultimate self-famil!
To qualify for the Explore New Zealand Self-Famil Discount Programme you’ll need to:
- Complete 10 of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme modules
- Sign up for the Tourism New Zealand Trade Newsletter
- Join the Tourism New Zealand Facebook Group
Once complete, you’ll achieve Bronze Status, plus gain access to the Explore Self-Famil Discount Programme with over 225 discounts across 25 regions.
Discounts make planning the ultimate spring self-famil a no-brainer. Explore at your own pace, bring a companion, and build your confidence by experiencing everything New Zealand offers first-hand.
The deets
To access downloadable resources to promote spring skiing, head to Tourism New Zealand’s Travel Trade Website. You’ll find ski resort factsheets, videos, itineraries, and all the inspo!
To learn more about New Zealand, get updates when you sign up for Tourism New Zealand’s Trade Newsletter, and join Tourism New Zealand’s Trade Facebook Group for product updates and to connect with Australian agents.
Psst: Got your tickets to Open Mindset yet? Tourism New Zealand announced as Gold Sponsor!
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