The Remarkables, Queenstown
Just 45 minutes drive from the alpine resort town of Queenstown, The Remarkables ski area offers beginner, intermediate and advanced trails for skiers and boarders. From the top of the shadow basin chairlift its only a short walk to the lookout at the edge of the ski area. From here the Mountain drops dramatically to the valley floor below - a must-do photo opportunity.
Tekapo, Canterbury, South Island
Hot pools frequently come with cool scenery in New Zealand. These spectacular pools at Tekapo are right alongside a winter ice skating rink, so you can skate and then soak. There is also a day spa on site, as well as a sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool.
Lake Wanaka, South Island
In the South Islands winter resort towns there is as much to do down the Mountain as there is up the Mountain. A day off the slopes opens the door to all sorts of local pleasures craft beer tasting, shopping for New Zealand designer clothes, wandering through art galleries and finding the best spot for a long, lingering lunch.
Darran Mountain, Milford Sounds, Fiordland, South Island
If you want a day to remember while youre touring New Zealands South Island, how about a snowball fight on top of a glacier? Scenic helicopter flights from Queenstown and Mt Cook can include a snow landing, which will put deliciously soft powder snow at your fingertips.
Tekapo, Canterbury, South Island
Lake Tekapo is a far, far away from city lights, making it perfect for star gazing. Its officially known as the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. You can visit the Mt. John Observatory for an amazing view of Jupiter, The Jewel Box or the M20 Trifid Nebula.
Wainui Beach, East land, South Island
The Gisborne region is famous for its sunshine, warm temperatures, sandy beaches, excellent surfing and award-winning wines. Sunrises are also a local specialty, because Eastland is the first place in the world to see the light of the new day. Pack a picnic and enjoy a crack-of-dawn breakfast at the beach.
Lake Alexandrina, Canterbury, South Island
Resting between snow-capped Mountain views and tussock covered hills, Lake Alexandrina inspires complete peace and tranquility. Just a short drive west from the much larger Lake Tekapo, its a protected sanctuary for more than 45 bird species. Rainbow trout, brown trout and salmon offer rewarding fishing here. Only kayaks and row boats are allowed on the lake, to preserve the perfect peace.
Lake Pukaki, Canterbury
Created by ancient glaciers, Lake Pukaki is one of three lakes along the northern edge of the MacKenzie Basin in the South Island. The lake's water comes from the Tasman and Hooker Glaciers near Aoraki/Mount Cook. The glaciers have turned rock to an extremely fine power that's suspended in the water, creating a stunning turquoise colour.
