SOME LIKE IT HOT, SOME LIKE IT COLD

Whether you are a cool customer or can handle the heat, there are multiple options in this country thanks to its thermal activity, mountain ranges, glaciers, rivers and coastline.

FEELIN’ HOT HOT HOT!

HOT POOLS

MT MAUNGANUI HOT POOLS, BAY OF PLENTY After a trek up The Mount nothing could be better than an afternoon soak in the hot pools. The perfect hangout place on a girls’ weekend as they offer spa treatments that won’t break the bank. Also great for the kids if it is not beach weather.

HANMER SPRINGS, HURUNUI has an epic range of pools on offer, from rainbow, rock and sulphur to cascade and aqua therapy. The water slides are great fun and will tire the kids out nicely. Discover little pockets you can sneak off to and escape the hustle and bustle.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

© Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, Canterbury

TEKAPŌ SPRINGS, CANTERBURY Pools are set out in a terrace formation overlooking the lake and mountain landscape – a glorious place to kickback and relax on a sun lounger while taking in the scenery. Perfect for families looking to keep little ones busy in the Aqua Play Area and the older kids can have a diving competition into the deep pool. Most spectacularly, you can indulge in the guided Tekapō Star Gazing Experience here also after dark.

WAIRĀKEI TERRACES, TAUPŌ Looking for a grown-up only experience? Soak away in the geothermal waters and appreciate the tranquillity. Spa treatments are available.

ONSEN RETREAT & DAY SPA, QUEENSTOWN If it is luxe you want, then look no further. The ultimate in relaxation and refreshment, offering spa treatments set to the backdrop of Queenstown’s rugged mountain ranges. With both indoor and outdoor private bathing in pools for up to four people, you can share the experience with your mates or keep it more intimate.

Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown

© Destination Queenstown

HOT WATER BEACHES AND WILD SPRINGS

HOT WATER BEACH, COROMANDEL Found on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, just a 30-minute drive from Whitianga. Pack a shovel, rock up and keep an eye out for the mass gathering– that’s where the warm stuff is.

Hot Water Beach, Coromandel

© Matt Crawford

KEROSENE CREEK, ROTORUA Located a 35-minute drive south of Rotorua, the track there can be rough but stick with it until you come across other cars parked right by the creek. The smell of the undergrowth along the creek edge produces the kerosene smell, hence the name, but don’t let that put you off. The water is nice and hot while the creek bed is mostly sandy, so it is pleasant underfoot. Little pools have been created by previous swimmers out of rocks next to the 2-metre waterfall. Set off exploring along the creek if it is busy, there are plenty of little pockets to call your own.

HANMER SPRINGS, HURUNUI Aside from the official park there is a hidden spot in the bush where you can hop off your bike and take a dip. Cow Stream Hot Springs can be found just off the Edwards Valley Track. Alternatively takea 10-minute detour off the St James Cycle Trail between Scotties Hut and the St James Homestead.

WELCOME FLAT, WESTLAND This one is for the active bunnies out there who like to work for their rewards. Follow the Copland Track for seven hours until you come to a Department of Conservation (DOC) hut and campsite – these spots need to be booked via the DOC website. The pools are a short walk from the hut and the views are something else.

THRILL OF THE CHILL

MAN-MADE

INTERNATIONAL ANTARCTIC CENTRE, CHRISTCHURCH The Antarctic Centre is just a 2-minute Uber ride from Christchurch Airport and is brimming with inspiration and education. Step inside the Storm Dome with a simulated Antarctic storm passing through every hour and see how long you can hold out in the minus 8˚C temperature with driving winds of minus 18˚C. If you are a husky fan, the meet and greet will be a big plus for you. Save some ‘awhs’ for the blue penguins and watch them jump for joy at their twice daily feeding times. For a rough ride, hop aboard the all-terrain Antarctic amphibious vehicle or take sometime out to be spellbound in the 4D theatre.

International Antarctic Centre

© International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch

SNOW PLANET, AUCKLAND For a barrel of laughs, race your friends down the icy tubing tracks and save your legs by travelling back up the Magic Carpet lift to do it all over again. You’ll need a break to warm up from the minus 5˚C temperatures and their onsite café is the place to do it. Ski and snowboarding lessons are available, or you can just grab a pass and whoosh away. It is quieter in the evenings when they also have discounted night rides; it is often the best time to hit the terrain park with its variety of jumps and rails.

Snowplanet

© Snowplanet, Auckland

Snowplanet

© Snowplanet, Auckland

SKI FIELDS

If you caught any of the Winter Olympics, you’ll have spotted that New Zealand has become well-represented on the international snow fields. The range of winter playgrounds that kick-started those dreams are plentiful.

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

Tūroa is great for beginners and intermediate levels. Its modern lift systems are a big plus but mountain days are affected by the sporadic poor weather and it gets very busy, very quickly. Ohakune township at the foot of the mountain offers lots of après ski and plenty of places to hang out if the mountain is closed. With lots of walks, bike trails and an indoor climbing wall, everyone will be kept busy.

Whakapapa is a 35-minute drive from Ohakune. Ski fields to suit all types are a big draw and the cool carpet tunnel lift is fun to try. The township is more spread out so if you are happier to stay in on an evening, cook and relax, then this for you.

Snow play Ruapehu Region

© RALBOTTOM

CANTERBURY

Mt Hutt is New Zealand’s highest mountain hence the superb reliable snow conditions. Offering a broad selection of terrain, with plenty of space for beginners, wide groomers for the intermediates and an impressive collection of offpiste for the more adventurous. Kids under 10 can ski for free and the wide range of fields on offer make this a no-brainer for families.

Mt Hutt, Canterbury

© Canterbury Tourism

Broken River is run and maintained by a member’s ski club but is very much open to visitors to share in the close-knit community. The terrain is made up of two main open bowls with wide, rolling slopes, that suit intermediate and advanced riders. Kids under 13 ski for free but services and food are limited, and you really need to book in advance. They have the longest ski season of anywhere in Australasia, and by connecting with Craigieburn Valley, it claims to have the largest skiable area in New Zealand.

QUEENSTOWN/WĀNAKA

The Remarkables is the closest to Queenstown and family friendly. The perfect place to learn to ski or board as it has some of the best terrain in the country. You do pay for the convenience though and although the views are big, the field size is small, something worth noting if you have a variety of abilities in your group.

Family ski day near Queenstown

© Destination Queenstown

Coronet Peak is only 20 minutes outside of Queenstown and offers a variety of terrain to ride on. A big draw is the onmountain accommodation on offer, with a handful of dining options. Intermediates will have a blast with all the blue groomers to choose from, but the 27 runs do occasionally become crowded.

Drinks at apre’s ski, Heidi’s Hut, Coronet Peak

© Destination Queenstown

Treble Cone is a masters’ playground with jaw-dropping views of Lake Wānaka and Mt Aspiring. The largest of the ski fields in New Zealand, there is a fairly even split between intermediate and advanced runs, though not so much for the beginners. Novices are accommodated with free access to the Magic Carpet and discounted passes to the Platter Lift.

OTHER WAYS TO ENJOY THE SNOW…

Snow Farm is a totally unique choice for lovers of the white stuff. Select from tubing, cross-country skiing or snow shoeing and head off on an adventure to sleepover at their backyard huts.

Heli-snowmobiling Catch a ride in and out on a chopper to this new wilderness adventure in Queenstown. The whole family can feel the thrill of buzzing about on snowmobiles across pristine snow at elevations of up to 6000 feet.

TOP TIPS

PREPAY WHERE YOU CAN – Use the online booking systems where you can before you arrive. There is nothing worse than queueing for hours with kids getting hot in their snow gear and getting fed up before they even tackle the slopes.

GETTING THERE – Even when it seems a short drive and easy to get to, think again! Often the car parks get full, you may need snow chains halfway up and end up walking with your gear from a faraway car park. Spend the money and use the shuttles! They get priority to get up the mountain, drop you right at the top and will save you on time in the long run.

GEARING UP – You can rent gear from plenty of places, not just the top of the mountain and it's well worth seeking them out! The wait for rental gear when you just want to get whooshing down the hill can be very frustrating.

BACKUP PLANS – Sometimes the ski fields open later rather than cancel a whole day if the weather is being testy. To save you going away and coming back, it’s best to pack a book or card game, find a spot to sip your hot chocolate and wait it out. On the days it is a no-go, the weather can still be good at the foot of the mountain so check out the local walks or bike rides on offer.