New Zealand Snowtrip

LTNT on 10/01/2013 - 12:09

Hi All,

I’m planning a trip to New Zealand South Island looking at staying 1 week in Queenstown doing some snowboarding and sightseeing.
Looking at going in June this will be the start of their snow season.
Is there a site to check out last year snow report or anywhere which might predict the snow season for this year?

This will be my first family holiday with the little one she will be ten months old yeah!!!
There will be three of us travelling.

Just wondering if anyone been there and any tips or ideas what to do….. as my main priority is to go up the slopes and board for 3 days and the rest do sightseeing with the family.

Any hotels, tours sites I can get more info on?

Cheers

Travel

Comments

  • vietbargain on 10/01/2013 - 12:43
    +3

    accomodation: oak shores. they are 3 star apartments (last i checked) but I personally think they should be rated higher. About 5 mins drive out of the town center.

    I've been to Queenstown twice and stayed there both times.

    Make sure you try Fergburger. It will change your life.

    skimax.com.au for packages.

    • TNT on 10/01/2013 - 15:38

      Thanks for the info will def put this one on our list to try :-)

  • eve on 10/01/2013 - 13:43
    +2

    Heartland Hotel was relatively cheap (under $100 per night in September 2010), close to the city, connected to the slope shuttle and with phenomenal views of the lake.

    I don't remember actually getting a discount by buying ski packages online before I got there. I think the prices were pretty much the same on the slope as they were pre-purchased, but correct me if I'm wrong.
    I think the cheapest place to hire gear was the frog place in the city (can't specifically remember their name.. but a google search leads to http://www.greentoad.co.nz/rentalrates.html)

    I did not get the Fergburger craze - how is it different from Jus Burgers or Grill'd?
    Skyline Restaurant is a must in my books!! (Nice food selection, but the winner is the view - breathtaking).

    • battler on 10/01/2013 - 14:29

      +1 skyline - head up just before sunset so you get day view and night view from gondola and top. Food OK, but you're really paying for the location and gondola ride.

      Also do the Shotover Jet(or any thrill package that includes Shotover Jet).
      DO NOT do any other jet boat ride. Shotover Jet is far and away the best.

      • MITM on 10/01/2013 - 14:47
        +2

        DO NOT DO THE SHOTOVER JET,
        REPEAT, DO NOT DO THE SHOTOVER JET….

        …. with a 10 month old. lol

        • TNT on 10/01/2013 - 15:42

          Roger that!!!! :)

    • MITM on 10/01/2013 - 14:45

      +1 for shuttle.
      $5ea from Hub (city terminal) to Remarkables - why would you drive?
      xtra for pick up from some accomms.

      Slope hire saves carring gear up the mountain, but big queue to get fitted. Must return gear each day and refit again next day - they have on slope lockers to save refitting. - Blah

      And the lift passes keep a record of how many metres/kms you ski each day and total trip.

    • TNT on 10/01/2013 - 15:40

      Thank You for your comment will put this on our list as well to try out :)

  • MITM on 10/01/2013 - 14:32
    +1

    +1 for Fergburger. (we brought our "in flight" meals for the plane trip home - went thru xray no problem.
    HOT TIP: Exit slopes, drive to airport, check-in with baggage (now plane can't leave without you), drive to ski hire, drop off ski gear, walk to Fergburger, takeaway, drive to airport, drop off car hire, board flight)

    WWW.NZSKI.CO.NZ for info + webcams, snow depth history + tix.
    Cant predict snow, but they had a snowfall just last week !!
    Try www.google & www.Tripadvisor

    Taking your own board/skis/ski clothes - ie. excess baggage fees?
    Early book your gear in QT www.rentsnowgear.com
    Discount should be 50% off at the moment & reduces from march/april

    Get fitted up in the morning of day before you ski, go back after 6pm to pick up (open till 9:30pm 7 days)You only pay for ski days,
    and very flexible if you date change. (ie Ski 2 days, rest day/s, ski 1 day or the weather closes the slopes. Only pay for 3 days as they stow YOUR fitted gear for the rest day/s)

    Hire the clothes (ie jacket) for your FULL trip and you'll save bringing heavy clothes with you to keep warm.

    Aldi always have winter snow clothing cheap B4 the season starts (Hats, Scarves, Googles, GLOVES !! leave them at the airport as cheap enough unless you return them to Aldi as useless)

    Rydges Hotel - maybe not
    See TRIPADVISOR

    • TNT on 10/01/2013 - 16:13

      Thanks for the info and sites to check out :-)

  • Chongy288 on 10/01/2013 - 16:55

    Yes go to Ferg and get a "Big Al"

    also if you have the choice dont go to the slopes at the start of the season, there really isnt much snow then and won't be too fun..

    When you do go to the snows you WILL need ski clothing, they can get really expensive… there are options to hire but can be quite pricey ($35-40 per day)… i suggest buying your own from Torpedo7 http://www.torpedo7.com.au/shop/snow/jackets-and-vests
    because they are relative cheap and good quality.

    also, (just rattling things off the top of my head) get your ski gear from the ski place you are staying at if you are going there a few times. there have been a few occasions where a person from our party looses a ski or ski pole while stored on the slopes (racks out in the open) but luckily found later at the end of day sweep over the slopes.

    • eve on 11/01/2013 - 03:46

      No one yet has explained to me the Ferg craze! What makes it different from Jus or Grill'd?

      • Chongy288 on 12/01/2013 - 00:20

        Summary: big and amazing. When you try it you will not be disappointed

        • YadaYadaYada on 22/01/2013 - 21:53

          Fergburgers is an institution in Queenstown! I haven't had any burgers that I think are as good, not from any of the chains anyway. Plus they are open crazy hours - like 8am-5am or something ridiculous! Best burgers ever.

  • mrhorseham on 10/01/2013 - 20:29
    +1

    In relation to the snow in june, i've been there the past 4 years, and it hasn't actually been that good, especially in june. The dumps have come late for the past 3 years, and australia has actually had better snow. Hopefully you'll be lucky and they'll get a good dump early in the season.

    • TNT on 11/01/2013 - 16:34

      Thanks for letting me know might consider going later or even stay in Aus for their snow season.

  • zhenjie on 11/01/2013 - 08:52
    +1

    Best advice is dont go June. After mid July will guarantee better cover across the hills on South Island

    If you really want to explore and feel free rent an inexpensive car. Espeically if you have a little one.

    Drive from Christchurch is long but fantastic, A way to save money by doing it one way. Flying direct to Queenstown saves alot of time though, especially if you just have a week.

    • TNT on 11/01/2013 - 16:33

      Thanks was wondering if there would be much snow in June nice to know.

      cheers :)

  • MITM on 11/03/2013 - 11:56

    Get these socks for your ski boots, and spares for day 2 if your day 1 pair get wet.
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/96223?
    Make sure they go up to your shins.

  • DarwinBoy on 28/03/2013 - 03:06

    Have you thought of doing some of the smaller ski fields. Did some a couple of years ago, over 10 days skied 3 areas and was really happy with 2. Works out pretty cheap. One was just an hour west of Christchurch that was good. Didn't like hamner springs and would have to look to see what the other place was called. Less crowded apparently compared to the 3 major fields in Queenstown. Queenstown was nice for other things apart from the skiing. Also went in august and snow everywhere.

    • DarwinBoy on 28/03/2013 - 09:23

      Thinking about it ignore the club fields. At least in Queenstown the missus will have something to do. In the smaller towns she might get bored.

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