Picture perfect peaks, powdery white snow, breathtaking vistas and welcoming Kiwis. Those are just some of the reasons people the world over flock to New Zealand during ski season. Lucky for Aussies, we only have to hop on a short flight to hit some of the finest slopes in the world.

Here are the Top 4 spots for a great ski holiday in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

1. Broken River

Approximately 1.5 hours away from Christchurch, this resort offers a ski terrain for everyone. The beginner and the expert alike will feel right at home, with accommodation to suit everyone’s budget. The premium Lyndon Lodge, the standard Broken River Lodge and the cheap and cheerful White Star Chalet are a few of the options.

2. Craigieburn

This is the resort for the snow sports purist. Pared back and no frills, you definitely won’t find any designer clad posers here. Rather Craigieburn, which is located 1.5 hours north-west of Christchurch, is filled with hard core ski and snowboard enthusiasts. The main drawcard for Craigieburn is the powder on the slopes.

3. Queenstown

Renowned for its great nightlife and adventure sports, Queenstown also happens to have quality snow resorts nearby. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are a couple of the more popular resorts, both within 45 minutes of Queenstown. As the ski day ends, the after ski night begins and goes well into the wee hours of the morning. The abundance of bars, restaurants and nightclubs ensures there’s never a dull moment in Queenstown.

4. Mt Dobson

First timers and newbies flock to Mt Dobson for its relaxed and laid back atmosphere. Unlike many other resorts in New Zealand, Mt Dobson isn’t run by a snow club. Rather it is a commercial ski resort. What does that mean for you? Well, it means it’s much easier on your wallet. It also means there are little creature comforts like chairlifts (and not those surface lifts aka ropetows) that take you to the top of the hill.

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