Insiders guide to New Zealand – South Island

Meet your New Zealand insider, Ronan Thompson. Ronan has been snowboarding for 12 years, and during that time, competed in the park and pipe for six years. For four years after that, he transitioned to freeride and spent a few seasons around Europe, going to Innsbruck, Verbier and resorts in France. But Ronan calls New Zealand home, and he’s here with a round-up of top tips and recommendations so you can experience the best of New Zealand on your next trip.

Why New Zealand

New Zealand is one-of-a-kind place to visit for snow sports with stunning views, great skiing, apres-ski, and many other activities to enjoy. If you needed two reasons to visit New Zealand, it would be the uncrowded runs and picturesque views of lakes, towns, bush and rivers.

New Zealand's season goes from June to October, with winter booming in July - August and Spring starting in September. If you enjoy warm, slushy skiing with the odd powder day, I recommend coming in September. But if you prefer cold temperatures and a higher chance of scoring powder, July - August is the time to visit.

Explore the South Island

I lived in Wanaka for the best 12 years of my life. My family and I moved there so I could continue to pursue my snow sports dream, and my family were sold on the beauty of the place. My two local mountains are Treble Cones and Cardrona. Cardrona is great for terrain park riding and learning to ski. It has some nice, mellow day skiing runs and cafes to have a drink on the mountain, accessible by four lifts. When heading to Cardrona, you drive along a dirt road up to the resort from Wanaka, which takes about 30 minutes. But of the two mountains in the area, Treble Cones is my favourite resort. Providing great freeride skiing, elevation gain, and awesome powder runs if there is fresh snow. If you’re looking for the best views to look at while skiing or drinking at apres, you want to visit Treble Cones. It has two lifts, but don't be fooled, this area is not for the fainthearted. But nonetheless, it’s always worth the drive up to check out the views and the resort. It is also just a 30-minute drive from Wanaka.

If you're in Queenstown, definitely go to Remarkables and Coronet. Queenstown is renowned for its apres and nightlife. Remarkables provides some great freeride and park terrain but is usually very busy with tourists. 

The best place to tour on the South Island would be outside Cardrona in a place called Soho. It is not too challenging, making for a nice day touring with minimal effort. Avalanche danger is usually low there, but always be aware, and I’d recommend going with a guide to ensure you’re safe.

If you’re a fan of short steep lines, another spot you should visit in the Pisa range, near Robrosa Hut. Black Peak over the back of the Treble Cone is another great option, but I would definitely recommend taking a guide if you’re heading there. New Zealand is a mecca for ski-touring enthusiasts, and if you are in the Canterbury region, mountains like Cheeseman, Ohau and Mount Olympus offer amazing ski touring, so make sure you don’t skip these areas. 

If you have any extra time when visiting the South Island, there are plenty of spots away from the snow that are also worth checking out. First up is the Haast Pass road, a beautiful area scattered with mountains, waterfalls, and native New Zealand bush. If you surf, check out the Wanaka River Wave. It’s also worth walking up Mount Iron to explore the area and to check out the 360 views from the summit.

Best powder

The best spot if you’re a fan of powder is Ohau. It is two hours from Wanaka and serves up crisp, beautiful views of mountains and lakes. It’s a stunning place.

Best backcountry spots

There are many great backcountry spots. My favourites are the Club Fields, which have a great range of RAW New Zealand skiing options. Plus, the little huts and gravel roads help to provide an exceptional experience. In terms of helicopter trips. Southern Heli Ski is definitely worth it. They will take you from Wanaka to Glenorchy and West into the alpine fault range. Where you are assured of finding the best terrain and skiing.  It is the best way to guarantee good snow in New Zealand and beautiful views along the way, with good terrain for all sorts of styles. I recommend staying in Wanaka or Queenstown. If you want to hit the Club Fields and Ohau, the best way is to hire a van and drive from Wanaka. Remember to book in at the Club Field in advance.

Packing essentials for touring

Not sure what to pack? Here are some essentials to help make sure that you have an unforgettable trip in New Zealand:

Base Layers

Alpha base layer top for men / Alpha base layer top for women

Alpha base layer bottoms for men / Alpha base layer bottoms for women

Mid Layer

Delta fleece for men / Delta fleece for women - To put on if it gets cold, keep in your backpack, or to chill out in while eating a sandwich

Lima fleece for men / Lima fleece for women - To put on if you’re looking for something to wear when hanging out in town after skiing or watching the sunset by the lake

Jacket

Fawk jacket for men / Fawk jacket for women - Pack a shell with a front zip that you can open up to ventilate and cool off

Pants

Fawk pants for men / Fawk pants for women - Again, grab a shell pant with vents that you can open up on the uphill

Accessories

Utility Gloves - These liners are great for touring when you want to fix your skins

Kilo Gloves

Echo Beanie

Scope Goggles - Make sure you pack different lenses that you can switch out depending on the weather conditions

Sierra Facemask

Extra: 

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Waterbottle

Swimsuit (a must if you want to visit the lakes)

Visa (It’s worth double-checking what the visa requirements are for travelling from your country to New Zealand to avoid disappointment)

Backpack

Avalanche gear

Touring gear

Gumboots

If you’re planning on cruising in the resorts, head to my outfit check list and North Island recommendations here.

See you in the southern hemisphere for an unforgettable season and experience.