New Zealand is an amazing country blessed with breathtaking sceneries, diverse culture and wonderful cuisine. If you plan to visit New Zealand, it is important to know the weather conditions that you will experience there and pack accordingly.
The key to understanding the weather conditions in New Zealand is to know which is the best time to visit the country. The weather is seasonal and this is important to know so that you pack the right clothes for the weather. The best part of a ski holiday is outdoor activities and sports that can be done without a ski mask and skis.
In New Zealand, the weather is mostly sunny and much of the time it is clear throughout the day. Less rain is needed in winter and air temperature is around 20 degrees below zero, ideal for skiing. Most days are clear and sunny and on average we do not get snow.
It is rare to find snow in mountain areas so you may be lucky to encounter snow on clear days but this is more likely than you will get snow on a winter day. We get plenty of rain, hail, freezing rain and snow during the winter.
It is best to check the weather before you book ski chalets. When it rains a lot of the fun can be ruined for everyone by the muddy fields next to the ski chalets. If you do not want to lose fun during your ski holiday, make sure that your chalets are clean and have no loose potatoes or rocks under foot.
Warm clothes are needed for both nights and daytime activities. Fair weather turns into mist or rain so make sure you carry some warm clothing. Many of the ski chalets are equipped with heated swimming pools but if you are not into it don’t dampen your holiday. If you do want a heated pool, check beforehand if the pool is heated.
Most lifts or gondolas have cafés and restaurants attached so take a picnic and buy a nice lunch at a local restaurant. This adds to the festive atmosphere and will make for a more memorable holiday. Make sure that you take a jacket and coat as it gets very cold in the evenings.
Most lifts to the top of the pistes have protective covering over the top so skiing is not possible. This can be doused if the sky is clear but it is much better to be safe than sorry. If you do get covered, just lower your chalet above the protecting sheet and you will not lose a lot of money. The biggest risk is from the wind. In New Zealand the winters are not too cold but the winds are fierce. Always take a jacket because if it goes fully over you could get sick. During the summers it becomes very windy and if you are not careful you can be blown off course and end up face first on the rocks at the bottom. Again, just don’t lose your head.
Theres also an abundance of accommodation along the slopes, most of which can be found in the major cities. The ski resorts in the South Island are the most well known and also the most expensive. New Zealand is also a pretty expensive country to visit, however if you are prepared to travel out of the peak season, in any time of the year you will find a skiing holiday can be had for a modest amount of money. If you are leaving the country then you will find that the prices are more reasonable. The season changes in January, and the off-snow days in February so you should check the weather and ski conditions before you book. The off-snow days in February are the best times to visit so hotels and lift tickets are less expensive.
New Zealand is a beautiful country and holds a lot of excitement. The people are friendly and also very Kiwi, and the ski conditions are great. If you are prepared to travel off the beaten track and take advantage of some of the great off-the-beaten path skiing around New Zealand, you will find an incredible vacation.