Located on the South Island and only 23km from Queenstown, there is a reason The Remarkables mountain ranges have been a crowd favourite for many years. The three north-facing snow bowls offer some of the best terrain in the country that allows beginners to find their feet among the slopes, including a dedicated learners area to help you develop your skills and confidence for the real deal.

Experienced professionals on the mountain are always at the ready to help with tips, advice and skiing lessons for kids right up to adults. Whether it is your first time at the snow or not, Auski has a massive range of clothing and equipment from your favourite brands to get you slope-ready and help make your trip unforgettable. At the end of a tiring day in the snow, an easy 40-minute drive back into Queenstown presents some the most renowned food and wine in the country. With over 150 bars and restaurants, the opportunities are endless to fuel your next adventurous day in the stunning Remarkables ranges.

For those seeking more thrill than leisure the Craigieburn Valley ski field is the real deal for powderhounds. Located a 1.5 hour drive from Christchurch it is not for the faint hearted. The valley sits at an impressive top elevation of 1922 meters and has the highest number of ‘black’ runs in the country testing even the most experienced of skiers and boarders.

Twenty-five runs of untouched snow and narrow chutes does not attract a large crowd of people, but makes it a perfect destination for those wanting a truly off-piste snow getaway experience. After a grueling day on the slopes, the Craigieburn Valley ski area provides a great range of comfortable lodging and hotel options to best match your budget and needs.

Cardrona is a locals favourite and there are no questions why. The mountain is perfect for a range of abilities with a good mix of terrain for beginner to advanced skiers and boarders.

The mountain offers some of the most reliable snowfall in the region across the entire winter season. Complete with a bespoke kids skiing area and two half pipes for the more ambitious skiers and boarders, it is no wonder why Cardrona is known as the ‘people’s mountain’.

Offering more than just snow, Cardrona also provides mountain bikers and adventure seekers alike the option to enjoy the bike park, hiking trails and mountain carting. Cardrona is only a short drive further than The Remarkables and also has easy access into Queenstown, with daily shuttles available to take the hassle out of navigating the mountainous roads and giving you the ability to truly relax and enjoy your time in the wonderful snow filled ranges.

Similar to its (inferior) counterpart Australia, to truly experience the best of New Zealand's snow season it is recommend to visit any of the mountains between June and October, making it a perfect school holiday getaway, or an extended long weekend (or week) trip with friends and family.

There are numerous and affordable flights available starting from $350 that depart year-round from all major cities in Australia, making accessing the Kiwi’s infamous slopes easier than ever with a simple 3-hour flight from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The abundance of airlines, resorts and passes means that package deals are not hard to come by to entice Australian skiers and boarders to make the trip across the ditch instead of the usual Aussie slopes.

Many resorts offer family, couples and singles deals on multi day lift passes that suit your needs. What’s not to love about a neatly arranged package deal to make your journey seamless and affordable. If you would rather complete control of your snow escape itinerary, there is an abundance of information available online for you to check out and make your getaway your very own. With a little planning, a short snow trip to New Zealand won’t break the bank and makes for the perfect winter getaway.