It’s all downhill

There are more than 25 ski fields in this lovely little country of ours, and whether you’re into gently gliding across groomed pistes or consider yourselves the heli skiing types, we’re here to help you meet your match.

Best for children

Whakapapa: The rising sun strikes early at New Zealand’s largest ski field on the northern side of Mt Ruapehu, softening the slopes, and snow machines ensure a long season here. Whakapapa has thrills and spills for old hands, while Happy Valley is tailor-made for beginners and has its own ski school. You’ll also find all the sustenance and hot chocolate you need at one of the many cafés; Knoll Ridge is the highest in the country.
Skill level: Learner to experienced.
Location: Three hours from Tauranga.
Open: June to October.
Cost: Adults from $73/day.
What’s cool: Happy Valley’s see-through covered lift tunnels. 

Best for powder

TūROA: The top of Tūroa is a serious powder playground – even your boss will understand why you need to take a day off to make the first tracks. On the south-western side of Mt Ruapehu, Tūroa has a totally different feel to Whakapapa, with exposed volcanic terrain, wide trails and huge basins. It boasts the longest vertical drop in New Zealand and has the most extensive terrain parks in the North Island.
Skill level: Learner to experienced.
Location: Just under four hours from Tauranga.
Open: June to September.
Cost: Adults from $73/day.
What’s cool: The High Noon Express chairlift that takes you to 2322ft.

Best for going off-piste

CRAIGIEBURN: A club that attracts hardcore skiers and powderhounds, Craigieburn is located in the Southern Alps. Described as ‘cheap, steep and deep’, you won’t find groomed runs here – it’s just one massive off-piste area. If that doesn’t worry you, you’re probably the perfect fit.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced.
Location: Just under two hours from Christchurch.
Open: July to August.
Cost: Adults $75/day.
What’s cool: A vertical descent that’s been compared to heliskiing – without the helicopter.
CRAIGIEBURN.CO.NZ



Best for all-day sun

MOUNT DOBSON: Usually crowd-free and with great ski schools, Mt Dobson is high up, so the snow is pretty dry, but you’ll also enjoy some lovely sun warming your back. Situated on the main road between Queenstown and Christchurch, it’s close to accommodation and other activities at nearby Tekapo. The chairlift is the centrepiece of the lift system, and there’s a natural halfpipe underneath.
Skill level: Learner to advanced.
Location: Two-and-a-half hours from Christchurch.
Open: July to August.
Cost: Adults from $84/day.
What’s cool: The epic view of Mount Cook.

Best for experts

CORONET PEAK: Coronet Peak is a world-class ski and snowboard spot, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, 280ha of skiable terrain and breath-taking views. It also has the country’s largest fully automated snow-making system, with 217 snow guns, which combined with Mother Nature results in a long season of consistently good skiing and snowboarding.
Skill level: Learner to experienced.
Location: Twenty minutes from Queenstown.
Open: June to September.
Cost: Adults from $119/day.
What’s cool: Night skiing on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Best all-rounder

CARDRONA: Like the sound of New Zealand’s biggest halfpipe? Beginner and intermediate skiers love this easy-going ski field for its wide open spaces – plus it’s often less crowded than some other local spots. With five eateries on the mountain and some of the driest snow around, this ski field really does offer something for everyone – and the drive home over the Crown Range is spectacular too.
Skill level: Learner to intermediate.
Location: Thirty minutes from Wanaka.
Open: June to October.
Cost: Adults from $65/day.
What’s cool: Stopping for a well-earned Speight’s at the Cardrona Hotel.

UNO Staycation: Rotorua

We wanted a weekend away with our children; an antidote to screen time: adventure, laughing, and fun. And we didn’t want to spend ages travelling. So we took a staycation in Rotorua! The money we saved on travel (just an hour down the road) and accommodation (we didn't need any, we slept at home!), we spent on experiences. It was a decision well made.

There must be something in that Vegas air, everyone working in this booming tourist industry was friendly and knowledgeable, and they all genuinely love their jobs.

We were a fairly big group: Mat, his mum (love you, Susie!) and I, our five children and a young nephew. The children ranged from four up to 13, so adrenaline was the order of the day. And that's what we got!

Saturday am: Up the Skyline Gondola and down the luge. I'm a wimp so doubled up with my daughter and took the slower of the three routes down through the trees.

Saturday lunch: A hearty lunch at the iconic Pig & Whistle refuelled the whole team, ready to go again.

Saturday pm: Agroventures is home to six adrenaline-fuelled rides. Our big children found soaking the youngsters on the Agrojet he most amusing activity!

We drove back home to The Mount, had a huge dinner and fell asleep almost immediately. Up early on Sunday morning and a short drive back to the Rotorua thanks to that brilliant toll road round Te Puke.

Sunday am: This was my favourite: sloshing around in warm water inside an inflatable rolling ball at OGO. Our stomach muscles ached from giggling.

Sunday afternoon: After all that action, the Polynesian Spa was a great choice. We loved the new Priest Spring acidic mineral hot pool overlooking the steamy lake.

A debrief and afternoon tea at the country's café of the year, Capers, rounded off our weekend just perfectly.

#UNOLovesRotorua

The itinerary:

Saturday

Morning: Up the Skyline gondola and down the luge

Lunch: Pig & Whistle

Afternoon: Agroventures

Sunday

Morning: OGO

Lunch: I took a picnic

Afternoon: Polynesian Spa, followed by afternoon tea at Capers