With the heavy snow that has blanketed New Zealand's South
Island this week Tourism New Zealand is making sure Australia is
aware that the 2012 ski season is set for a strong start.
The opening at both Mt Hutt and Coronet Peak this Saturday 9
June means it's now time to experience More in every day - TNZ's 2012 Ski campaign
which positions New Zealand as the only place to ski this year.
At Mt Hutt, an average 65cm of snow had covered the Canterbury
ski area by Thursday morning. The snowmaking guns at Coronet Peak
and Mt Hutt are also at full flow, providing the perfect base for
opening of both ski areas this weekend.
The snow has arrived at just the right time to remind
Australians about the quality and value of a ski holiday in New
Zealand, says Tourism New Zealand's General Manager Australia Tim
Burgess.
"It's fantastic to see the snow falling as many Australians
start to consider their options for a winter holiday."
New Zealand's Southern Alps which are longer than the French,
Swiss and Austrian Alps combined provide visitors with a true
alpine experience and incredible value for money given the
favourable exchange rate with Australia, says Mr Burgess.
"When you look at the quality and value of a ski experience, but
also the range of activities like golf, fishing, hot pools and wine
tasting available in our resort towns it is no surprise to see the
amount of Australians choosing New Zealand for a ski holiday," says
Mr Burgess.
There are some great new deals available to Australians this ski
season. Mt Hutt ski area and its neighbouring resort town of
Methven have combined with a special Kids4Free deal offering free skiing, free
accommodation, free transport, free ski hire and free meals for
children under 10 when accompanied by adults. OnePassNZ is a
new product which gives unlimited freedom to ski and ride at eight
South Island ski areas.
Easy access to the New Zealand ski slopes is another draw for
Australian visitors, says New Zealand Ski Marketing Network
spokesperson Trish May.
"Direct international flights into Christchurch and Queenstown
open up the South Island's premier ski areas of Canterbury,
Mackenzie, Queenstown and Wanaka," says Ms May.
Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar have all
boosted direct flights between Australia and New Zealand this ski
season to meet expected high demand from Australian skiers. Air New
Zealand General Manager Australia Cam Wallace says the additional
trans-Tasman capacity builds on more than a decade of year-on-year
growth.
"We know that the majority of Australians who are actively
considering visiting New Zealand are interested in skiing - so our
activities this season are very much focused on converting these
into ski-bums on seats," says Mr Wallace.
New Zealand has been a growing winter destination of choice for
Australians in recent years. Australians represent the
largest international market on the New Zealand slopes, attracted
by the long season and the true alpine environment.
With the best of the snow season on the horizon, there's no
better time for Australians to grab a great deal and experience New
Zealand at its best both on and off the slopes.
To plan and book a New Zealand winter holiday visit newzealand.com and you can find out more about
the 2012 ski season here.