Snowboard New Zealand this Summer! New Zealand is actually made up of over 600 islands but there are only really two that anyone talks about: North Island and South Island. Many travellers and tourists initially think the South is the one to visit, especially when it comes to skiing and snowboarding and living the endless winter. But the locals disagree and we are inclined to believe them. After collectively spending a lot of time testing out the skiing in New Zealand, we settled on the North Island resorts of Mt Ruapehu and Turoa to base our New Zealand ski and snowboard courses during their winter. But let’s not let “It’s where the locals go” be the only argument as to why the North Island is the best, here are a few more reasons…
Weather
The North Island is slightly closer to the equator which is great for being able enjoying the lakes and beaches all year round. The South Island experiences greater extremes of temperature, but without the positives of more snow. The more temperate conditions of the North Island winter mean you get to enjoy cold skiing during the day on the mountain and spring like conditions once you descend back to Ohakune in the evening. Perfect for mountain biking, climbing and hiking in your spare time.
Snow
We are winter chasers following the snow from the top of the globe to the bottom in an annual migration that is based on an adrenaline fueled lifestyle. When most people think of going to New Zealand skiing they think of the South Island which may make you wonder why we picked Mt Ruapehu on the North Island to host our courses. The area is comprised of 2 ski fields Whakapapa and Turoa located in the Tongariro National park and it is located in the centre of the North Island and that means it gets more snowfall than most South Island ski resorts. As there is more snow it means that, on average, Mt Ruapehu’s slopes have a deeper snowpack allowing for a longer season than any of New Zealand other ski fields.
Skiing
Ticket To Ride – Mt Ruapehu Tour from TTR Group on Vimeo.
The North Island’s skiing is much higher than on the South Island, guaranteeing the snow quality all season. As the snow is good the riding is also good and can match if not better any resort on the South. As there is less competition in the area the North resorts have focused their spending on infrastructure which has resulted in better lift systems especially in Whakapapa and Turoa. With the extra snow these resorts get they are able to produce some of the best parks in Australasia. These parks attract the world’s best riders who come to perfect their tricks when the Northern hemisphere is closed for the summer. On the North Island you will also the biggest ski area, Whakapapa 550 Hectares and the biggest descent, Turoa 722m.
Culture and Activities
It is claimed that the South has more dramatic scenery than the North and we won’t argue with that. However, the North is home to much more and a greater variety of places to visit. To put it into cinematic terms, Peter Jackson filmed a lot of the mountain and epic journey scenes in the South, but the beautiful green Hobbiton and Elvish oasis of Rivendell in the North where the culture and people are. Hobbiton is now a tourist attraction that you can visit. We also recommend visiting the Waitomo Glowworm caves which are spectacular and so different to anything else in New Zealand. The activity capital of the North Island is Lake Taupo, very close to where we are based in Ohakune. Here you can skydive over amazing scenery around the Tongariro National Park, do watersports on the lake, or a whole host of other activities such as high ropes courses and street luging.
Much of the existing Maori culture can be found on the North Island in towns such as Rotorua. You can go to a traditional Hangi night here and learn all about Maori customs, dancing and feasting.
Geothermal Activity
Yes we mean volcanoes and hot springs both of which can be found in abundance along the central spine of the North Island. The two main hot spots are Rotorua and Taupo. Taupo is the region you will find Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand’s largest active volcano as well as “Mount Doom”. If you are in the area you should visit Orakei Korako a place of spectacular thermal activity. There are also loads of hot pools, fed by springs heated by the volcanic activity, that may or may not bring you health benefits.
Surfing
HAZ & GAZ NZ from ZION WETSUITS on Vimeo.
Surfing in New Zealand is pretty amazing, with bigger and more consistent waves than the UK offers. There are twice as many surf spots on the North Island than the South which means there is more chance you’ll find an uncrowded break that suits you. Unlike in the UK, North in New Zealand means better weather and means you’ll be riding in your shorty or even your boardies.
Transport
Geographically New Zealand is one of the last places in the world and without the aeroplane it’s unlikely that we would be heading there every winter. The North Island is the most accessible as it has more international airports and better transport links throughout the Island. For the most frequent flights and best prices you should consider flying into Auckland and Wellington.
