Heed the call of New Zealand's South Island snowfields

AUSTRALIAN skiers have been quick to catch on to the attractions of the NZ South Island's snowfields, writes Sarah Nicholson.

treble cone

NEW Zealand has always been a hot spot for Australians heading overseas.

In 2012, Aussie travellers made more than 1.1 million trips across the Tasman Sea, with a large chunk venturing to the South Island during the winter months when the mountains around Queenstown are covered in a deep layer of white. But not every ski trip is a long one, with the majority of holiday-makers booking a New Zealand getaway through Expedia staying for an average of 3.8 days. "Expedia is seeing Aussies popping over to New Zealand to ski for a long weekend," the online travel company's Amee Evans says. "New Zealand is an accessible and world-class ski destination that's just a short flight away, and the flights are cheap and there's a variety of accommodation options. "Aussies like to treat themselves on their New Zealand ski break, we see them opting for 4 and 5-star hotels and I suggest they are enjoying a glass of Kiwi wine after a long day on the slopes." The Expedia travel expert explains there's been a subtle shift in South Island destinations for Australian skiers and boarders, with many of those who once made a base in Queenstown now looking to spend their winter break in the neighbouring settlement of Wanaka. "Wanaka used to be known as Queenstown's poor cousin," Evans says. "But Aussies have caught on to the great snow in this town and are heading there is increasing numbers, with 20 per cent growth already this year." Wanaka is only 50 minutes from Queenstown Airport, on the edge of Lake Wanaka and surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Mount Aspiring National Park. The district is home to four ski areas as well as one of the largest heli-skiing blocks outside North America. The closest mountains - Treble Cone, Cardrona, Snow Park and Snow Farm - are a 30-minute drive from Wanaka, while Coronet Peak and The Remarkables near Queenstown are only 90 minutes away by road. Nick Noble, marketing and sales manager at Treble Cone, says Wanaka is an ideal destination for "people seeking a genuine New Zealand snow holiday experience". "Wanaka is a great ski town offering a wide range of accommodation and dining, ski and rental stores, and the activities New Zealand is famous for including jet boating and wineries," the Treble Cone staffer says. "Transport to Wanaka is easy - hire a car or jump on a bus at Queenstown Airport - and another perk of a Wanaka ski holiday is the experiences are on one lift pass, meaning you can ski Treble Cone one day and Cardrona the next on the same pass." Noble says Wanaka is a family-friendly destination, with both the lakeside settlement and Treble Cone catering to those travelling with children. "Wanaka offers families everything they need during a snow holiday including a supermarket, chemist, movie theatre, medical centre, shuttle buses up the mountains, and a range of fun family activities," he says. "There are also some new family-friendly initiatives at Treble Cone this year, including a Kids Fun Trail in the Home Basin that will include fun features to add to the excitement for children learning to ski and snowboard and also as teaching aids to help develop snow sports co-ordination and necessary skills such as turning and balancing. "The new Kids Trail Map is specifically designed to help children navigate the landmarks and highlights they notice around the mountain, and all children who rent skis or snowboard equipment from Treble Cone will be offered free helmet rental." For more information on a Wanaka holiday see the town's tourism website or the Treble Cone and Cardrona internet pages. "Like" Escape.com.au on Facebook Follow @Escape_team on Twitter