NZ’s stunning mountains beckon with much more than just skiing and snowboarding. Mix it up and have a go at some other exciting winter activities!

The fun doesn’t just end with snow sports and snowball fights. Mingle with the locals at on- and off-mountain events. Many of them are free, and you’re guaranteed to have a blast.

4WD

Hire a quad bike and get off the beaten track.

Curling

You’ve seen it on telly, now try it yourself in Naseby.

Dog Sled Tours

An animal encounter with a difference, dog sledding is great fun for the whole family. Cuddle the sled dogs and learn all about them before they are harnessed up to take you on a tour. You can even book an overnight adventure or custom-designed dog sled tour.

Glacier Encounters

From the famous temperate zone Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers to the Tasman Glacier in Mount Cook National Park, glacier encounters make for fascinating winter adventures. Join a guided walk, take a boat cruise on a terminal lake or soar overhead on a glacier flight.

Hot Pools

Wintertime activities don’t have to be action-packed. New Zealand is blessed with a myriad of natural hot pools which are great to take a breather and soak those sore muscles. Slide into an up-to-42-degree Celcius hot pool and gaze out over snowy peaks and forests shrouded in mist! Renowned hot pool complexes include Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, Alpine Springs & Spa Tekapo, The Glacier Hot Pools and Onsen Hot Pools, but there are many more smaller free local pools. See www.nzhotpools.co.nz for a comprehensive list.

Ice Climbing

New Zealand offers a very special location for ice climbing: amongst the lush West Coast rainforest you’ll find the Southern Hemisphere’s most accessible temperate zone glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, where you can join ice climbing tours or glacier hikes. Other ice climbing tours take you deep into the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park in the South Island and up Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu and Tongariro National Park in the North Island.

Ice Skating

Ice skating rinks are in Naseby, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Christchurch and Auckland. No matter whether you choose an indoor or outdoor ice rink, this winter activity is suitable for all ages and abilities. You can play ice hockey, have a go at figure skating, sign up with a skate school or simply take a spin. Also keep an eye out for ice skating discos – so ‘80s, but so much fun!

Snowkiting

Kite surfing for snow-bunnies.

Snowshoeing

Be a yeti for a day! Walking in snowshoes means walking across unbroken snow without sinking up to your nose, which makes it ideal for exploring remote backcountry. Join a guided snowshoe hike – from family snowshoeing trips and gentle half-day walks to multi-day snowshoe adventures.

Tubing

Tubing is great fun for families or snow-bunnies on a budget. Slide down a tubing lane (similar to a bobsleigh track) in a massive inner tube. A step up from your classic tobogganing, you can do spins, go backwards, sit and lie – use your imagination! Tubing parks are at a range of ski areas and at the Alpine Springs & Spa Tekapo complex. Naseby also offers a 400-metre ice luge track.

Winter Wonderland Walks

New Zealand is renowned as a premier walking and hiking destination. And whereas the temperate climate allows you to discover trails past golden beaches and lush rainforests even in winter, the country also offers stunning winter walks. Tongariro, Arthur’s Pass, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring National Parks all turn into a winter wonderland boasting snowy trails, glistening alpine views and crisp mountain air. Do, however, stick to designated tracks, wrap up warm, bring a thermos and always check the weather conditions before attempting a winter walk! www.metservice.com