Queenstown

Queenstown is probably best known as the home of adrenaline activities but come winter it transforms into a full-on ski town. You'll meet Kiwis on their 10th season, Queenslanders who've never seen snow and British and South American backpackers on their round-the-world trips.

Most visitors stick to the two closest ski fields, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, which are under the same management. But it's not too far to Cardrona, while Treble Cone and Snow Park NZ (a giant terrain park) are within reach too.

For most of the winter, Queenstown sits below the snow line, so while you're skiing up in the mountains, you'll be looking down at the green valley below. The vertical may not match that of the Alps or North America, but you can still have a lot of fun, especially on a powder day.

One of the best times to visit is during the Queenstown Winter Festival, which takes place annually at the end of June - just as the ski season is kicking off.