If you have been waiting a while for a New Zealand trip, the time to enjoy Kiwi hospitality and experience heavenly skiing is just around the corner. The snow countdown in Aotearoa has begun.

New Zealand’s southern hemisphere ski fields – renowned for spectacular mountain terrain, postcard scenery, varied snow trails, and popular resorts – are gearing up for the winter 2011 season. Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt Hutt in the South Island and National Park in the North Island are the best known ski regions.

With the first snows expected during May, the ski season kicks off early June and runs until late October in the South Island and National Park in the North Island North Island.

Snowbows – a new ski event will happen in August on Mt Ruapehu. After that, international rugby visitors will have an opportunity enjoy the slopes between Rugby World Cup games (9 September – 23 October).

If looking for something different this year check out Snowshoeing from NZ Walks.