Grab the family and hit the slopes for the coolest holiday ever.

Here's our guide to some of the best ski resorts for families.

Queenstown

Where is it?

The beauty of Queenstown is you can always count on excellent snow conditions. Nearby ski fields include Treble Cone, the largest facility in the South Island, spread over three large basins with trails to suit all skill levels and a reputation for ample dry powder. Cardrona, an hour from the airport, has a fantastic terrain park, a range of slopes, and offers great apres-ski activities. The Remarkables, 45 minutes from the airport, has both lift-served and off-piste mountain terrain. The wide-open bowls suit beginners and intermediate skiers, and for back-country lovers the 1.5km Homeward Bound is considered one of the best in the country.

Kids will love

The perfect time to visit Queenstown is during the annual Winterfestival, from June 26 to July 5. Kids will love the clowns, music and the dog barking competition. Don't miss the teddy bears' picnic for little ones.

You'll love

The festival's drag race puts the ‘queen' in Queenstown. Pillars of the community frock up in their wives' best and compete in an obstacle course. Or, if you like your entertainment a bit more refined, head up the Skyline Gondola for jazz stylings by New Zealand's up and coming groovers. Visit www.winterfestival.co.nz, or for more information about things to do in Queenstown, visit www.queenstown-nz.co.nz.

Where to stay

Offering views of Lake Wakatipu, Crowne Plaza Queenstown is the perfect family base - it's within walking distance of everything. Visit www.crowneplazaqueenstown.co.nz.

Budget Alternative

There's a wide array of budget backpacker accommodation available from $18 per night. INSIDER'S TIP Be sure to try the famous bungy jump. You're never too old to experience the thrills - the oldest person to bungy at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy is 94.

 

Canterbury

Where is it?

Head to Christchurch with its stunning vista of the Southern Alps and you'll be within easy reach of some world-class skiing. Just over an hour's drive from Christchurch lies the vibrant village of Methven - only 30 minutes from the top of Mt Hutt. Recent developments ensure some of the best ski facilities and terrain mix in the South Island, plus a five-minute high-speed chairlift ride from base to mountain top. Mt Hutt is renowned for its breathtaking views, and for having the longest, most consistent season
in Australasia.

Just 90 minutes through the Waipara Valley vineyards north of Christchurch is the alpine wellness retreat at Hanmer Springs. The village is also a short drive to Hanmer Springs Ski Area and Mt Lyford, home to the new Wild Ride Terrain Park.

Kids will love

Surrounded by forests and mountains, there's plenty of fun for the family at the award-winning Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. There are nine open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and four private thermal pools, as well as a sauna and steam room. A heated freshwater pool and a popular family activity area - complete with water slides, water toys and picnic area - provide something for everyone.

 

You'll love it

Visitors to the Christchurch Arts Festival, which will be held from July 23 to August 9, will be transported into a world of winter wonderment. The TV One Ice Dome, a bold new movable landmark, is a world-class venue that will see Christchurch join the ranks of the great winter-festival cities. It's the ideal home to the ice rink that will be at the very heart of the Festival WinterGarden. The rink will be open to skaters of all ages and abilities, and demonstrations and performances complete the programme in this magical venue, located in the centre of Cathedral Square throughout the festival. To find out more, visit www.artsfestival.co.nz/2009.

Adrenaline junkies will want to be around for the ninth Methven Big Air event on August 14, with the world's top freestyle skiers and snowboarders competing on a 16m-high snow ramp. There will also be motocross, snowmobiles, fireworks and live music. Visit www.amazingspace.co.nz.

Where to stay

Have a family day on the slopes of Mt Hutt, then retire to the warmth of the open fire and luxurious surrounds of the Terrace Downs Clubhouse, overlooking a championship golf course and the spectacular Rakaia Gorge. Terrace Downs Resort has family rates available and it's an hour's drive from Christchurch. Visit www.terracedowns.co.nz.

Budget alternative

The region has great backpacker and bed and breakfast accommodation. To learn more, visit www.christchurchnz.com.

Insider's tip

For those wanting to ski on a smaller field with a variety of beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes, try Porter Heights, less than 90km from Christchurch.

 

Tongariro National Park

Where is it?

Mt Ruapehu, situated just beyond the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo in the central North Island, is the country's busiest ski area. The two large
ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa, provide fantastic conditions for everyone. Each have gentle beginners' areas as well as more advanced courses and off-piste sections, including a double black-diamond area at Whakapapa and a 4km run at Turoa. Both fields offer everything you would expect from popular ski areas with state-of-the-art lifts, lessons, ski hire and licensed cafes for that all-important end of day beverage.

 

Kids will love

Parents can choose a half or full day's instruction for children from Monday to Friday throughout the school holidays. The programme is available for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers aged six to 12 years and snowboarders aged eight to 12 years. Kids will have a great time learning how to ski and snowboard with experienced instructors, and they'll meet new friends and get certificates for the week's programme.

You'll love

The Ruapehu Mountain Mardi Gras on June 27 in Ohakune is the biggest party of the season with music, fireworks and fun for everyone. Book at www.ticketdirect.co.nz.

For the more daring, check out the Rip Curl K2 Bikini Downhill on Saturday, September 27 on the Turoa Slopes. This is a fun event on an easy course and money raised goes to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. As the name suggests, bikinis must be worn by all competitors!

Where to stay

Bayview Chateau Tongariro is a historic hotel and national icon with unsurpassed views of magnificent mountains Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. It gives easy access to the Whakapapa fields. Visit www.chateau.co.nz.

Budget alternative

There are chalet rentals to suit all budgets and, of course, the usual backpacker selection all around the mountain and in picturesque Taupo, an hour's drive away. Visit www.mtruapehu.com.

Insider's tip

Mighty Ruapehu is a favourite with kids of all ages during the holidays. But, if you're hiring gear on the mountain, make sure you arrive early.

 

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