Winter wonderland in New Zealand

The country is typically frequented in the warmer summer months, but winter brings a fascinating variety of experiences and adventures

Winter ushers a variety of experiences in New Zealand, from intriguing festivals and exceptional skiing to ice-capped peaks and steaming hot pools.
(Above) The Onsen Pools is a series of private, steaming cedar-lined tubs that overlook the picturesque Shotover Canyon. (Left) White Island is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. (Right) During a dog derby at the quirky Queenstown Winter Festi
White Island is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. PHOTO: DENISE LIM, QUEENSTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL
(Above) The Onsen Pools is a series of private, steaming cedar-lined tubs that overlook the picturesque Shotover Canyon. (Left) White Island is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. (Right) During a dog derby at the quirky Queenstown Winter Festi
The Onsen Pools is a series of private, steaming cedar-lined tubs that overlook the picturesque Shotover Canyon. PHOTO: DENISE LIM, QUEENSTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL
(Above) The Onsen Pools is a series of private, steaming cedar-lined tubs that overlook the picturesque Shotover Canyon. (Left) White Island is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. (Right) During a dog derby at the quirky Queenstown Winter Festi
Snow-capped mountain ranges glow during sunset in Queenstown. PHOTO: DENISE LIM, QUEENSTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL
During a dog derby at the quirky Queenstown Winter Festival, dogs and their owners trundle down the ski slopes towards the finish line. PHOTO: DENISE LIM, QUEENSTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL
A Maori waka or canoe silently paddling across Lake Wakatipu to celebrate the Matariki (Maori New Year) and opening of Queenstown Winter Festival. PHOTO: DENISE LIM, QUEENSTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL
During the suitcase race at the Queenstown Winter Festival, competitors slide down the mountain on brown vintage luggage. PHOTO: DENISE LIM, QUEENSTOWN WINTER FESTIVAL
Denise Lim
Updated
Aug 18, 2019, 06:32 AM
Published
Aug 18, 2019, 05:00 AM
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I am trudging up the ski slope, watching the sun cast its golden hue on the serrated, snow-capped Southern Alps.

"Lovely blue skies we've got today," a staff member remarks. "And 8cm of fresh snow."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on August 18, 2019, with the headline Winter wonderland in New Zealand. Subscribe

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