New Zealand has so many exceptional places to visit that unless you have all the time in the world it can be difficult to choose where to go. One fact you should be aware of is that the seasons are reversed, when it is summer in Europe, then it is winter in New Zealand. There are 2 main islands, North Island and South Island, both have a lot of interesting elements but it is South Island that attracts most visitors, and has the most sights.

A large part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in New Zealand and there are guides who will take you around some of the locations where filming took place. Not only fascinating for the fact they appeared in the movies, they are also some of the most beautiful places you will ever see. See the rolling hills of Matamata that were transformed into Hobbiton, and the volcanic region of Mount Ruapehu as it erupted into Mt. Doom, and then there is Queenstown, a centre of adventure activities and the location of several scenes including the the Eregion Hills, and the Pillars of Argonath.

If your plan is to come to New Zealand for the ski-ing, then the best time of year to visit is July and August. Queenstown is the most popular choice for skiers as it is a resort town with lots of adventure activities, you can find all kinds of activities here to get your adrenalin pumping, from white water rafting and mountain biking to jet boating and bungy jumping. But most famously, Queenstown is known for its range of snow sports.

One of the 4 main mountain ski fields in Queenstown is Cardrona Alpine Resort where you can take snowboard and ski lessons. They have programmes for all ages and abilities and even cater for the little ones. Their Freestyle Terrain contains jumps, hits, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes, snowcross, bump terrain and other constructed or natural terrain features.

Coronet Peak has an Instructor Training Programme for aspiring ski and snowboard instructors, whilst Treble Cone has the longest vertical rise in the Southern Lakes and impressive views over Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring and Tititea. The ski field is used as the off-season training ground for the national ski teams of Austria and Norway. And the last, but not least remarkable, is The Remarkables with its Ozone Tubing Park, specifically designed with the young and the young at heart in mind. If you want a snow experience with some fun thrown in, then this is the place to go. Have fun whilst you glide down purpose cut tubing lanes in an inner tube.

Of course, along with any ski-ing comes the après ski and night time in the town is buzzing. There are heaps of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. In terms of accommodation, Queenstown has it all, whether you are backpacking around the country and looking for a real bargain, or living your dream holiday and want the very best of luxury, it is here. There are a wide range of hostels, quality 3, 4, and 5 star hotels and exclusive luxury lodges. B&Bs, farm and homestay selections offer a flavor of New Zealand hospitality, while motels or managed apartments are perfect for those who like their independence and privacy.

Also in the area can be found a number of holiday parks and camping grounds all with good amenities. If you really want to make the most of the fresh mountain air then the Department of Conservation huts are situated in mountain and bush areas. Look online for quality Queenstown hotels and get your holiday of a lifetime booked today!