Top Winter Activities in New Zealand

Be prepared for rapid weather changes. I packed a waterproof jacket and was so glad I did. My advice is to layer your clothing, it really helps.

Definitely try the local cafés in Whakapapa village for lunch. I got a hearty burger that wasn’t too expense and it fueled me up for the afternoon. Also I recommend avoiding the ones by the slopes they're pricier.

If you're renting gear, do it in town before heading up to Whakapapa. It saved me a ton of time and I got better prices than at the resort! I suggest checking out local shops.

My advice is to get there right at 8:00 AM when they open. You’ll beat the rush and have the slopes pretty much to yourself for a couple of hours. It's an epic way to start your day!

I recommend checking the snow conditions online before you go. We went on a day when it was really icy, and it wasn't the best experience. Good conditions make a huge difference!

If you're hitting the slopes in the morning, be sure to arrive around 8:30 AM. That's when you can catch the first gondola, which means less crowd and more fresh powder!