4 month winter/spring trip

I want to say check out the South Island ski fields sooner rather than later (especially if you're a keen skier), as they have a pretty good base of natural snow as well as manmade at the moment...but it will depend entirely on whether you can find somewhere to stay or not. I'm thinking of the Treble Cone, Cardrona, Coronet Peak and Remarkables ski fields. Queenstown and Wanaka are the two main base towns, but you can also look into Hawea and Cromwell for accommodation if needed.

Here are some useful sites with information on buying used cars in NZ:
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/choosing-the-right-vehicle/tips-for-buying-a-used-car/

http://www.aa.co.nz/cars/cars-for-sale/how-to-buy-a-used-car/

Hi knightia

Thank you for the car resources. Actually, I have never skied' in my life before. I'm just looking to learn when I go there. I will take a look at the places mentioned...:). If the peaks are calling me...maybe ill just shift around timeline to experience a bit of winter at south island too..

Cardrona is a great skifield for learners (down hill skiing). Also, if you want to learn cross-country skiing, the Snow Farm is opposite Cardrona.

You'll be able to get a shuttle bus to both of those skifields from Wanaka. Both offer learner lessons as well as equipment rental (ski's and boots) - most, if not all, the ski fields do, so research the best deal.

Out of your four months, it will depend a bit on how much of that you wish to spend on the North Island, prior to heading to the South. As I mentioned up-thread, you can do ample skiing on the North Island in the July-August period, if that suits your overall itinerary better.

Anyway, it's all good, whatever you decide with that much time.

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