New Zealand: Snow Farm
| THE LURE Tucked away in the Southern Alps of the South Island of New Zealand, the ultimate ski or board riding experiences await you. Just imagine carving fresh lines as you are powered uphill using nothing but the wind and then the feeling of floating down the hill as you pop off ridges overlooking some of the most stunning scenery in the world. You will find it difficult to find spots so well suited to snowkiting as Snowfarm. THE SET-UP Snowfarm is the snowkite Mecca of the southern hemisphere. Endless rolling hills, vast amounts of deep untracked powder and consistent winds provide the perfect setting for riding with a kite. Whether you ski, snowboard or do neither yet, NZ Kitsports provide the ultimate backcountry experience. Backcountry alpine huts provide shelter during challenging conditions when you're on a multi-day expedition, powered by your own portable ski lift. Looking for more of a challenge? Travel across the valley to the Cardrona alpine resort for steeper more demanding terrain. WIND WATER AND WEATHER The snowkite season runs from mid-June through to the end of September. Snowfarm's most consistent wind is the prevailing northwesterly, blowing strong enough to ride on 75% of days in the winter. But the beauty of snowfarm is that it is also suitable in most other wind directions. In a southwesterly the wind funnels up through the Crown Range and is more suited to the steep and varying terrain off the back of the Cardrona resort. The temperature reaches an average low of -6°C during mid-winter and average high of 9°C but on most sunny days it realistically feels a lot warmer. GET AROUND Snowfarm is 34 kilometres from Wanaka and 55 from Queenstown. Christchurch is 4.5 hours by car. From Queenstown head north across the Crown Range, following the signs to Wanaka. Snow farm is located just after the Cardrona village. Hire a car if you have a lot of gear as you need to make your own way up to the base lift at all mountains. Although roads are well maintained you'll need a 4WD or chains. Daily buses travel up the mountain at reasonable prices and hitching is easy in the area. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is available at Snowfarm, Snowpark and Cardrona resorts but at a heavier hit to the wallet. Most choose to stay in either Wanaka or Queenstown. FOOD AND DRINK Wanaka and Queenstown are both set-up for tourists, so expect some great options and friendly nightlife. NO WIND The Cardrona Alpine Resort offers a range of beginner - advanced level ski and snowboarding slopes. The snow park offers an array of freestyle features based around one main lift for the more highly skilled. Wanaka, 35 minutes from Cardrona, is a picturesque town hugging the shores of the beautiful Lake Wanaka with a relaxed atmosphere and genuine local’ laid back Kiwi feel. A spectacular lake, mountain views and numerous cafes and restaurants are perfect après ski entertainment. Wanaka is the perfect place to experience the infectious laid back Kiwi vibe. Queenstown is a vibrant winter playground with a bustling town centre and is highly regarded as the adventure capital of the world, including chances to do virtually any adventure sport you can think of, such as: bungee jumping, sky diving, jet boating, paragliding and climbing to name a few. Cardrona is easily accessible from Queenstown over the Crown Range, taking in New Zealand’s highest road through an area rich in gold mining history. The breathtaking views on the journey itself should not be missed. AIRPORT There are two main airports: Christchurch (CHC) and Queenstown (ZQN). SCHOOLS SNOWKITE NZ are based in Queenstown and operate out of Kitesports in Christchurch. Weekly multi-day tours run from Christchurch but lessons can be organised for any day with students of any level with their team of experienced instructors. Usual ratios are 2:1, but 1:1 lessons are available. Hire and gear sales available at the shop in Queenstown central mall or Kitesports kite shop in Christchurch - powered by Ozone! www.kitesports.co.nz This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +64 384 53 10 / Mob: +64 215 42 770 |
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