Anyone from New Zealand

Subscribing to this thread.

Buddy and I are thinking about going to NZ or Aus late July/early Aug but we have limited info. Best places to go boarding and where to stay.

I haven't really done any research as of yet, busy with work and this boarding season.

Coincidentally, Transworld Snowboarding's current April 09 issue cover story is Summer Ride Guide: Argentina, NZ, Mt. Hood, and Whistler.

They have a few websites they refer to for more info on NZ boarding.
blackdiamondsafaris.co.nz
chillout.co.nz (this site is pretty informative)
nzsnowboard.com
templebasin.co.nz

Read about the 'clubbies' and 'nutcracker' lifts (looks crazy...http://www.chillout.co.nz/nutcracker.asp).

Post up if you decide on any preliminary plans for boarding in NZ...it would be helpful info.

Planning to stay a full season so I'm looking to get a season pass somewhere. 

Jimster,

Oh god the 'nutcrackers' and T-bars are a bain for all snowboarders who's never ridden those things before.  I've never seen those before coming here to NZ and getting to the top of mountains you're going to have to know how to ride one of those damn things.  If you haven't done those before you're in for a treat to say the least

Mt. Hutt is in Christchurch which is like 6 hours away from QT.  Not worth it at all unless you're going to Christchurch often, and I still wouldn't go there.  I'm not sure what Shoulder means, but they give a date range of when it is on sale?

I don't think they have a set number of lift tickets, but I'm not sure.  The Ruapehu lift tickets are going on sale April 1st for $385 then it jumps up another 4-500 after the 30th.  I'm planning on picking mine up ASAP so I don't have to worry about them possibly 'running out.'

You maybe able to pick up a relatively decent Subaru wagon that's got 4wd for relatively cheap.  I know I got mine for $2500NZD + ~700 in necessary repairs.  Strap on some snow chains if the weather gets bad and you'll be good to go.

I was in QT last season.  Got there in April and stayed till end of season.

Jobs:  shtooking hard to find.  If you are able to get a job on the mountain do it.  You get free lift pass, cheap gear and lots of organised staff nights.  Unless you know people, finding work is more a game of luck.  The bars get 20+ resumes dropped off a day as with most other places.  Most places will not advertise a job and will randomly decide they need someone one day as soon as the season picks up.  Best plan of attack is to decide on a few places you want to work and head in there every day so they start to know your face.  Speaking english is a plus as there are lots of brazialians and stuff over there.

Houses:  I got there in April and went through about 4 houses throughout the season.  All were expensive or shitholes.  Try find somewhere a bit out of town and get a few people together early in the season and you will get a nice place for fairly cheap.  Keep in mind power is expensive as (1 month power for a cabin with one bedroom was $400).  Places are advertised in the "Mountain Scene" which is out on Thursday at 5pm.  Get it straight away becuase places get taken within minutes when the season has properly started.

Gear: Expensive.   Bring your own.

Nightlife:  Great.  Heaps of pubs, always new people in town and is busy every night of the week.

Mountains:
Coronet - Icy.  Crappy park, poor off piste and lots of punters.  Still a fun mountain to ride, is easy to hitchhike to (longest I waited for ride is 10 minutes) and they have nightriding.  Also pretty fun to go up before and after season for a jib sesh.

Reamarkables - Normally opens up after coronet becuase its more rocky.  Higher up so better snow and rarely icy.  Sweet park.  Nice kicker line and plenty of off piste to ride later in the season.  Bit harder to get to hitchhiking (prob need 2 or 3 lifts to get there).  If you have a car though you wont ride coronet again after there is enough snow here.  Less people as well and bigger area.

As to whether or not to be based in QT or wanaka I dunno.  I have ridden Cardrona and its an awesome mountain.  From what I have heard Wanaka is what QT used to be like 10 years ago.  More chilled, easier to find a job and house but not as many backpackers.  If I was to go back again I think I would go wanaka but thats just me.

In QT be prepared to pay lots for everything, but in saying that you can live pretty cheaply and still ride everyday.  Check out the church for free feeds friday night, hitchhike where possible and make sure you don't get ripped on accom and you will be all sweet.

i think you would be fine with either. I was trying to decide between Wanaka, Q-town and the North Island (which is nothing compared to down south). I had the same dilemma as you but I chose Q-town for no particular reason. Like I say, you will be fine with either. The good thing about Q-town is that you can buy a Q-town pass which includes Remarks and CP. I dont know if there is a season pass that covers both TC and Cardrona.

Also, have a good look at the club fields. They are cheap, uncrowded and awesome.

You are correct about Snowpark not selling season passes this year. It sucks.

Ok, thanks for the input everyone, I think it'll be QT this time round and grab a few days in and aroud Wanaka when I can.

That was a tough call though, now I just need to keep an eye on trademe for a decent flat and an old Hilux or something and I'm set.