Images of golden beaches and the Outback’s dry red earth keep the region’s snowy playgrounds one of the best kept secrets. Northern Hemisphere skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the reverse seasons (July to October), relatively warm temperatures and uncrowded slopes to suit all experience levels, as well as the opportunity to ski some spectacular terrain.

Ski the slopes of the Mt Ruapehu active volcano. Party with the locals in Queenstown and Wanaka or heli-ski through deep dry powder in the Harris Mountains.

The steep peaks and wide open treeless bowls of the South Islands’ Remarkables, Cardrona, Treble Cone and Coronet Peak ski fields will rival those anywhere in the world. Skiing, snowboarding, downhill, cross country, ski mountaineering and heli-skiing are all on offer.

Across the Tasman, visitors to Australia between June and October can also enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Snowy Mountains, their runs lined with majestic Australian snow gums.

So pack your skis (or hire them there), gloves, hat. And don’t forget the camera!