South Island - a perfect place to ski

Trudging through fresh snow, with clear blue skies and picture perfect mountain ranges as a backdrop, I zip up my jacket and take a deep breath. 

The 13 or so hours spent flying from snow-starved Perth to Queenstown seems like a distant nightmare, as the crisp alpine air greets me.

While most people crave a winter break in the sunshine beside the pool, I instead head to New Zealand's South Island for a winter wonderland delight.

With no time to lose, and adventure on the horizon, we pick up our two hire cars from Jucy Rentals.

For a reasonable price, Jucy provide two small vehicles with roof racks, snow chains and two free lift pass at Treble Cone ski field, per day of hire.

The first stop is Wanaka, about 90 minutes drive from Queenstown.

While it lacks the party atmosphere of Queenstown, the more serious snowboarders and skiers stay in Wanaka, away from the fields popular with beginners.

After a night at Durry Hills Houses, my four travelling companions and I rise early and head up to Treble Cone, or TC, as it's more commonly known.

The slopes might appear steep for beginners, but TC offers a great deal for learners, with $A55 ($NZ69) for a group lesson and access to beginner lifts.

The instructors put you in groups with people of the same ability and on my first day, I'm lucky enough to be in a group of two and the second day, receive a private tuition.

It's hard not to get a little disheartened as toddlers in tiny skis giggle with delight, and whiz past you on the beginner runs.

"Those crazy kiwis," my instructor explains.

"They teach their kids how to ski before they can barely walk."

Tucked between Wanaka and Queenstown, our next ski field, Cardrona Alpine Resort, has exhilarating long runs and for the more extreme, New Zealand's only 22 foot halfpipe.

If you're hungry, most people don't venture past the cafeteria, but the lodge has a great Asian noodle bar upstairs.

On-site accommodation, which sleep up to 10 people, gives Cardrona a village-like atmosphere and offers comparable rates if you don't have a car to travel up the mountain every day.

On day three we return to Queenstown and stay at the Turner Heights self contained apartments.

I would expect there to be very few people who holiday in Queenstown and do not want to return.

Nestled on Lake Wakatipu, it's easy to get swept away in the apres lifestyle in the European style town, cradled by the Southern Alps.

From early in the morning, packed cars, buses and lucky hitchhikers travel out of town, up mountains to nearby snow fields.

The terrain can become quite treacherous the higher up you travel and vehicles are required to carry snow chains up most of mountains.

Only 20 minutes away, Coronet Peak is popular among first time skiers and snowboarders so be warned, the beginner runs can be overrun with wobbly first-timers.

Following a recent multi-million dollar revamp, Coronet Peak boasts a world-class lodge, including restaurant, cafe, bar and undercover area to store equipment.

While most ski fields officially close their lifts at 4pm, the lodges remain open for thirsty skiers and snowboarders to gather around and talk about their day's adventures.

Sipping mulled wine and stretching my legs out of ski boots, among other red-faced skiers is the perfect end to a day on the slopes.

The lodges are well equipped with food and drinks, however expect to fork out about $A30 each for lunch.

Add that to the day's lift pass, fuel and gear hire and it can be very expensive.

Thrifty skiers, like me, can bring along snacks and store them inside lockers, which cost about $NZ5 to hire.

Cup of noodles prove to be a big hit, as most lodges supply boiling water.

If you're not a massive adrenaline junkie and bungee jumping, parasailing or being flung off a canyon swing at 150km per hour is not your idea of fun, there's still plenty to do.

To experience a different view of the mountain ranges and Queenstown, Tourism NZ offers helicopter flights that land on The Remarkables mountain range.

Jumping out of the helicopter, I'm delighted to sink into fresh snow, about a metre deep and soak in 360 degrees of breathtaking views.

Flights cost about $NZ190 per person and provide the picture perfect holiday snaps to make everyone at home green with envy.

I next strap myself in for a Shotover Jet Boat ride.

Operating since 1970 on the Shotover River, the ride offers plenty of thrills -- and water spills.

Tucked inside a jet boat, expect to hold tight as you weave through rocks and spin 360 degrees.

Warm clothes and gloves are recommended as you do get a little wet.

Needing a slower pace, and some girly indulgence, the next day I head off early, carefully walk through the throngs of people heading out of town to the slopes and stroll down to the harbour.

My friend and I tuck into a decadent but delicious breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate Patagonia Chocolate.

Days of skiing and snowboarding have left my muscles and joints aching, so we cross the harbour and head to Aspects Day Spa on Shotover Street.

We settle in for a 45-minutes blissful Swedish massage, at a cost of $NZ90 and walk out feeling rejuvenated and like a true snow bunny.

Next on the must-do list is a stop at Fergburger.

Walking past the poky little shop, I can't help but stare in amazement at the crowds that flock to this burger joint.

At any time of day, at least a handful of people are lined up inside, tucking into food and having a beer.

And so, ready to see what the big deal was, a Fergburger was ordered.

Freshly made, it is, without a doubt, the tastiest burger I have ever eaten and am sad to discover the Fergburger is only available in Queenstown.

Combined with the snow, pubs, bars and friendly locals, it's enough to make me want to go back again, and again.

IF YOU GO: Qantas and Air New Zealand offer direct flights from Perth to Queenstown. Visit: www.qantas.com.au or www.airnewzealand.com.au Jucy offers good prices for rent-a-cars. Visit: www.jucy.co.nz.

Turner Heights provide clean and neat self-contained townhouses with spas, only fives minute walk to the heart of Queenstown. Prices start at $A149 a night. Visit: www.turnerheights.co.nz/ For a list of adventure tours and attractions visit: www.tourism.net.nz/ Ski field information, lift prices and packages, visit: www.nzski.com/ Browns offers all your winter clothes and ski equipment hire. Visit: www.brownsnz.com/ Road access: Visit: www.aaroadwatch.