Detailed review by loiserg
loiserg(63)
Riseley, United Kingdom96%
Arrowtown, an historic gold mining town since 1862, in the Heart of the Southern Lakes, of the South Island of New Zealand is the closest settlement to the country's oldest ski area. Autumn colours of beautiful old trees appear on calendars and post cards sent all over the world, it's famous; like nearby Coronet Peak ski area.
Arrowtown, sitting under a mountain range, hosts visitors for summertime activities or relaxation with golf, goldmining, walking, fishing, mountain biking and exploring as well as fine wining and dining being just a few activities, but those looking for winter time skiing or snowboarding will find a day at Coronet Peak just so full of fun, action and plenty of challenges.
Arrowtown is best placed to welcome visitors to Coronet Peak and has evolved to offer accommodation and transport up to the ski aea. Skiers and snowboarders may be forgiven if the scenery distracts from the days sport, high above the Wakatipu Basin. Snow sport is more than memorable on this North Otago ski area, in a province known for its stunning mountain scenery.
Atop the 5400ft mountain sits an outcrop of rock, in the shape of a crown, hence the name given to it by explorer/surveyor James McKerrow when visiting this virgin area many decades ago.
Another, more modern pioneer was Sir William Hamilton who, with typical New Zealand 'Kiwi' ingenuity, put Coronet Peak on the map by manufacturing the first rope tow at what was the country's first commercial ski field in 1947. He followed this with the country's first double chairlift in 1962 and the first triple lift in 1973.
Skiers and snowboarders love Coronet Peak which offers around 20 percent ski space for beginners, intermediate skiers get around 45 percent and experienced/advanced and competition skiers use 35 percent. Nearby the base facilities you can use the early/beginners slopes or as you progress you have the rolling off-piste runs and the long, groomed trails.
Where-ever you ski there are the most fantastic views, a patchwork quilt of colour and terrain changes, down the Wakatipu Basin towards Queenstown and into the historic goldmining Lower Shotover Gorge area. If you aren't there to ski or snowboard there is plenty to keep you amused in the cafe/bar, sipping coffee or tea on the huge outdoor balcony, or just people watching which is the way I best enjoy my ski days!
Facilities include a first aid unit, a creche, ski equipment hire and ski school instructors as well as all the usual amenities found on a modern, progressive ski area.
Coronet Peak is owned by Mt Cook and Southern Lakes Tourist Company and it has so effectively brought the ski field into the 21st century. It now presents as an international ski area where northern hemisphere skiers go to practice when the season closes in their own countries.
Skiers, will be interested in the vital statistics of this challenging ski area: 1650m elevation, vertical 420m, skiable 9.280 hectares with various lifts to get up to ski areas: a Six seater, quad, double chair, triple chair, a handle tow as well as a T-bar. The newest lift is the 146m magic Carpet Snow lift in the Big Easy Leaners area. The longest run is 1.8km.
Snowboarders are impressed and will definitely be challenged with the 1/2 pipes, Terrain Park and the wide trails. At this point I state what I think may well be obvious to readers; I have not tried either the skiing or snowboarding trails so I confess I cannot provide ''personal'' experience here. I like to look though, and each time I go I take the obligatory bacon and egg pie for the energetic skiers who I tag along with. They love my hot chocolate and my very special ''winter warmer'', hot red wine and lemon juice concoction!
You cannot write a review about Arrowtown and Coronet Peak without a mention of the Queenstown Winter Festival because many of these annual events take place up on this mountain and Arrowtown hosts people from all over the world wanting to take part.
Visitors take part in the fun, the sport, the not very serious competition and the apre-ski that is experienced over the 10-day celebration of ski and snowboard sport. Memorable is the Dog Derby and Barking competition; shepherds and dogs are taken to the top of the mountain and then slip,slide down, anyway they can. Many other ski and snowboard activities take place on Coronet Peak as well as a huge variety of events for al the family, in and around Queenstown. Art displays, a street parade, a formal ball, and some years there's been ''flying'' off the pier.
New Zealand national and international ski and snowboard competitions are held all season, and at least one winter school holiday break means an influx of families, so it will pay to book your accommodation before leaving home to avoid disappointment.
When the New Zealand ski season is underway you can use the webcam to see Coronet Peak action as it happens. Visit www.nzsnow.com/html/coron et-peak-webcam.htm - easy skiing and you don't get bruised or break a limb! Added bonus, you don't have the 24 hour flight to get to this ''happening'' out-door adventure place they call New Zealand.... but you still enjoy the Coronet Peak ski experience.
Coronet Peak ski area usually opens mid July and closes mid September depending on snow conditions. There are pretty sophisticated and effective snow making machines so it generally means there is a good base right from the beginning of the season.
The road is now tarsealed all the way to the carparks but you should always take chains for the tyres as it can be treacherous driving in winter conditions.
Coronet Peak is of course a winter destination but during the summer the views out over the tussock mountain, down in to the valleys and up to the Remarkables Mountain range are breathtaking to say the least.
You can fly in to Queenstown International airport or perhaps to Christchurch and take the 5 to 6 hour drive through some stunning South Island country to reach your skiing destination.
Once there, accommodation of all budgets and types is available in and around Arrowtown and Queenstown; then take the shuttle up to the ski area, or hire a vehicle. From Arrowtown there is a daily shuttle bus up to the field and return in the afternoon.
Snow packages are available locally and on the internet. From overseas you can book flight, accommodation and ski days as packages, so that may work out more cost effective - I haven't done the sums but if you do it will be an exercise to introduce you to what you can expect on a winter ski holiday in New Zealand, nearby Arrowtown or Queenstown.
During the 2005 season, a Coronet Peak lift ticket cost Seniors (64 years plus)NZ $29; Adults (18-64 years) NZ$57; Junior (7-17 years) NZ$29 and children free. Check out a seasonal pass.
Coronet Peak is a ski- traveller's must-do' when in New Zealand. Those who have contributed to the excellent facility it is today can be well pleased with this winter-fun experience, open to all, seven-days a week, as well as some nights.
After a Coronet Peak ski day there are so many restaurants, nightclubs and other entertainments in the area. Arrowtown and Queenstown, have a variety of day and night time hospitality houses...you are spoiled for choice.
Arrowtown is the right place to start your ''kiwi'' experience. If skiing is not your pleasure, try paraponting, shopping, 4WDing, tours which include Lord of the Rings sites, crafts and gold mining sites, cafes and lots and lots of stunning walks. Try to time your visit for the Autumn Festival - see first hand how New Zealanders make you welcome: hear the Miners Band and join the Buckingham Belles while you meet old timers and others keen to make sure you enjoy an autumnal celebration.
Arrowtown is a great destination to visit, add to this a Coronet Peak visit, summer or winter, and your South Island holiday will be enhanced with memorable experiences and of course tons of great photos.
For Coronet Peak ski area visit wwwnzski.com/coronet and to learn more about Arrowtown log on to http://www.arrowtown.com/
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