Get skiing this summer in New Zealand

Like their northern hemisphere namesake, there is great food and wine, snow and skiing, and a lively nightlife in the Southern Alps in New Zealand.

One of the top resorts is Queenstown, where holidaymakers can access the Remarkables mountain range, where the north facing slopes catch plenty of winter sun.

The resort is one of the most southern on the country's South Island, and is renowned as a year-round active holiday hotspot, attracting travellers on walking and cycling holidays once the snow melts.

Named Queenstown after a gold rush that led locals to claim the town was fit for Queen Victoria herself, it remains the place to go for indulgence and luxury.

One of the first places where skiing started to take off in the resort is Coronet Peak, around 25 minutes from the town.

Coronet Peak boasts more ski time than anywhere else in the country, with passes available for early morning skiing as well as night skiing.

Additionally, the area has seen large snowfalls in the last week, and the resort's operators are reporting "excellent skiing and riding over the whole mountain" at Coronet Peak.

Also accessible from Queenstown is the Remarkables ski area, which is popular with snowboarders, freeskiers and families. There is also a chance to see the unusual kea (mountain parrots) along with the amazing views.

Among the New Zealand ski holidays available is All Ways Pacific's ten-night break from £1,423 per person (£1,220 for children aged between two and 11).

The trip includes accommodation in a two-bedroom apartment. For more information see www.all-ways.co.uk

For more information on skiing in New Zealand see www.nzski.com and www.newzealand.com