Access + Resources
NEW ZEALAND

GETTING THERE: Air New Zealand (airnewzealand.com/usa) flies to Auckland from L.A. (nonstop, about US$1,100) and from New York (one stop, US$1,700). WHEN TO GO: New Zealand's summer—December through February—is high season. Prime surf season is October to June; ski season, June through October.

WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO STAY:

Skiing
MOUNT RUAPEHU (mtruapehu.com) - The North Island's only two commercial areas, Turoa and Whakapapa, are on this active volcano. Stay a night in an igloo near Whakapapa (doubles, US$385; mtruapehu.com). Or check out the Powderhorn Chateau, the closest accommodation to Turoa (US$165; powderhorn.co.nz). CRAIGIEBURN VALLEY SKI AREA (craigieburn.co.nz) - This steep and deep South Island terrain offers prime off-piste skiing. Crash at Flock Hill Lodge, just five minutes from Craigieburn's access road (doubles, US$92; flockhill.co.nz). SNOW PARK NZ (snowparknz.com) - A playground for boarders and freestyle skiers, with two superpipes, a quarterpipe, and more than 30 rails and boxes. Stay at Bluewater Lodge, a luxury bed-and-breakfast on Lake Wanaka's shore (US$270–US$450; bluewaterwanaka.co.nz). HARRIS MOUNTAINS HELI-SKI - This company operates from Queenstown and Wanaka, with excursions to the Harris Mountains and Mount Cook. From US$610 for three runs (heliski.co.nz).

Surfing
RAGLAN - Manu Bay has one of the world's longest left breaks. Stay at the eco-friendly Solscape and sleep in a converted train car (doubles from US$45; solscape.co.nz). GISBORNE - "Gizzy" offers waves year-round. Check out Wainui Beach and the Stock Route. Stay at Knapdale Eco-Lodge, which serves gourmet local-food meals (US$215–US$255; knapdale.co.nz). DUNEDIN - This surfer's haven has more than 40 breaks within an hour's drive. For a memorable visit, stay at Larnach Castle (from $195; larnachcastle.co.nz). JACKSON BAY - A little-known surf area with waves left, right, and center. Craypot, a locally famous fish-burger trailer, is a must-try. Relax in the tranquillity of Collyer House Bed and Breakfast (US$195–US$240; collyerhouse.co.nz). BIG BAY - This remote area can be accessed only via boat, small plane, or a four-day walk through Fiordland National Park. For more information, check out newzealand.com.

GETTING AROUND: One of the best ways to experience New Zealand is in an RV. Kea Campers offers campers and motor homes for US$60–US$275 per day (nz.keacampers.com).