The glistening snowy peaks of Canterbury ski area Mt Hutt feature in an international campaign to lure more Australian ski visitors to New Zealand.

Tourism New Zealand is leading the eight-week ‘Winter at its Peak’ marketing campaign in partnership with city promotions agency ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch Airport and Mt Hutt Ski Area.

The campaign kicks off on April 16 and aims to inspire Australians visitors to stay and play longer in the Canterbury region for longer.

Canterbury has already seen a 28 per cent increase in holiday visitors from Australia during the winter season over the past two years.

“In the colder months, Christchurch transforms into a winter paradise,” says ChristchurchNZ General Manager Marketing Rowan Worner.

“Not only do we have some of the country’s best ski fields only an hours’ commute from our vibrant city centre, we also have a variety of exciting experiences away from the snow such as jet boating, rafting and stargazing.”

Mt Hutt was voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for the third year running in the World Ski Awards last year.

Statistics from Tourism New Zealand show 64% of international visitors who ski while they visit New Zealand are Australian, with ski visitors staying an average of 18 days compared to 16 for regular visitors.

“This is great news for our accommodation and hospitality sectors because as ski visitors stick around during the winter season and mid-week periods,” says Ms Worner.

“As well as skiing, visitors can also soak up our fabulous hospitality and sample local vineyards, craft breweries, bars, restaurants and indulge in our local art, culture and entertainment.”

The campaign is part of a $900,000 collaborative ‘Ski New Zealand’ drive being led by Tourism New Zealand, which also features Mt Ruapehu and Southern Lakes ski areas and aims to boost winter visitor arrivals to the country.

ENDS

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