Wānaka’s Nico Porteous has been in Australia as part of a campaign to encourage ski tourists to ‘cross the ditch’ to ski in New Zealand this winter.

The two-time Olympian and gold medalist is working with the South Island’s regional tourism organisations and Christchurch Airport to launch New Zealand’s ‘Powder Highway’, a new marketing campaign which promotes a trip across many of the South Island’s ski areas. 

“We showcased the New Zealand Powder Highway to nearly 200 ski travel specialists across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane,” Christchurch Airport general manager of trade development Scott Callaway said.

Nico spoke at each event telling attendees about amazing ski experiences the South Island offers.

The New Zealand Powder Highway starts in Christchurch, before heading south to Mt Hutt, meandering through the McKenzie’s ski areas and Mt Cook, and ending in the Queenstown Lakes district with its four areas of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone.

“A key highlight of the New Zealand Powder Highway is the opportunity to ski the Tasman Glacier on Mount Cook. That really captures imaginations and it’s great to be able to shine a light on some of our unique snow experiences,” Scott said.

Scott said he expects this to be a big ski season for Australians.

“Pre-Covid, around 20,000 Australians would cross the Tasman to ski in the South Island,” he said.

“We know many are desperate to come back and the New Zealand Powder Highway gives them a new reason.”

The campaign is a SOUTH* initiative, a partnership involving Christchurch Airport and all of the South Island’s regional tourism organisations.

PHOTO: Supplied