For skiers and snowboarders looking for a backcountry trip of a lifetime and the freshest snow to put first (and probably only) tracks through, New Zealand offers some of the best heli skiing in the world.
Obviously, one of the major perks is the timing of their season. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, heli skiing in the summer can be a unique experience. Leaving shorts and flip flops weather in August to go skiing is a strange feeling. But you'll be able to extend your season quite a bit longer and enjoy the benefit of the "endless winter" with the right planning.
Another benefit is the wide open terrain. The mountains of New Zealand have little to no tree growth above alpine. This means wide open bowls, huge faces, and large powder fields are everywhere. This makes it easy for helicopters to land almost anywhere, giving you access to a wide variety of terrain. The region is significantly smaller than British Columbia or Alaska, but what it lakes in size it makes up for in density of skiable terrain.
Finally, choosing New Zealand as a heli skiing destination can be a great way to avoid the sold out nature of heli skiing in BC. In more popular areas, the prime dates of the season can get booked out a year in advance. Returning customers often snap up peak dates before leaving the lodge during the current ski season. You can avoid the crowds, and often find a good price point, for heliskiing in New Zealand.
