Backpackers planning a trip to take advantage of early snowfall at the start of the New Zealand winter have the option of buying
gap year travel insurance.
Deutsche Presse-Agentur reports that nearly 1.5 million ski passes were sold throughout New Zealand in 2008 and the figure for this year could increase as the snowfall has arrived a few weeks early.
The New Zealand winter also has much to offer people who prefer not to ski, as thermal springs are available not far from Christchurch on the country's South Island.
Hanmer Springs is situated more than 370 metres above sea level and is nestled in a typically stunning environment among mountains and pine forests.
It caters for many different groups, with children provided for with an activity pool and waterslides, while a heated freshwater pool is available for adults, along with nine separate thermal pools of varying temperatures.
Backpackers keen to try out the thermal pools have the option of buying one-way travel insurance before they leave home.
Although not for bathing, a similar draw for visitors is the bubbling volcanic pools of Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island.
Downunder - the market leaders in one-way travel insurance.
