Replying to Hey Guys- A few questions

Sorry to be a completely ignorant tool. I've heard some conflicting reports about skiing in NZ. All of my info is from Aussies who I've met at my home mountain in Colorado.
1-I've heard that the actual resort skiing isn't that great and that the only really good skiing is heliskiing. Any truth to this?
2- Also, (again, sorry to be completely ignorant) from what I understand the biggest resorts are on the north island. Is this correct?
3- Are the mountains themselves (not the resort "mountains") bigger on the south island?
4- And finally, how harsh is the weather on the south island in early august? Would backpacking without touring skis and snowshoes still be possible? From what I understand, there are many areas that don't have really harsh winters on the south island.

Thanks for your help. Sorry to sound so stupid/ignorant. I just really don't know too much about NZ.