Replying to New Zealand Ski Areas? Wanaka/Queestown ?

Hi looking to escape the Summer heat in Europe and go skiing in New Zealand (is Australia just as good?) sometime in June to July.

Looking at the South Island I've heard the towns of Queenstown and Wanaka have good surrounding ski areas. I mostly do resort skiing but off piste/looking for pow. Don't have the equipment to go backcountry skiing (hiking/touring) and don't have the money to go heli skiing. What do you know and recommend? Thanks!