There are some rivalries that never fade, much like the eternal clash between night and day, summer versus winter, and the relentless contest between Australia and its long-standing adversary, New Zealand. In a striking development in this ongoing saga, another brave soul has been swayed by the allure of the opposition. Bondi Rescue lifeguard Anthony ‘Harries’ Carroll, a well-known enthusiast of summer and all things Australian, has surprisingly developed a fondness for the New Zealand winter. Shocking, isn't it?

Opting to swap his usual Bondi lifestyle of riding waves and rescuing swimmers from jellyfish, Harries, who had always identified as a "winter-phobe," is now embracing winter. He believes many of his fellow Australians share this sentiment.

Luckily for him, our neighbors across the water offered the ideal exposure therapy for his seasonal aversion: New Ski-Land.

Yes, you read correctly. New Zealand, a nation celebrated for its breathtaking scenery showcased in films like The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and renowned personalities such as Taika Waititi and Lorde, is now captivating Australian icons like lifeguard Harries by highlighting its amazing winter sports opportunities.

Let's be honest, Australia, we don’t have the same abundance of skiing destinations as our Kiwi friends. And for a devoted surfer like Harries, winter can feel like a season without fun when the sun isn't shining.

Enter... New Ski-Land.

A place that doesn’t shy away from winter’s chill but instead celebrates it. This attitude was soon adopted by reality TV lifeguard Harries after a week in the undeniably beautiful country.

“As soon as summer ends and the temperature drops, it really affects my mood,” he confessed.

“I doubted life outside the Australian summer could be enjoyable, but New Ski-Land has transformed my view.”

Harries also recounted the unique adventures he experienced in New Zealand/Ski-Land, adventures that simply aren't possible in the Lucky Country.

“I was astonished by how much there is to do and see in a New Zealand winter, and not just on the ski slopes,” the Bondi Rescue star noted.

“I had an exhilarating heli-flight over New Zealand’s Southern Alps, enjoyed whisky in a high-altitude hut atop a mountain, gazed at the stars during a dark sky stargazing tour, and had an unforgettable ski run at Mt Hutt Ski Area.

“You don’t find stars and powder like that in Bondi!”

“I can’t believe New Ski-Land has been there all this time. My best advice? Don’t make the same mistake I did. Don’t delay, go now.”

While it might sting our Aussie pride to see the nation we jokingly call our rivals flaunt the fun they enjoy during the snowy season, you have to admit it looks like a blast not being cooped up all winter.

Which probably explains why so many Aussies head over there during this time of year. We send some of our tourists to them in winter, and they send theirs to us in the summer. It’s a fair exchange!

“A trip to New Ski-Land is the ultimate remedy for the winter blues. We eagerly await other self-proclaimed winter-phobes to experience it themselves,” stated Andrew Waddel, general manager of Tourism New Zealand.

Alright, Kiwis, you win this round. You can have lifeguard Harries, but we’re holding on to Sam Neill.