Dreaming of a New Zealand holiday usually involves scenes of caravans, beaches and endless native bush, but come winter, things look a little different down here. It’s a winter wonderland, so grab your kids, grab your skis, grab your snowboards, and even your toboggans – skiing in New Zealand offers some of the best good old fashioned fun.
With the magnificent Southern Alps splitting the length of the South Island and a skiable volcano in the north, there are plenty of ski resorts in New Zealand to keep skiers and riders of all levels hitting the slopes all season long. There’s a variety of natural terrain when it comes to skiing in New Zealand, too, from the steeper slopes of Treble Cone in Wanaka to the friendly North Island ski fields of Whakapapa and Turoa.
The ski season doesn’t just happen on the resorts, either. If it’s untracked terrain, fresh powder runs and unbeatable views you’re after, there are plenty of places to get out heli skiing across New Zealand. For a place that delivers great snow, something for every ski level and unreal views, Aotearoa should be top of your list.
What time of year can you ski in New Zealand?
Most ski resorts open around the end of June and, depending on the conditions, stay open until anytime between mid September to late October. It’s a tricky thing, booking a ski trip around the snow, so aim for the most reliable time for good conditions, which is August to September. Be warned: come winter, watching, predicting and talking about the weather becomes a pastime for Kiwi skiers and boarders. All in the name of a powder day!
If you’re heli skiing, of course, you’re getting up higher so the ski season is longer – sometimes well into November.
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How long is winter in New Zealand?
Winter in New Zealand is three months, from June to August, but spring skiing is a reason to come in itself. Think T-shirts, sunshine and soft, slushy snow that is oh so forgiving.
Can you ski all year round in New Zealand?
Unfortunately not, though it’s not unheard of to get a random snowfall on the ski fields in the middle of summer in the South Island. Ski resorts are generally open between June and October, with the best skiing found from July to September.
Where is the best snow in New Zealand?
There’s hot competition for that title amongst the ski areas in New Zealand, and because it depends what you’re looking for from your ski holiday, everywhere is a winner. Plus, the snow never falls the same way every year, so when it comes to getting the best natural powder, it’s usually up to the weather gods.
Turoa in the north takes the title for highest ski resort, with the top sitting at 2,320 meters, while Treble Cone in Wanaka is the steepest ski resort, offering some of the best leg-burning skiing when there’s been a fresh dump.
With a handful of fantastic ski areas around Queenstown and Wanaka, the Southern Lakes offer some of the best ski conditions, and you won’t have to search far. Family-friendly resort Cardrona sits between the two ski towns, while Queenstown is nestled into the shadows of Coronet Peak and Remarkables. There’s usually the best consistent snow in July, August and September, when each ski field should have most of their lifts open and the whole mountain is just waiting to be carved up. With great skiing to be found both on and off-piste at every resort, the Southern Lakes ski experience is one of the best in the country.
Meanwhile, further north on the same mighty mountain range, Canterbury has a whole lot to offer, from the bigger Mt Hutt to the smaller, quintessentially New Zealand club ski fields. On a good powder day, you can’t beat Canterbury skiing, especially if you like to escape the crowds. Interestingly, when the Southern Lakes are having a good season, Canterbury isn’t – and vice versa. Luckily, that means one always is, so you’re never out of luck.
Further up the country, the central North Island delivers some of the best skiing in New Zealand. It’s home to the country’s only skiable volcano, Mt Ruapehu, which has two ski resorts, Whakapapa and Turoa. Whilst it can get warmer than the South Island, it usually has consistent snow throughout winter, and is one of the best ski areas for families.
How many ski resorts are in New Zealand?
Queenstown and Wanaka are home to commercial resorts Treble Cone, Cardrona, Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Treble Cone boasts the steepest ski terrain of any NZ resort, and on a powder day, you can be sure to share the lift with a local pulling a sickie. Hike to the summit from the top of the Saddle lift for the best view for miles. Cardrona, Remarkables and Coronet Peak are great for all levels, with each ski resort offering a different smorgasbord of runs, terrain and powder pockets.
Up in Canterbury, popular resort Mt Hutt offers three lifts and heli skiing access. Mt Hutt was voted NZ’s best ski field five years running, and has some awesome on and off-piste ski runs for beginners, intermediate and seasoned skiers alike. It’s 20 minutes from Methven and about 90 minutes from Christchurch.
As we mentioned, Canterbury is also home to some of the best club ski fields in the world – smaller, usually family-owned ski areas with fewer (or no) lifts and epic terrain that offer a truly local skiing experience. Mt Dobson, Mt Olympus, Porters and Craigieburn are just a handful, and each of these club resorts is packed with character.
Mt Ruapehu’s Whakapapa and Turoa are the largest ski resorts in New Zealand, offering plenty of lifts and big long runs that are awesome for beginners. On Whakapapa’s old lava flow, intermediate and expert skiers and riders will find some more challenging terrain, so for a ski area that caters to the whole gang, Mt Ruapehu is a great option.
What is the biggest ski resort in New Zealand?
The biggest ski resort in New Zealand is Whakapapa, where you’ll find 44km of slope length. The ski resort also boasts New Zealand’s highest cafe at Knoll Ridge, where you can watch all the action and take a load off the legs. Let’s be honest, the mulled wine is the best thing about the ski season, anyway.
What is the highest elevation in New Zealand?
The highest mountain in the southern hemisphere is Mt Cook at 3,700 meters, though there’s no ski resort on this mighty peak. There is, however, world-class heli skiing in the area, with the higher elevation meaning you’re pretty much guaranteed powder. Swapping the lifts out for a helicopter in the presence of Mt Cook is hands down one of the best ski experiences in New Zealand, if not the planet.
How do I get to Coronet Peak?
Coronet Peak is a stone’s throw from Queenstown. Well, maybe not quite, but it’s the closest ski resort, and give yourself half an hour and you’ll be up the top, drinking in the view and sliding into your ski or snowboard boots. There’s parking at base of the resort, or otherwise there’s the Coronet Peak Ski Bus, which leaves from Duke street in the center of town.
Can you toboggan at Coronet Peak?
Absolutely. And if you’re not keen to ski, why wouldn’t you? The ski resort has even got a dedicated snow play area, so anyone can enjoy the views and a bit of toboggan action without the hiss and roar of other skiers in your ear.
Is Coronet Peak good for beginners?
With four recently upgraded lifts that’ll whisk you up the mountain quickly and comfortably, Coronet Peak is one of the best, most user-friendly mountains in the country. The resort is well set up for beginners, too, and has a wide array of slopes for any skill level.
Can you drive up the Remarkables?
As the world famous backdrop for Queenstown, the Remarkables ski resort is only twenty five minutes from town, and you can either drive yourself and park at the base of the resort or catch the Ski Bus from town. The best thing about it? You can ski until the lift shuts and be back in Queenstown for a beer before the sun goes down.
Is Cardrona good for beginners?
Cardrona offers something for every skill level – in fact, even if you’re not skiing or riding, the view is worth driving up for – and it’s free. With three lifts, this family friendly resort offers a big selection of wide, easy runs as well as steeper and more challenging terrain.
So if you like awesome skiing with plenty of variety, search no further. Time to get a bit of New Zealand winter into you; we’ll be here waiting.
