Skiing

New Zealand is a world known ski destination. With 14 ski areas, great opportunities for adventure skiing, perfect slopes for beginner and advance skiers, incredible facilities and lodge opportunities, it’s no wonder that during the ski season New Zealand is packed with skiers looking to have the time of their life.

Season

The ski season in New Zealand generally runs from June to early November. The first area to open is Mt. Hutt and generally opens in late May or early June.

June and July are cooler months and generally offer great powder snow. August is peak season and the best month to ski. September and October can offer a variety of ski conditions depending on the weather.

Skiing is very popular in New Zealand so try to plan your vacation in order to avoid the school holidays when the slopes are jam packed with skiers.

Ski Areas

North Island Ski Areas

Manganui

The ski club is located on Mount Taranaki in the western North Island.

Tukino

The ski resort is located on Mount Ruapehu in the central North Island.

Turoa & Whakapapa

The ski season in the region starts in June and ends in November. Turoa ski area is located on the southern side of Mount Ruapehu, while Whakapapa ski area is on the northern side of the same mountain. In the Turoa area there is the possibility to do some adventure skiing, such as off-piste glacial skiing and cliff jumps.

>>more information on North Island

South Island Ski Areas

Cardrona

The ski resort is located between Wanaka and Queenstown in the South Island.

Craigieburn

The ski area is located in the Craigieburn Range in the South Island.

Mt Cheeseman

This small ski club is located in the Craigieburn Range in the central South Island.

Mt Lyford

The resort is located in North Canterbury, very close to Christchurch in the South Island.

Ohau

This area is very popular among snowboarders and is located near Twizel (Mackenzie County) in the South Island. The area offers great slopes both for beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Roundhill

The ski area is perfect for families and is located the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island. It’s perfect for beginners and has some of the best ski schools in the country.

Snowpark

This is a lovely playground for those who prefer freestyle skiing or snowboarding. It is located near Wanaka in the South Island.

Treble Cone

This is another popular ski area located near Wanaka in the South Island.

Coronet Peak

This ski resort is located at 25 minutes drive from Queenstown, in the South Island. The resort offers great slopes for beginner and advanced skiers and there is also the possibility to ski during the night.

Helipark

This park can be accessed only by helicopters. It’s a big area located near Methven in the central South Island, perfect for those looking for some adventure skiing.

Mt Dobson

This small ski area is located near Fairlie in the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island. It has the largest intermediate slope in the country and is perfect for every skier.

Mt Hutt

The area has the longest ski season in New Zealand: it starts in early June and ends in late October. It is located Southern Alps in the central South Island. It’s considered the best ski area in the Canterbury region. There are skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing opportunities.

Mt Olympus

It’s a nice skiing club located close to Christchurch in the South Island.

Porters

It is another ski area located quite close to Christchurch in the South Island.

The Remarkables

The resort is located near Queenstown in the South Island and offers varied terrain for every skier, no matter what their level is.

Temple Basin

This is a ski club located near Arthur’s Pass village in the South Island.

>>more information on South Island