Skiing in New Zealand
We've put together a rundown of some of the country's most popular ski spots to help you plan the perfect winter break. Conditions can be variable so make sure you check current snow and weather forecasts before you head for your holiday destination, and take chains if required.
Click here for the latest snow forecasts
NORTH ISLAND
Mt Ruapehu
At the heart of World Heritage-listed
Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu is home to the
Whakapapa and
Turoa ski areas, the country's largest skiing and snowboarding area. The Mount Ruapehu lift pass provides access to both ski areas. Tackle the Moro halfpipe at Whakapapa, or coast down Australasia’s longest vertical run at Turoa – 722m. Facilities include the high-speed High Noon Express chairlift. The biggest in Australasia at 1.4km long, it whisks 3200 people an hour up the mountain. Beginners have their own dedicated area at Happy Valley and there is a Terrain Park for boarders. There are daily shuttle services to Mount Ruapehu to/from
Ohakune and
Whakapapa Village.
Fact File:
Season: late June to mid-November
Open: 8.30am-4pm (Whakapapa) / 9am-4pm (Turoa)
Skiable area: 550ha (Whakapapa) / 500ha (Turoa)
Highest lift: 2300m (Whakapapa) / 2333m (Turoa)
Longest run: 4km
Terrain: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 25%
Snowmaking: Yes
Lift and Season Pass rates
Events Calendar
www.mtruapehu.com
SOUTH ISLAND
Wanaka (Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone, Snow Farm NZ)
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Handy to both
Wanaka and
Queenstown, Cardrona Alpine Resort is renowned for its open runs and dry, soft snow. The season runs until mid October, giving you plenty of chance to polish your skills. There are three wide basins offering great learner and snow boarding terrain. Highlights include the Monster halfpipe and the terrain park trails, which have some fun jumps and rail features. Cardrona has expanded its terrain facilities for the 2009 season by creating a new trail down the Arcadia Basin to suit the more advanced skiers and boarders. Improvements to the 22ft half pipe and freestyle have also been made. There are daily shuttle services to/from Wanaka and Queenstown.
Fact File:
Season: mid June to mid October
Open: 8.45am-4pm daily
Skiable area: 320ha
Highest lift: 1894m
Longest run: 1.8km
Terrain: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 20%
Snowmaking: Yes
Lift and Season Pass rates
Events Calendar
Treble Cone
The perfect pick if you want to ski or board with a view, picturesque Treble Cone looks right across Lake Wanaka to Treble Cone. At 550 hectares, it’s the largest ski area in the South Island. The resort has the best vertical skiing in the Southern Lakes area. You’ll find plenty of challenging runs (45% of the terrain is classified as advanced) including free-riding terrain for snowboarders and great off-piste powder skiing. During the 2009 season, complimentary mountain tours will run daily at 11am & 1.45pm, and there will be free access to lower mountain ski lifts and learner slopes, including the Nice & Easy Platter lift and Magic Carpet. There are daily shuttle services to/from Wanaka and Queenstown.
Fact File:
Season: late June to late September
Open: 9am-4pm
Skiable area: 550ha
Highest Lift: 1960m
Longest run: 4km
Terrain: Beginner 10%; Intermediate 45%, Advanced 45%
Snowmaking: Yes
Lift and Season Pass rates
Events Calendar
Snow Farm NZ
Located in the Cardrona Valley, 35km from Wanaka, New Zealand's only cross country ski resort caters for all levels. There are 55km of well groomed and fenced trails and stunning mountain views. In 2009, the resort has a new restaurant and bar, and a half pint park – a dedicated novice park designed to help riders progress into the freestyle world of skiing and snowboarding. The box run has been modified to include three different lines for riders and there have been improvements to the two jumps at the bottom of the box run. Night riding will return on Tuesday and Friday nights, with the Woolshed serving up warm food and refreshing drinks. There is a daily shuttle service to/from Wanaka.
Fact File:
Season: July to October
Skiable area: 55km of cross-country ski trails
Number of lifts: 2
Longest run: 14km
Snowmaking: Yes
Lift and Season Pass Rates
Events
Queenstown (Coronet Peak & The Remarkables Ski Areas)
Coronet Peak Ski Area
Just a half-hour drive from Queenstown, Coronet Peak Ski Area has 280 hectares of wide rolling terrain for skiers and boarders to enjoy. During early July, Coronet Peak's slopes plays host to some wild and wacky snow sports and races as part of the annual
Queenstown Winter Festival. Coronet Peak Ski Area has an award-winning ski and snowboard school and the Terrain Park has some fun jumps, tabletops and banks to test your boarding technique. There is snowmaking cover on all mountain runs, state-of-the-art snow groomers, a fully licensed Skiwiland Early Learning Centre for 3 months to 5 years, and night skiing throughout July and August. There are daily shuttle services to/from
Queenstown.
Fact File:
Season: early June to early October
Open: 9am-4pm daily
Skiable area: 280ha
Highest Lift: 1649m
Longest Run: 2.4km
Terrain: Beginner 20%; Intermediate 45%, Advanced 35%
Night Skiing: Fri-Sat nights to 9pm, July-Sept (weather permitting)
Snowmaking: Yes - extensive coverage
Season pass (includes Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt snow fields)
Events Calendar
The Remarkables Ski Area
Framed by the towering peaks of The Remarkables range, this family friendly alpine ski area enjoys a reputation for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The Remarkables Ski Area has varied, open field with something for everyone, from gentle runs to challenging chutes and superb. Boarders can test their skills on The Stash - a state-of-the-art natural terrain park that's the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. For kids, the fully licensed Skiwiland Early Learning Centre is now licensed to cater for children from 3 months to 5 years. The Kea Club (6 - 12 yrs) and /Shredders (13 - 17 yrs) includes full day supervision (10am-4pm) with lunch as well as lift, lessons and rental. This season, Remarkables full day lift pass and multiday lift tickets will include free transport from the Station Building. There are daily shuttle services to/from Queenstown.
Fact File:
Season: late June to early October
Open: 9am-4pm
Skiable area: 220ha
Elevation: 1943m
Longest Run: 1.5km
Terrain: Beginner 30%; Intermediate 40%, Advanced 30%
Night Skiing: Fri-Sat nights to 9pm, July-Sept (weather permitting)
Snowmaking: Yes (Alta Green trail and Ozone Tubing Park)
Season pass (includes Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt snow fields)
Events Calendar
Canterbury
Mt Hutt Ski Area
Overlooking the vast
Canterbury Plains, in the heart of the Southern Alps, Mount Hutt Ski Area boasts the longest ski season in the Southern Hemisphere and some of the driest powder. It also has New Zealand’s most modern and extensive snow grooming fleet. Skiers and boarders can enjoy wide, open runs and varied terrain. A highlight for many are the adrenalin-inducing black diamond runs on the south face – ideal for more advanced skiers and boarders. There is a Mini Terrain Park for novice snowboarders, and daily shuttle services to/from
Methven and
Christchurch.
Fact File:
Season: June to October
Open: 9am-4pm
Skiable area: 365ha
Elevation: 2086m
Longest Run: 2km
Terrain: Beginner 25%; Intermediate 50%, Advanced 25%
Snowmaking: Yes
Season pass (includes Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt snow fields)
Events Calendar
Accommodation and travel information
If you’re looking for handy accommodation close to the mountain, or a great deal on your rental car or mobile home, why not save time and book online? Check out our info on:
Mount Ruapehu travel guide
Queenstown travel guide
Wanaka travel guide
Methven travel guide
Handy Ski and Snowboard Info:
Ski and Board Update - New developments at New Zealand's ski areas
www.snowreports.co.nz - National reports and links
www.snow.co.nz - NZ ski and snowboard information and cams
www.boarderzone.com - photos, webcam and forum.
www.metservice.co.nz - Check weather and snow conditions nationwide