New Zealand Skiing and Ski Resorts

SKIING

Skiing in New Zealand is comparable to the best in the world on a good day when one or many of the peaks scattered all over the North and South Islands are covered in fresh powder and the sun is shining! The South Island does have significantly more ski fields than the North Island.

New Zealand is geographically located in the Southern Hemisphere thus offers a ideal opportunity for Northern hemisphere countries to visit and ski our varied terrain ski resorts of which we have both commercial and more private club fields to choose from.

Skiing typically starts in June and the ski resorts and club fields generally speaking close around September. This is obviously subject to snowfall and how much base has accumulated over the winter. Although this said, the North Island resorts of Whakapapa and Turoa located on Mount Ruapehu - which also happens to be an active volcano - do sometimes extend the season and have been known to be open as late Christmas which happens to be the middle of summer in New Zealand!

Skiing in New Zealand is a recreational sport or professional activity anyone can enjoy. Most mountains have beginner to expert terrain so skiers of all levels can be sure their needs are fulfilled. Hiring equipment is easily done, lift passes to the mountains can be bought on the day and all ski field companies accept major credit cards, eftpos or cash payments. For the more adventurous and experienced skier you can go rent a helicopter and go heli skiing, this is particularly popular and famous in the South Island town of Queenstown.

SKI RESORTS

New Zealand ski resorts offer the best skiing in the Southern Hemisphere. The mix of commercial and club fields from both beginners to extreme expert ensure skiers can access all types of trails and terrain to suit themselves.

SKIFIELD INFO FOR THE NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND

All commercial ski fields in New Zealand have extensive ski lifts; great all level from beginner to expert ski terrain, cafes, car parking, ski hire rentals, first aid support, business services, and accommodation close by.

What are the most popular commercial ski resorts in New Zealand?

SOUTH ISLAND:

Mt Hutt in Canterbury: services and accommodation are located in Methven. Mt Hutt is the closest commercial ski-field to Christchurch, being only one and a half hours drive away, and is known for its wide-open bowls and good snow fall. It is popular for all the right reasons and when you come you need to book accommodation. Therefore we recommend these luxury lodges and holiday homes for rent: "Golf Villa 3", "Robert and Christine's Lodge" or "Golf Villa", and many more online.

Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables: services and accommodation are located in Queenstown and the surrounding lakes area. Both ski-fields are fun and the terrain is varied and family friendly. These two ski resorts are located only 20 minutes away, where as Cardrona and Snow Park are a one-hour drive away. Our more popular accommodations are: "Mark and Siv's", "Aspen house", "Lake Street", "Eagle Escape", "PJ's Estate", "Mathias house", and many more.

Cardrona and Snow Park: are only a one hour drive away from Queenstown or only 20 minutes from Wanaka. Snow Park is perfect for snow boarding, practicing tricks, your pipe skills and jumps. Whereas Cardrona is the best for families and less aggressive skiers, and is regarded as one of the most professional ski operations in New Zealand. Search for Wanaka or Queenstown accommodation now.

Treble Cone of Wanaka: is located 30 minutes from Wanaka and has some of the best and largest skiable terrain in the South Island. A mountain more suited for intermediate to expert skiers. The best accommodation base and options are in Wanaka, and we recommend these: "Lakefront Villa", "View house", "Deluxe apartment Wanaka", "Alpine Resort Wanaka Villa", and many more online.

NORTH ISLAND:

Turoa and Whakapapa: are both located on Mount Ruapehu. These are the only two commercial ski fields in the North Island and on a good day the skiing here is as good as it gets in New Zealand. The fantastic views from the near top of the volcano over the North and South Islands of New Zealand are phenomenal. Visitors are best accommodated in Ohakune, or The National Park, and both ski areas are easily accessed from either of these ski Villages. Search for Mount Ruapehu accommodation now.

What are the best club fields in New Zealand?

The South Island has all the best club ski fields, as follows:

Craigieburn:

Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, Craigieburn attracts the best club skiers around due to its challenging terrain, wide-open powder bowls, and steep narrow chutes. At the end of an epic day it is recommended to relax at the lodge and have a hot or cold drink. Points to note: rope tows only, small canteen/food on the field, accommodation on the mountain, native forest on the field, and affordable skiing.

Porter Heights:

Also located on the Craigieburn Range of the Southern Alps at an elevation of 2000 metres above sea level. The position allows snow to fall from both southerly and westerly weather patterns providing some of the best snow conditions for skiers and boarders. Points to note: closest ski area to Christchurch city, ideal for all levels and family friendly, varied facilities and lifts, and easy road access.

Temple Basin:

Located only 4 kilometres west of Arthur's Pass in the middle of one of most spectacular National Parks. With mixed terrain to suit all skiers, some of the best snowfalls and consistenly the most reliable amounts of snow out of all the Canterbury region ski fields. Points to note: limited facilities, on-field accommodation, 40-60 minute walk to ski slopes, lots of intermediate terrain, never crowded, 4 rope tows, cheap skiing and boarding.