When the ski resorts of the Northern Hemisphere are closed for the summer, New Zealand is transformed into a winter wonderland. Adventurous skiers head for North Island to experience skiing on an active volcano, while South Island is home to New Zealand’s main skiing regions and most of the ski resorts. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert skier, there are excellent places to ski all around New Zealand.
North Island
If you want to experience the excitement of skiing on the slopes of an active volcano, head for North Island. The Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas are both found to either side of Mount Ruapehu, a stratovolcano that erupts every 50 years or so.
Turoa features the highest vertical drop in New Zealand, some 2,369 feet. Whakapapa isn’t far behind with a vertical drop of 2,214 feet, and it features the Happy Valley beginners’ slopes.
Both ski areas can be reached by chairlift and are found within the Tongariro National Park, which is significant for its geology and rich cultural heritage. The volcano is sacred to the indigenous Maori people, who call it Grandfather Ruapehu.
South Island
Aoraki (Mount Cook)
New Zealand’s tallest mountain is a prime spot for heliskiing. This is a winter sports activity that involves reaching the top of a mountain by helicopter and then descending on skis. Heliskiing is a popular winter activity around South Island.
Aoraki in the Southern Alps is not only New Zealand’s tallest peak, but it also boasts the largest glaciers and amongst the heaviest snowfall. Sadly, there are no ski lifts. To explore the mountain on skis and experience skiing across a glacier, you must go ski-touring with a professionally qualified local guide. The glacier slopes offer vertical drops of up to 3,300 feet.
Christchurch
Aoraki is found in the region of Canterbury, which also contains the city of Christchurch and two of the best places to ski in New Zealand: the club fields of the Southern Alps and Mount Hutt.
The club fields, locally known as The Clubbies, is an area of small family-owned and club-owned skiing areas found near Christchurch. The area is renowned for its uncrowded skiing experience. There are few restrictions or rules at these small ski resorts, but they are also relatively undeveloped with limited amenities. They are ideal for anyone who yearns to escape the crowds on their skis.
Mount Hutt is located 90 km west of Christchurch. It is widely regarded as New Zealand’s best ski resort. The resort is divided into different areas for beginners and specialist skiing areas aimed at different ability levels and skillsets. There are lots of amenities and facilities here aimed at beginners and families. Lift passes are free for children aged 10 or younger!
Mackenzie District
This district is also within the Canterbury region around halfway between Queenstown and Christchurch. The two most popular ski areas here are Ohau and Roundhill near the small town of Tekapo. The snowfall in the Mackenzie District is relatively low, but the low number of skiers means you can benefit from powder for days after a snowfall.
Ohau is renowned for its under-skied off-piste terrain and friendly atmosphere. Roundhill boasts the world’s longest rope tow. It is almost a mile long! If you want to try something different, Roundhill is considered to be the best location for snowkiting in New Zealand.
Queenstown
The lakeside town of Queenstown is flanked by two ski areas: The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. Queenstown is also relatively close to Lake Wanaka where other ski areas are found.
The Remarkables ski area is home to some of the best slopes in New Zealand and caters to all ability levels. There are wide runs ideal for novices and black runs for skiers who prefer more of a challenge. There are three terrain parks within the resort boundaries and hike-to ski areas beyond.
Coronet Peak is popular with beginners, but there are slopes to suit all skill levels. Snow-making machines are utilized here to ensure an even snow cover. This ski resort is best for novices and intermediate-level skiers.
Wanaka
Lake Wanaka claims to be the biggest heli-skiing area outside of Canada. It is home to several ski areas including Treble Cone and Cardrona.
Treble Cone is New Zealand’s largest skiing resort. Set in the Southern Alps, it offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in NZ. Treble Cone is also home to the country’s highest lift-serviced slope with a vertical drop of 2,297 feet. Beginners can take skiing and snowboarding lessons while more experienced skiers head for the off-piste terrains and gullies.
Cardrona is considered the best ski area in New Zealand for families. There are age-divided ski and snowboarding classes for kids and adults. Cardrona Parks is the most extensive collection of terrain parks in the nation and boasts an Olympic standard half-pipe with 22 feet walls.
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