Sky in New Zealand

New Zealand has developed a deserved reputation as an international skiing destination. The season runs from June to October, the landscapes and scenery are out of this world, gear is easy to hire, and the queues are comparatively short. New Zealand ski fields are uncrowded with plenty of wide-open bowls and  gentle slopes for first-time skiers and off-piste skiing  and heli-skiing for the more adventurous.

 

The Central North Island is home to two skifields, Whakapapa and Turoa.

 

With wide open plains, rivers and awe-inspiring mountains Mt Ruapehu isn’t your usual alpine destination. Probably because the ski fields are on a volcano! Whakapapa's dedicated beginner’s area, Happy Valley, is great for learning and kids. Old lava flows make great natural half-pipes and challenging terrain for intermediates and experts.

 

Turoa, on the south-western side, caters for beginners to advanced, and snowboarders will love the dedicated terrain park. Mt Ruapehu lift passes give you access to both areas and the bustling town of Ohakune is a great place to base yourself. Part of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, the scenery here is breathtaking. On your days off the snow, hire a mountain bike, take a walk through a pristine forest or relax on a golf course.

 

With more than a dozen ski fields and a variety of terrain, Canterbury-Mackenzie is our most diverse ski area. Find out about the options and facilities.

 

Only an hour and a half's drive from Christchurch, Mt Hutt is one of the largest and highest ski areas in the South Island. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere and dedicated learner facilities make it ideal for families and beginners. Learner freestylers and snowboarders will love the half-pipes and terrain park. If you like to be close to the action,  the alpine-themed village of Methven is a great base.

 

If you're looking to make the most of your holiday here, spend your days off the snow exploring Christchurch, or visit the historic French settlement of Akaroa on the stunning Banks Peninsula. Or wind your way north to the soothing hot pools and spas at Hanmer Springs, making sure you take in some of the wineries of the Waipara Valley on your way!

 

Located in the heart of the southern alps only a few hours from Christchurch, the Mount Cook Mackenzie region features some of the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery New Zealand has to offer. Great skiing and snowboarding can be had at Mt Dobson. If a ski area was to be designed specifically for beginners to intermediates, this would be it.

 

Stunning views of Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin can be had from Roundhill.  A huge beginners slope and gentle pitch make this a great spot if you are skiing or snowboarding for the first time. The Ohau Snow Fields cater for all abilities and are renowned for powder snow, sunshine and uncrowded slopes. Lake Tekapo and Twizel are excellent bases, especially if you want to explore New Zealand's highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park while you're here.

 

Queenstown - Lake Wanaka skiing holiday

 

Read about the four premium ski resorts and attractions in the neighbouring Queenstown and Lake Wanaka regions, a spectacular winter holiday destination.

So close are Queenstown’s ski fields, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, you could literally decide on the day which one you want to go to. Both fields feature dedicated learners areas ideal for building first-timer confidence. Choose Coronet Peak if you want to hone your intermediate skills or try your hand at night skiing; or The Remarkables if you’re more advanced and want variety and plenty of challenge.

 

If you love as much action off the slopes as on, you’re in the right place. In the ”adventure capital of New Zealand” you can bungy, luge, jet-boat, sky dive and more. Queenstown is a purpose-built tourist town with loads of shops, bars and restaurants and the nightlife is pumping. World-class vineyards are a short drive away and there are loads of fun things for kids to do.

 

Not far from the action of Queenstown, Wanaka is a place of peace and tranquility, with a slower pace. The nearby ski resort Cardrona is family-friendly with gentle beginner’s slopes and ski programmes for the littlies. With excellent natural snow, it’s especially good for improving intermediate technique. Treble Cone, Wanaka’s closest field, features long trails, challenging advanced  runs, natural half-pipes and a terrain park.

 

If your ideal winter holiday includes more than snow play, Wanaka has loads to offer. Spend your days off the mountain hiking, cycling, fishing or take a scenic flight. Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World is a must-do for kids young and old. If you venture over to Queenstown for the day, make sure you stop at the iconic Cardrona Hotel and historic Arrowtown to soak up some of the region’s rich gold mining history.


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