For those of you eager to hit the slopes, it may be difficult to choose between the variety of ski resorts around New Zealand. From skiing to snowboarding, New Zealand offers some exemplary ski fields that make an unforgettable winter holiday. Here are some of our favourite New Zealand ski resorts with plenty of adrenaline activities, top-quality facilities and more.
1. Coronet Peak
This Queenstown resort features skiing and sledding for all ages. Appreciate stunning sunsets and sunrises at Coronet Peak as you slide down the slopes with your mates. This resort is home to the most epic night skiing, fantastic dining experiences, plenty of shops, great nightlife and more. A perfect winter getaway for both families and groups of friends. Visit the Coronet Peak website for more information.
📍 Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
2. Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu
This North Island resort is housed on an active volcano, making it a great choice as the filming location for Mordor in The Lord of the Rings movies. It is an excellent choice for families and beginners because it has plenty of terrain, almost 70 runs, New Zealand’s largest beginner area, and advanced skier zones tucked away from the novice areas and a wide selection of accommodations. The nearest airport is Taihape Airport.
📍 Manawatu-Wanganui 3989, New Zealand
3. The Remarkables
The Remarkables is a smaller ski area near Coronet Peak, and is known as one of the best terrain parks in New Zealand, making it ideal for beginners to practice on. Be sure to get your snaps of the surreal views in between your runs. Queenstown Airport is a 30 minute drive away.
📍 Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
4. Cardrona
This Alpine Resort located between Queenstown and Wanaka is one of the most popular ski areas in New Zealand. With magnificent views, large accessibility, selection of terrain and classic infrastructure, we are not surprised it attracts all sorts of ski enthusiasts from beginners to experts. If you don’t fancy driving, you can take shuttle buses from Queenstown or Wanaka.
📍 Cardrona Valley Rd, Cardrona 9305, New Zealand
5. Turoa Ski Field
This ski area boasts the longest vertical drop in Australasia, so adrenaline junkies will want it on their bucket list. With some of the highest elevation peaks in New Zealand, there is plenty of snow, making it a marvellous place for dedicated skiers. Excitingly, there’s a fun nightlife scene with fabulous restaurants making it ideal for groups. This resort is four hours drive from Auckland and one hour from Taihape Airport.
📍 Ohakune Mountain Road, Mt Ruapehu 4691, New Zealand
6. Treble Cone
As one of the largest ski resorts on the South Island, boasting majestic views of Lake Wanaka and Mt Aspiring – Treble Cone is a winter bucket list favourite. Delight in the highest annual snowfall in New Zealand and natural free-ride terrains. It’s fantastic for intermediate and expert skiers, and Wanaka is a 30 minute drive away so you have the opportunity to indulge in lots of shopping, restaurants and hotels.
📍 Mt Aspiring Road, Wanaka 9305, New Zealand
7. Mount Hutt
This gem close to Christchurch promises reliable snowfall because of the high elevation; it’s one of the highest mountains on the South Island. With spectacular views over the Canterbury Plains, it offers an epic experience for skiers and snowboarders. Surprisingly, it is extremely affordable for families, as kids under 10 go free. Meanwhile, accommodation in Methven can be pretty reasonable. For more information, visit the Mt Hutt website.
📍 Mount Hutt 7782, New Zealand
8. Broken River
This club ski field presents an inexpensive and relaxing winter getaway. If you like tranquillity, this is the place for you, as it doesn’t attract as many visitors as some of its contemporaries. While the resort only offers basic food services, it’s still a cosy and friendly winter holiday. The resort is one hour and 30 minutes drive from Christchurch.
📍 Canterbury 7580, New Zealand
9. Craigieburn Valley
Another ski resort close to Christchurch. With open bowls, long untouched runs of snow and narrow chutes, this ski area is not for beginners. Hence why it caters mainly for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. Hikes up to the peaks are steep so you need to be careful and experienced. In the plus column, it’s an affordable ski resort and offers iconic views. For more information, visit the Craigieburn Valley website.
📍 Craigieburn Valley Ski Field Rd, 7580, New Zealand
10. Mt Olympus
Another one of the greatest ski resorts, and just two hours drive from Christchurch, Mount Olympus is unsurprisingly known as the playground of the Gods. The peaks here are viciously steep, so you would be unwise to tackle them as a beginner – but for professional skiers and snowboarders who enjoy a good hike up untouched snow, high slopes, and views over the backcountry, it’s a dream.
📍 Harper Road, Lake Coleridge 7572, New Zealand