Ski Locations in New Zealand

Why Ski in New Zealand?

Commercial New Zealand ski areas, such as The Remarkables or Coronet Peak, all have their own distinct character. Many offer world class facilities including snowmaking, state of the art snow grooming, and comprehensive base and dining facilities.

The smaller, club fields are often run by a group of enthusiasts and have simple facilities such as rope tow or T-bar lifts, generally no snow grooming, but good day lodges and often a more social atmosphere.

Snowboarding in New Zealand

Snowboarding in New Zealand is a popular winter activity. All New Zealand ski areas cater for snowboarding to some extent (in some cases better than skiers) and you’ll find good riding at them all. 

Ohau in the central South Island, is renowned as one of the cult New Zealand snowboarding areas. While somewhat remote, the Ohau Lodge bar is also well known for its parties! 

Wanaka - near Queenstown - is New Zealand's snowboarding capital. Cardrona is one of the most popular snowboarding fields, with a number of pipes and parks specifically for boarders of all levels. Across the valley, Snow Park has purpose-built facilities.

When to Ski in New Zealand

The New Zealand ski season generally runs from June through to early November. Mt Hutt is always the first area to open, usually in late May or June, with the other ski areas opening in late June or early July.

June and July, being colder (although still comparatively mild), can offer some good powder skiing. August is the peak month in which to ski, and September and October offer a variety of skiing, from spring skiing conditions to wintery powder - depending on the weather! In a good season Whakapapa will open at Christmas (because of its higher altitude) for summer skiing, while some other areas open for mountain biking.

When not to ski...
Skiing is popular in New Zealand, so plan your ski vacation to avoid the school holiday periods if possible.  Check the school holiday dates here.