Skiing & Snowboarding in New Zealand: Where to go and how long it will take to get there.
I would say it was a once in a lifetime trip,
but it was so good a person should not only experience it once.- Mike G., (USA) Aug 2009 Winter Rimu
"This was an incredible and unforgettable experience from the moment I sent that first e-mail requesting a brochure to the moment I got home. The front office, the guides, the people I met, the breathtaking scenery, diverse landscape, amazing hikes, food, and accommodations -- the whole experience was phenomenal. I dream of returning one day soon. Thank you sooooo much for the trip of my lifetime."
Nancy Mann (Ontario, Canada) Feb 2009 Manuka
Nancy Mann (Ontario, Canada) Feb 2009 Manuka
MEET OUR GUIDES:
Gemma van Beek
"Gemma is awesome, and I admire her. I want to be Gemma when I grow up (I think she's younger than me)."
Ellie Lien (California, USA) February 2009 Rimu
PHOTO OF THE MONTH:
Rimu Jan 2010
We love being based in Queenstown! It's the best playground in the world and there's always something new to try...
Skiing & Snowboarding in New Zealand
While not boasting the mega-resorts of the US or Europe, New Zealand offers you a unique skiing or boarding experience. Immense views, renowned hospitality, world class facilities, terrain from beginners to just downright extreme, and often you'll have the run to yourself.
New Zealand has 12 public ski resorts along with another dozen areas operated by private clubs, and one nordic ski area (Waiorau). All but two are located on the South Island. The two North Island resorts (Whakapapa and Turoa) are New Zealand's largest ski areas, located in the center of the island on Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano.
Most ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND trips pass through Queenstown at some stage and it's here that the majority of snow fields in the South Island operate from. The two closest to town are Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Within an easy drive you also have access to the Cardrona ski field, and Treble Cone a little further away on the other side of Wanaka.
Winter on the Southern Hemisphere is from June to August so the ski season generally runs from mid June through the end of September. The ski area temps range from 0ºC to 10ºC (32º to 50ºF) but may get lower than this, so sweaters and warm, waterproof jackets are essential items to have with you at all times.
For more information about the different ski fields available in New Zealand, have a look down through this list and click the name of any place you'd like more information about.
New Zealand has 12 public ski resorts along with another dozen areas operated by private clubs, and one nordic ski area (Waiorau). All but two are located on the South Island. The two North Island resorts (Whakapapa and Turoa) are New Zealand's largest ski areas, located in the center of the island on Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano.
Most ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND trips pass through Queenstown at some stage and it's here that the majority of snow fields in the South Island operate from. The two closest to town are Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Within an easy drive you also have access to the Cardrona ski field, and Treble Cone a little further away on the other side of Wanaka.
Winter Temperatures
Winter on the Southern Hemisphere is from June to August so the ski season generally runs from mid June through the end of September. The ski area temps range from 0ºC to 10ºC (32º to 50ºF) but may get lower than this, so sweaters and warm, waterproof jackets are essential items to have with you at all times.
Haven't tried skiing or snowboarding yet?
Check out our guide for the novices on the slopes! Choose between:The Ski Fields
For more information about the different ski fields available in New Zealand, have a look down through this list and click the name of any place you'd like more information about.
Driving time to the Ski Fields
| Christchurch to: | |
| Mt Hutt | 1h 30m |
| Queenstown to: | |
| Coronet Peak | 25 minutes |
| The Remarkables | 45 minutes |
| Cardrona | 1h 15m |
| Treble Cone | 1h 45m |
