Explore New Zealand's Top Ski Mountains This Winter!
Plan your perfect New Zealand ski trip with ease! Explore NZ's top ski mountains this winter with our quick and concise breakdown of New Zealand's finest ski destinations. From the challenging slopes of Treble Cone to the family-friendly facilities at Coronet Peak, our guide provides key details about each location to help you choose the perfect mountain for your winter holiday. Whether you're looking for advanced runs or beginner terrains, you'll find all the essential information conveniently gathered in one place.
Get ready to discover your ideal snowy adventure in New Zealand’s spectacular mountain settings!
Whakapapa
NORTH-WESTERN SLOPES OF MT RUAPEHU | NORTH ISLAND
Largest ski area in New Zealand with diverse terrain including the country’s largest beginner area.
Difficulty: BEGINNER TO EXPERT COST LEVEL: $$$
Season: June to October
Facilities: Full Service Mountain
12 total lifts (Sky Waka Gondola, Chairlifts, t-bars & magic carpets)
Cafes, Restaurants, Bars
Rental & Retail Shops
Childcare Centre
Extensive Ski School offerings incl. both private & group lessons
Terrain Park incl. dedicated area for freestyle skiers
Sledding Area
Website: https://www.whakapapa.com/winter
SOUTH-WESTERN SLOPES OF MT RUAPEHU | NORTH ISLAND
Known for having the longest vertical drop in Australasia.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO EXPERT COST LEVEL: $$$
Season: June to October
Facilities: Full Service Mountain
7 total lifts (Chairlifts, t-bars & magic carpets)
Cafes & Bar
Rental Shop
Retail Store
Medical Centre
Childcare Centre
Extensive Ski School offerings incl. both private & group lessons
Terrain Park incl. several parks with jumps, rails, and boxes
Sledding Area
Website: https://www.pureturoa.nz Trail Map
EASTERN SLOPES OF MT RUAPEHU | NORTH ISLAND
Accessible via Shuttle or 4WD, offers a more rugged, less commercialised skiing experience than its larger counterparts on Ruapehu.
Difficulty Level: INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $
Season: June to October
Facilities:
3x “Nutcracker"“ tow rope lifts, plus Cat Skiing to the top of the field when available.
Downhill Skiing and Boarding
Ski & Snowboard Lessons
Ski Touring
Ice Climbing
Little Mountain Cafe - for coffee and snacks
Mountain Education Courses
Volunteer Ski Patrol
A Ski Development Squad
Club Races and Social Events
3x Club lodges available for accommodation on mountain.
Non-member bookings welcome.
Website: https://www.tukino.org. Train Map
QUEENSTOWN | SOUTH ISLAND
Offers night skiing and early morning sessions; boasts a high-speed chairlift system.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $$$
Season: June to October
Facilities: Full Service Mountain
Gondola, 3x Chairlifts, 1x T-Bar, 4x Surface Lifts
Downhill Skiing and Boarding
Ski & Snowboard Lessons (Group & Private) and Clinics
Restaurants, Bars & Cafe
Rental & Retail Shops
Night Ski
Terrain Park for beginners to advanced riders.
Website: https://www.coronetpeak.co.nz Trail Map
QUEENSTOWN | SOUTH ISLAND
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and stunning alpine scenery.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO EXPERT COST LEVEL: $$$
Season: June to October
Facilities: Full Service Mountain
Chairlifts
Restaurants
Rental & Retail Shop
Extensive Ski School offerings incl. both private & group lessons
Terrain Parks for different skill levels, including dedicated park for beginners
Website: https://www.theremarkables.co.nz Trail Map
BETWEEN WANAKA & QUEENSTOWN | SOUTH ISLAND
Known for its reliable snow conditions and extensive terrain parks.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $$$
Season: Mid-June to Mid-October
Facilities: Full Service Mountain
8 total lifts (1x Combined Chairlift Gondola, 4x Chairlift, 3x Moving Carpet)
Cafes, Restaurants and Bars
Rental & Retail Shop
Childcare Centre
Medical Centre
Extensive Ski School offerings incl. both private & group lessons
Adaptive (Disability) program, rentals and facilities
Shuttle bus and private transfers
On-mountain accommodation available
Website: https://www.cardrona.com/winter Trail Map
WANAKA | SOUTH ISLAND
Famed for its challenging slopes and stunning views of Lake Wanaka.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO EXPERT COST LEVEL: $$$
Season: Late June to September
Facilities: Full Service Mountain
3 Total Lifts (2x Chairlifts, 1x Surface Platter)
Ski School offerings (All levels) with a focus on advanced terrain navigation
Terrain Park targeted at Intermediate & Advanced riders
Cafes, Restaurants, Bar
Rental & Retail Stores
Medical Centre
Free mountain Road Shuttle Bus
Website: https://www.treblecone.com Trail Map
METHVEN | SOUTH ISLAND
Voted New Zealand’s best ski resort eight years running at the World Ski Awards.
A true alpine experience, with wide-open terrain, leg-burning runs, monster snowfalls, and spectacular views.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $$$
Season: Early June to October
Facilities: Full Service Mountain
5 total lifts (3x Chairlifts, 2x Surface Lifts)
Cafe, Restaurants and Bars
Rental & Retail Shop
Ski School offerings at all levels incl. both private & group lessons
Tobogganing & Sightseeing Available
Cashless Mountain. Digital payment only.
NEAR CHRISTCHURCH | SOUTH ISLAND
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and close proximity to Christchurch.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $$
Season: Late June to Early October
Facilities:
4 total lifts (1x Chairlift, 1x T-Bar, 1x Platters Lift, 1x Carpet Lifts)
Rental Shop
Cafe
Ski School offerings at all levels incl. both private & group lessons
Terrain parks with a range of features for all skill levels
Porters Lodge available for on-mountain accommodation
One hour from Christchurch
Website: https://portersalpineresort.com Trail Map
NEAR FAIRLIE, ACCESS VIA STATE HWY 8 | SOUTH ISLAND
Offers a relaxed atmosphere with uncrowded slopes and stunning views of the Southern Alps. Known for its family-friendly environment and excellent conditions for beginners.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE COST LEVEL: $$
Season: Early July to Late September
Facilities:
4 Total Lifts (Chairlift, Novice Tow, Platter, T-Bar)
Ski School offerings at all levels incl. both private & group lessons
Ski Race training program / clinics
Cafe at Base
Equipment Rental Shop
No terrain park, natural terrain features present
Easy Access Road
Website: https://mtdobson.co.nz Trail Map
TEKAPO | SOUTH ISLAND
Popular for its stunning lake views and family-friendly slopes.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE COST LEVEL: $$
Season: July to Late September
Facilities:
6 Total Lifts (2x T-Bar, 1x Platter, 3x Rope Tows)
Ski School offerings incl. both private & group lessons
Tobogganing
Rental Shop
Mountain Bar, Base Lodge Cafe + Park & Picnic area
Website: https://www.roundhill.co.nz Trail Map
LAKE OHAU | SOUTH ISLAND
Known for its remote location and breathtaking views, ideal for those looking to escape the crowded resorts.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO EXPERT COST LEVEL: $$
Season: Late June to Early October
Facilities:
3 total lifts (1x Chairlift, 1x Platter, 1x SnowMat)
Ski School offerings at all levels incl. both private & group lessons
Rental & Repairs Shop
Day Lodge with retail store and cafeteria
2x Terrain Parks (1x beginner, 1x intermediate/advanced)
Website: https://www.ohau.co.nz/ohau-snow-fields/snow/ Trail Map
NEAR CASTLE HILL VILLAGE | SOUTH ISLAND
Best suited for experienced skiers looking for off-piste adventures.
Difficulty Level: ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $$
Season: July to September
Facilities:
3 Total Lifts (2x Rope Tows, 1x T-Bar)
No formal ski school; volunteer and peer learning opportunities
Ski Touring Offerings
Day Lodge
2x On-Mountain Accommodation Lodges Available
Website: https://www.craigieburn.co.nz Trail Map
ARTHUR’S PASS NATIONAL PARK | SOUTH ISLAND
Access involves a 45-minute hike from the car park, making it popular with adventure seekers.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $
Season: July to October
Facilities:
“Nutcracker"“ tow rope lifts
Lessons Limited, mostly volunteer-led coaching on weekends
On-Mountain Bar
2x On-Mountain Ski In / Ski Out Lodge Accommodations (Main Meals included)
Free Goods Lift Available from Car Park
Website: https://www.templebasin.co.nz Trail Map
SOUTHERN ALPS, CANTERBURY | SOUTH ISLAND
Known for its friendly atmosphere and great off-piste terrain.
Difficulty Level: INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $
Season: July to September
Facilities:
3x high Capacity Rope Tows, 2x Learner Rope Tows, 1x Tramway
Range of Ski, Telemark & Snowboard lessons available (Group & Private)
Night Skiing
Day Lodge with BBQ & Kitchen facilities available
3x On-Mountain Accommodation Lodges Available (Catered & Self-Catered Options)
Terrain Park featuring natural lips & bowls, rails
Learners Area & Intermediate slopes
Website: https://www.brokenriver.co.nz Trail Map
WAITAKI, OFF STATE HWY 83 | SOUTH ISLAND
Extremely remote and suited for backcountry enthusiasts; access may require 4WD.
Difficulty Level: INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $
Season: July to September (depending on snow conditions)
Facilities: Club-operated Ski Field
3x Rope Tow (incl. 1x Learner Tow)
No formal ski school
Day Hut
1x On-mountain lodge accommodation available (Self-Catered Only)
Lift Tickets to be paid via CASH ONLY. No card facilities available.
Ski Touring & Snowmobile access ($10NZD per vehicle)
Website: https://skiawakino.com Traill Map
CANTERBURY, NEAR HAMNER SPRINGS | SOUTH ISLAND
Family-friendly and great for beginners.
Difficulty Level: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED COST LEVEL: $
Season: July to Early September
Facilities: Club-operated Ski Field
2 Total lifts (1x Poma, 1x Rope Tow)
Weekend only Ski & Snowboard lessons, mainly for beginners (Group & Private)
Day Lodge with self-cater kitchen & BBQ facilities available
Equipment Rental & Retail Store available in village only
On-Mountain lodge accommodation available (Self-Catered)
Website: https://www.skihanmer.co.nz Trail Map
