New Zealand Ski Resorts

New Zealand Ski Resorts
Jack Lee
Written by Jack Lee / Photos by Greg Burke

From ski resorts to unique club ski fields, New Zealand is home to a diverse range of ski areas. Ski on the largest active volcano on the North Island or sample one of the many interesting resorts on the South Island.

Skiing in New Zealand

Pros
  • Breathtaking scenery
  • Steeper pitch slopes than Australia
  • Ski fields can offer better snow quality than in Australia
  • Some lift tickets can be cheaper than ski resorts in Australia
Cons
    Pros
      Cons
      • Skiing above the tree line
      • Most resorts don’t have on-mountain lodging
      • Less on-mountain dining than ski resorts in Australia
      • Small terrain size; most resorts have 5 or fewer lifts

      Map of New Zealand Ski Resorts

      List of Destination Ski Resorts in New Zealand

      With long winters in the mountains, awe-inspiring destinations, and a unique ski culture, New Zealand definitely deserves a spot on your winter sports bucket list. With the help of local insiders, we’ve put together a list of the best ski resorts!

      Cardrona

      A favourite of locals, Cardrona!

      Known for: Best atmosphere for families in a convenient location.

      Preferred Airport: Queenstown Airport - 33 miles (1 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 6102 feet

      Skiable Area: 853 acre

      Google Maps | Cardrona Ski Packages

      Treble Cone

      Chutes or blues? Treble Cone has great intermediate and advanced terrain

      Known for: Natural free-ride terrain, with plentiful snow, and inspiring views.

      Preferred Airports:

      Queenstown Airport - 53 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Wanaka Airport - 21 miles (30 minute drive)

      Summit Elevation: 6850 feet

      Skiable Area: 1359 acre

      Google Maps | Treble Cone Ski Packages

      Remarkables

      With views like this, it's hard to say no to The Remarkables

      Known for: A family-friendly experience amongst some of New Zealand’s most photographed mountains.

      Preferred Airport: Queenstown Airport - 11 miles (30 minute drive)

      Summit Elevation: 6374 feet

      Skiable Area: 220 acre

      Google Maps | Remarkables Ski Packages

      Coronet Peak

      Cruise the blues at Coronet Peak

      Known for: Panoramic views and the most popular on South Island.

      Preferred Airport: Queenstown Airport - 15 miles (30 minute drive)

      Summit Elevation: 5410 feet

      Skiable Area: 691 acre

      Google Maps | Coronet Peak Ski Packages

      Mount Hutt

      Mt Hutt enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in New Zealand

      Known for: South Island’s highest mountain with superb snow conditions.

      Preferred Airport: Christchurch Airport - 66 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 6844 feet

      Skiable Area: 902 acre

      Google Maps | Mount Hutt Ski Packages

      Craigieburn Valley

      Craigieburn Valley is the real deal for powderhounds

      Known for: A mecca for advanced and expert skiers and riders, an entirely off-piste experience.

      Preferred Airport: Christchurch Airport - 66 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 5942 feet

      Skiable Area: 988 acre

      Google Maps | Craigieburn Valley Ski Packages

      Mount Olympus

      They call it "the playground of the gods" for a reason

      Known for: Quiet and friendly mountain, truly an expert's paradise

      Preferred Airport: Christchurch Airport - 78 miles (3 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 6168 feet

      Skiable Area: 148 acre

      Google Maps | Mount Olympus Ski Packages

      Broken River

      It's all about the mountain here at Broken River

      Known for: Affordable skiing with a laid-back atmosphere.

      Preferred Airport: Christchurch Airport - 65 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 5971 feet

      Skiable Area: 432 acre

      Google Maps | Broken River Ski Packages

      Whakapapa

      Whakapapa is one of two ski resorts on the North Island

      Known for: Wide variety of runs and a great choice for familes.

      Preferred Airports:

      Auckland Airport - 207 miles (4 hour drive)

      Taihape Airport - 71 miles (1.5 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 7612 feet

      Skiable Area: 1359 acre

      Google Maps | Whakapapa Ski Packages

      Turoa

      Ski on New Zealand's largest active volcano

      Known for: The longest vertical drop in Australasia with modern lift infrastructures.

      Preferred Airport:

      Auckland Airport - 226 miles (4.5 hour drive)

      Taihape Airport - 47 miles (1 hour drive)

      Summit Elevation: 7618 feet

      Skiable Area: 1236 acre

      Google Maps | Turoa Ski Packages