New Zealand Ski Resorts
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
- 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
- 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
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
Treble Cone
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
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
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
Mount Hutt
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
Craigieburn Valley
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
Mount Olympus
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
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
Whakapapa
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
Turoa
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
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