While New Zealand is more traditionally considered a hiking destination than a ski destination, skiing in New Zealand offers excellent value for your money when you choose a ski trip here.
New Zealanders are fanatics about outdoor sports, and skiing is no exception. Because of the local demand, visitors can enjoy fantastic amenities and well-groomed runs.
New Zealand's ski season runs from June until October, and most of the commercial ski runs are on the South Island, with one notable exception on the North Island. So, grab your ski goggles. Here are the top five places to go skiing in New Zealand.
Where To Ski
1. Queenstown
The adventure capital of New Zealand (and perhaps the world) never rests on its laurels, making ski fun a priority during the winter season.
The two ski fields closest to Queenstown are The Remarkables, a thrilling and family-friendly resort, and the Coronet Peak Ski Area, which some say is one of the best ski resorts in the southern hemisphere. Both are less than 45 minutes from town and feature a good balance of challenging runs with easier terrain.
2. Mt Ruapehu
New Zealand is one of the few places in the world, apart from Iceland and the United States, where you can ski on an active volcano.
The Whakapapa Ski Area and Turoa Ski Area are two ski runs on Mt Ruapehu, the only commercial ski area on New Zealand's North Island. Mt Ruapehu is the only place on the North Island with glaciers, making it an exceptional spot.
Don't worry about that volcano-it is technically one of the world's most active, but visitors always have plenty of warning before an eruption; the last eruption was in 2007.
3. Wanaka
Perhaps second only to Queenstown is the lovely ski resort town of Wanaka. It is near several great ski runs; closest to Wanaka is the Treble Cone ski field, the largest ski area in New Zealand. It's famous for some of the region's longest runs and fantastic off-piste opportunities.
While in Wanaka, consider the Cardrona ski field, which is about halfway to Queenstown. This field features a broader variety of medium and challenging runs, all on wide-open trails, allowing you to have some fun.
4. Methven
A short drive from Christchurch will bring you to Methven, a gateway village to two fantastic ski fields: Porters and Mt. Hutt.
Mt Hutt features several more difficult runs for the more experienced skier, whereas Porters has a well-rounded ski base. Both are family-focused and have strong community ties, including numerous local ski instructors who offer group and private classes.
5. Lake Tekapo
Last but certainly not least is the picturesque hues of Lake Tekapo in the foreground as you ski one of the South Island's finest ski runs, Round Hill.
This Mackenzie County background field has beginner trains and classes, the world's longest and tallest rope tow, and the most significant vertical drop of any trail in Australasia. The resort has all the amenities to make this a memorable ski holiday.
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This post was written and brought to you by MightyCampers.co.nz, a campervan hire provider in New Zealand. Take a look at our blog for some great adventure stories and special offers.
