Are you looking for an adventurous skiing holiday on pristine mountains with beautiful views? New Zealand offers over 32 different ski areas, many of which are world class ski resorts. You'll find easy trails for the beginner and more extreme trails for the advanced skier. You'll also find snowboarding, night skiing, and the ultimate skiing experience of heli-skiing. New Zealand offers a unique opportunity to ski its largest volcano, Mount Ruapehu.
Whether you're skiing the North or South Island, there are several top ski areas in New Zealand. All have beautiful views and accommodating facilities.
Mount Ruapehu
Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano inside Tongariro National Park located on North Island. This is New Zealand's largest ski area offering long runs and two commercial ski areas: Whakapapa and Turoa.
Whakapapa has groomed trails with volcanic terrain that can challenge every skier with bumps, chutes, drops, and wide trails. Happy Valley is a favorite for beginners offering gentle slopes and a premier ski training facility. There are 24 black diamond runs and the Black Magic backcountry area.
Turoa offers many groomed trails and a beginner's area. Turoa has the longest vertical run and New Zealand's highest chair lift. There are 25 black diamond runs and the Solitude backcountry area. It also hosts three terrain parks and a childcare facility.
Queenstown
Coronet is a locals favorite with diverse mountain terrain and night skiing when the sun goes down. There's a dedicated beginner's area, a Snowsports School, and a large heated deck to take away that winter chill. It also has a crèche.
The Remarkables has a large area for beginners with a crèche and a kid's center. There are three terrain parks and the only Burton Stash on South Island. The Remarkables is a favorite among freestylers and snowboarders with the Stash and the Parklife Superpipe. It hosts the Homeward Run which is considered to be the best in-bound backcountry trail in New Zealand.
Wanaka Ski Areas
Wanaka ski resort is located in Mt. Aspiring National Park, north of Queenstown. There are several ski areas in this location including Cardrona, Treble Cone, and Snow Farm.
Wanaka has skiing for all levels of skiers and it's one of the largest ski areas in New Zealand. The town offers a friendly atmosphere and laid-back skiing.
Cardrona has trails for all levels of skiers and an extensive area for freestylers. There is a children's center and skiing for beginner's here.
Treble Cone has spectacular views and the longest vertical rise in the Southern Alps. Excellent terrain for advanced skiers and boarders with possibly the best terrain in New Zealand.
Snow Farm is a playground for freestyle skiers with a 22 ft. halfpipe, quarterpipe, and over 40 boxes, rails, and jumps. It's also New Zealand's only cross-country skiing area.
Whether you're skiing the North or South Island, there are several top ski areas in New Zealand. All have beautiful views and accommodating facilities.
Mount Ruapehu
Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano inside Tongariro National Park located on North Island. This is New Zealand's largest ski area offering long runs and two commercial ski areas: Whakapapa and Turoa.
Whakapapa has groomed trails with volcanic terrain that can challenge every skier with bumps, chutes, drops, and wide trails. Happy Valley is a favorite for beginners offering gentle slopes and a premier ski training facility. There are 24 black diamond runs and the Black Magic backcountry area.
Turoa offers many groomed trails and a beginner's area. Turoa has the longest vertical run and New Zealand's highest chair lift. There are 25 black diamond runs and the Solitude backcountry area. It also hosts three terrain parks and a childcare facility.
Queenstown
Coronet is a locals favorite with diverse mountain terrain and night skiing when the sun goes down. There's a dedicated beginner's area, a Snowsports School, and a large heated deck to take away that winter chill. It also has a crèche.
The Remarkables has a large area for beginners with a crèche and a kid's center. There are three terrain parks and the only Burton Stash on South Island. The Remarkables is a favorite among freestylers and snowboarders with the Stash and the Parklife Superpipe. It hosts the Homeward Run which is considered to be the best in-bound backcountry trail in New Zealand.
Wanaka Ski Areas
Wanaka ski resort is located in Mt. Aspiring National Park, north of Queenstown. There are several ski areas in this location including Cardrona, Treble Cone, and Snow Farm.
Wanaka has skiing for all levels of skiers and it's one of the largest ski areas in New Zealand. The town offers a friendly atmosphere and laid-back skiing.
Cardrona has trails for all levels of skiers and an extensive area for freestylers. There is a children's center and skiing for beginner's here.
Treble Cone has spectacular views and the longest vertical rise in the Southern Alps. Excellent terrain for advanced skiers and boarders with possibly the best terrain in New Zealand.
Snow Farm is a playground for freestyle skiers with a 22 ft. halfpipe, quarterpipe, and over 40 boxes, rails, and jumps. It's also New Zealand's only cross-country skiing area.
Sarah writes about travel and adventure topics and is a mad keen skier. She is also a bit of a gear nut and is a massive fan of Icebreaker clothing for skiing and any outdoor adventure. If you enjoyed this article then you should also check out this article about hiking in New Zealand.
