AOTEAROA, New Zealand
Ski New Zealand 2025
I’ve skied these mountains for over 40 years - from Queenstown’s famous fields to the volcanic slopes of the North Island, even the indoor skifield in Auckland. and I’m here to share what I’ve learned.
2025 ski season report
Featured ski area
Thinking about skiing in New Zealand?
Skiing in New Zealand isn’t just about great snow. It’s about the whole experience: wide-open landscapes, real ski towns, fresh powder days, and moments you remember long after you’re home. This guide pulls together everything you need to know – where to go, when to come, and how to make the most of your trip.
Whether you’re planning your first ski trip to New Zealand or coming back for more, I’ll walk you through the best ski fields, top tips, and personal insights you won’t find in the brochures.
Explore New Zealand's Ski Fields
Why Ski New Zealand?
New Zealand offers some of the most unique skiing in the world. You’ll find world-class resorts like Cardrona and Coronet Peak, backcountry adventures near Wanaka, and even volcanic slopes at Whakapapa. The season runs from June to October, giving you plenty of time to find fresh snow and great conditions.
And the best part? Skiing in New Zealand isn’t just for the pros. There’s a field, and a vibe – for everyone.
Latest Ski News
Tukino is doing something rare in 2025 - bringing back skiing that’s truly for everyone. With season passes priced at just $150 for adults and $100 for youth.
Due to the snow melt from warmer temperatures, unfortunately Mt Hutt has to delay the opening back to JUNE 13.
Whakapapa Holdings Limited (WHL) has officially secured the concession to operate Whakapapa Ski Area.
Cardrona Alpine Resort is progressing on one if it's many upgrade for 2025: a spacious, two-story building housing a revamped Noodle Bar and retail store.
The evenings are cooling off and the days are getting shorter - winter’s not far away. There’s some great news from Hanmer Springs Ski Area.
Ski Superpass is the easiest way to ski 10 different ski fields in New Zealand with one pass.
Ski Articles
Big Snow is on the way - and it’s not just a dusting All the national weather services have issued a Snow Watch.
Looking for up-to-date snow reports in New Zealand? Each Friday I publish a snow report covering the major ski fields.
There’s something about skiing at night that just feels different. The air cools down, the lights come on, the music starts and the mountain feels a bit more yours.
No Whakapapa Ski Area is not open. According to Whakapapa’s social media, they are planning a limited opening for winter on May 30.
No, not currently. The snow usually arrives at Turoa, Mt Ruapehu around late June/Early July.
If you’re visiting Queenstown to ski or snowboard this winter, The Remarkables should be your first stop. It’s a gem - I’ve skied it many times, and it never disappoints.
PROGRESS UPDATE: Cardrona Alpine Resort, located in Wanaka, is installing a brand new T-bar for the 2025 season.
Soho Basin Chairlift - what's happening? With the much-anticipated Soho Basin chairlift installation at Cardrona, Here's the latest update on progress.
First time to ski Mt Ruapehu? We all remember our first trip to ski Mt Ruapehu. This guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your skiing trip.
Roundhill Ski Area, So what makes a skifield unforgettable? The snow, the weather, or the company?. We all have those special days. In 2023, I had one of those experiences at Roundhill
I visited the Tūroa Ski Area on Mt Ruapehu in July for a two-day mid-week ski trip. It was my first trip to Tūroa under its new owners.
A brand-new 6-seater chairlift will be installed in Soho Basin at Cardrona, ready to open for Winter 2025.
The Remarkables has finished upgrading the Shadow Basin Chair, elevating its finish point higher on the mountain.
I love to ski in New Zealand. I have a simple goal, to ski every skifield in Aotearoa
10/24 Done
Skiied
42%
More about New Zealand Ski Fields
The closest ski area to Christchurch City, Porters is a family focused business with a complete range of ski and snowboard terrain to suit all abilities.
Tūroa Ski Field, situated on the southwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand, is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts seeking a thrilling alpine experience.
For the true ski explorers, Soho Basin combines the fun and adventure of an off-piste alpine experience with the ease and creature comforts of luxury ski resorts.
Cardrona Alpine Resort, founded in 1980 is New Zealand’s most popular ski area, where everyone’s a VIP – from beginners and families to Olympic and X Games athletes.
Broken River Ski Area is one of New Zealand’s unique Club fields, run and maintained by Broken River Ski Club members.
The friendly ski area that promotes fun. A sunny aspect with groomed runs and off-piste terrain that caters for all abilities
Tukino offers unique skiing and boarding experience on a friendly club operated skifield. Tukino offers you the chance to avoid the crowds of Whakapapa or Turoa.
The Remarkables Ski Area in Queenstown is situated high in The Remarkables mountain range. Ideal for all levels of skier.
Roundhill Ski Area is a family ski field with breathtaking views of Aoraki Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo.
Ōhau Snow Fields, Situated high above the beautiful Lake Ohau offers views up the valley to Aoraki/Mount Cook and spectacular Lake Ōhau.
Manganui Ski Area is located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand and offers skiing and snowboarding on Mount Taranaki.
Fox Peak pride itself in their off-piste trails with epic powder skiing and breathtaking views from all the main slopes.
The Snow Farm, Home of Cross Country Skiing. Snow Farm, is located in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand.
Craigieburn Valley Ski Area is the only mountain in New Zealand to offer inbound tree skiing. The club's three high-capacity rope tows service two basins with vertical rise of 500m.
Rainbow Ski Area is a great all-around mountain with wide uncrowded slopes and well-groomed trails providing superb terrain for beginners and intermediates while advanced skiers can challenge themselves in the high powder runs and chutes.
Treble Cone is famous for long groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Mt Olympus is a friendly club field in the South Island, New Zealand Skiers and boarders can enjoy off-piste skiing & riding after fresh powder.
Temple Basin Ski Area is located in the heart of the Southern Alps near Arthur’s Pass Village.
Hanmer Springs Ski Area is a popular ski resort located in Canterbury. Situated in the Amuri Range, about 17 kilometers from the town of Hanmer Springs.
Coronet Peak Ski Area, 20 mins from Queenstown. A variety of terrain with epic views over the Wakatipu basin. Night Skiing starts from 4-9pm
New Zealand’s only indoor snow dome, just a 30 minute drive from the heart of Auckland.
Whakapapa is our one of our favourites and our most visited, due to its location from our office - only 2 and a half hours drive. It sits on the northern slopes of Mt Ruapehu
Mount Lyford, one of the first lifted ski areas in New Zealand, and still family owned and operated. Approx 2 hours drive north of Christchurch
Mt Hutt Ski Area, Canterbury. At an altitude of 2086m with a 683 vertical drop Mt Hutt boasts the South Island’s highest chairlift.
New Zealand's most relaxed, uncrowded & unique ski experience. Invincible operate trips based on a group of 6 for 4 nights and 5 days.
Famous for all day sunshine, wide open uncrowded runs and friendly atmosphere. Spectacular views of Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook & beyond.
Get the latest Ski News straight to your inbox
Sign up to receive news, special offers, and event updates from New Zealand’s ski industry.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
What is the best month to ski in New Zealand?
The best month to ski in New Zealand is usually August. That’s when snow conditions are at their peak across most fields. However for the South Island July is great too, depending on snow cover.
What time of year should I plan a ski trip to New Zealand?
New Zealand’s ski season typically runs from mid-June to mid-October. If you want the best snow and the most reliable conditions, July and August are the safest bets.
Can you ski in Queenstown?
Yes, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s top ski destinations, if you want the “Ski Experience” I recommend you should visit Queenstown. From there you’ll have easy access to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, plus Cardrona & Treble Cone (about an hour away). Visit this link for more information on skiing in Queenstown
About the Author
I’m Richard Hayes, and for over 40 years, I’ve been skiing New Zealand’s mountains, driving its backroads, and finding out where the real adventures are. I’m not a full-time travel writer – I’m someone who simply never stopped exploring.
