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

Tūroa ski field, Mt Ruapehu

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.

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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 & Articles

Cardrona’s Skiwees and Lowriders program

Cardrona’s Skiwees and Lowriders is more than just a ski programme, it’s 4 days of

New Zealand snow conditions 2025 – A tale of two islands

The 2025 ski season in New Zealand, and if you're been to the South Island,

Treble Cone open for 2025

Treble Cone open and officially kicked off the 2025 winter season last weekend (28 June

Mt Hutt open for 2025

Mt Hutt open for the 2025 ski season and there is no shortage of snow.

Cardrona open for winter 2025

Cardrona is open. Kicking off the 2025 ski season with great snow conditions.

Coronet Peak night skiing is back for 2025

There’s something about skiing at night that just feels different. The air cools down, the

Is Whakapapa open for skiing, 2025?

UPDATED: 15 JULY. Is Whakapapa open? Yes, open for the 2025 Ski season. School holidays

Is Turoa open for skiing, 2025?

UPDATED: July 17. Is Tūroa open? Yes. Snow has arrived on Mt Ruapehu in a

Ski The Remarkables, Queenstown – A Local Favourite

If you’re visiting Queenstown to ski or snowboard this winter, The Remarkables should be your

Ski Superpass: One pass, 10 mountains – such a good idea

Ski Superpass is the easiest way to ski 10 different ski fields in New Zealand

Ski Whakapapa: From Happy Valley to the Far West, it’s magic

Why Ski Whakapapa? Ski Whakapapa because it offers something different. It’s raw, scenic, and full

Beginners guide for skiing Mt Ruapehu

First time to ski Mt Ruapehu? We all remember our first trip to ski Mt

Ski Roundhill, Tekapo

Roundhill Ski Area, So what makes a skifield unforgettable? The snow, the weather, or the

A New 6-seater chairlift for Soho Basin in 2025

The new 6-seater Soho Express Chairlift is now open in Soho Basin at Cardrona.

Extended Shadow Basin chair at Remarkables Ski Area

The Remarkables has finished upgrading the Shadow Basin Chair, elevating its finish point higher on

I love to ski in New Zealand. I have a simple goal, to ski every skifield in Aotearoa

10/24 Done

Skiied 42%

merchandise

Snowfall Ski Clothing

More about New Zealand Ski Fields

Snowplanet, Auckland

New Zealand’s only indoor snow dome, just a 30 minute drive from the heart of

Tukino Skifield, Mt Ruapehu

Tukino offers unique skiing and boarding experience on a friendly club operated skifield. Tukino offers

Mt Hutt Ski Area, Canterbury

Mt Hutt Ski Area, Canterbury. At an altitude of 2086m with a 683 vertical drop

Invincible Snowfields, Queenstown

New Zealand's most relaxed, uncrowded & unique ski experience. Invincible operate trips based on a

Broken River Ski Area, Canterbury

Broken River Ski Area is one of New Zealand’s unique Club fields, run and maintained

Mt Dobson Ski Area, Tekapo

Famous for all day sunshine, wide open uncrowded runs and friendly atmosphere. Spectacular views of

Roundhill Ski Area, Tekapo

Roundhill Ski Area is a family ski field with breathtaking views of Aoraki Mt Cook,

Treble Cone Ski Area, Wanaka

Treble Cone is famous for long groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over

Soho Basin Ski Area, Wanaka

For the true ski explorers, Soho Basin combines the fun and adventure of an off-piste

Ski Cardrona Alpine Resort, Queenstown

Cardrona Alpine Resort, founded in 1980 is New Zealand’s most popular ski area, where everyone’s

Ōhau Ski Field, Lake Ōhau

Ōhau Snow Fields, Situated high above the beautiful Lake Ohau offers views up the valley

Temple Basin Ski Area, Arthur’s Pass

Temple Basin Ski Area is located in the heart of the Southern Alps near Arthur’s

Tūroa ski field, Mt Ruapehu

Tūroa Ski Field, situated on the southwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand, is

Fox Peak Ski Area, Fairlie

Fox Peak pride itself in their off-piste trails with epic powder skiing and breathtaking views

Mt Cheeseman Skifield, Canterbury

The friendly ski area that promotes fun. A sunny aspect with groomed runs and off-piste

SnowFarm – Cross Country Skiing, Wanaka

The Snow Farm, Home of Cross Country Skiing. Snow Farm, is located in the heart

Whakapapa Ski Area, Mt Ruapehu

Whakapapa is our one of our favourites and our most visited, due to its location

Mt Lyford Ski Area, Canterbury

Mount Lyford, one of the first lifted ski areas in New Zealand, and still family

The Remarkables Ski Area, Queenstown

The Remarkables Ski Area in Queenstown is situated high in The Remarkables mountain range. Ideal

Hanmer Springs Ski Area

Hanmer Springs Ski Area is a popular ski resort located in Canterbury. Situated in the

Manganui Ski Area, Taranaki

Manganui Ski Area is located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand and offers skiing

Mt Olympus Ski Area, Canterbury

Mt Olympus is a friendly club field in the South Island, New Zealand Skiers and

Rainbow Ski Area, Nelson Lakes

Rainbow Ski Area is a great all-around mountain with wide uncrowded slopes and well-groomed trails

Ski Porters Alpine Resort, Canterbury

The closest ski area to Christchurch City, Porters is a family focused business with a

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area, Canterbury

Craigieburn Valley Ski Area is the only mountain in New Zealand to offer inbound tree

Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown

Coronet Peak Ski Area, 20 mins from Queenstown. A variety of terrain with epic views

Explore New Zealand's Ski Fields

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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.

Ski New Zealand – My Guide for 2025