A New Zealand skiing holiday gives you more magic every day! New Zealand has developed a deserved reputation as an international skiing destination.
Plan Your TourNew Zealand's ski season, running from June to October, offers a unique skiing experience with uncrowded fields, wide-open bowls, and gentle slopes for beginners. For the more adventurous, there's off-piste skiing and heliskiing, and the easy gear rental process makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Enjoy the convenience and comfort of New Zealand's ski resorts, featuring express lifts, modern snow-making facilities, extensive base facilities, accredited childcare centers, and specialized children's lessons. Skiing in New Zealand is a stress-free and unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.
Catch your first glimpse of the Southern Alps as you fly over this stunning landscape. A right-hand window seat provides the best view of Mt. Hutt when flying into Christchurch, while flights into Queenstown offer stunning vistas of Cardrona, the Remarkables, and Coronet Peak. Off the slopes, ski towns are growing, offering a variety of accommodations from cozy lodges to 5-star luxury. For après-ski, you’ll find countless options with a vibrant restaurant, café, and bar scene. Queenstown, known for its bustling activity, is perfect for lively nights out. While smaller, Methven and Wanaka each bring unique charms and plenty of adventure. Keep in mind that while it may snow in town, New Zealand ski resorts generally don’t offer on-snow lodging.
Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, is a top ski destination that rivals any in Australasia with its activities, nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. It’s only a three-hour flight from Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne, though seats sell quickly! Many accommodations are close to the town center, offering easy access to the action. Shuttle buses—often provided free by hotels or via the affordable Shopper Shuttle—connect outlying lodgings to town. Mountain shuttles or self-drive options make it easy to reach the nearby ski areas: Coronet Peak (about 30 minutes), the Remarkables (45 minutes), and Treble Cone or Cardrona (90 minutes, depending on conditions). If you're ready for a break from skiing, Queenstown offers endless other activities. Flexible pass options let you swap a day of skiing for other thrilling experiences.
Wanaka, about a 50-minute drive from Queenstown, offers a boutique alternative with its lakefront setting, stunning views, and a smaller selection of shops, restaurants, and nightspots. This picturesque town attracts upmarket travelers, families seeking first-rate kids’ facilities, and serious freestyle skiers who enjoy the off-piste terrain and steep runs. Treble Cone and Cardrona are within a 40-minute drive, while Queenstown’s slopes are 70-90 minutes away. As the birthplace of heliskiing in New Zealand, Wanaka boasts the largest heliskiing area outside North America, making it ideal for skiers and snowboarders seeking an exceptional backcountry experience.
Wanaka and Queenstown offer a vast selection of exclusive backcountry terrain for heliskiing, where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a sense of privilege and freedom. World-class guides, mountaintop landings, panoramic views, and expansive, untouched wilderness create an unparalleled luxury skiing adventure. Private heliski charters offer exclusivity with dedicated helicopters and guides, allowing your group to ski up to 10–15 runs a day on untracked powder in the Southern Alps.
Take your family skiing in Wanaka to the next level, with guidance from Greg Harrington, ex-US Olympic ski coach. Explore Wanaka’s ski fields with OnePass, giving you access to Treble Cone, Cardrona, and Snow Farm. After a day on the slopes, relax with a glass of pinot noir as a private chef prepares your family’s meal. Enjoy the majestic views of the Southern Alps as the sun sets, creating memories to cherish forever.
