Excellent New Zealand skiing and snowboarding opportunities are found in the Central North Island, and throughout the South island. So it is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders from the Northern Hemisphere, as they can come and enjoy some excellent snow here in their off season.For a great ski holiday New Zealand does have quite a lot to offer.
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING IN THE SOUTH ISLAND
New Zealand Ski and Snowboard Season
The ski and snowboard season is variable throughout New Zealand.Being a long narrow country we have very different climates between the north and the south.
Seasons from -
South Island snow season - generally ranges from around early June to early October. They tend to have cold, and storms in the July/August time ,but lovely warm weather mid September, which make snowboarding and skiing a glorious activity with often clear blue skies topping pristine snow.
North Island ski season - starts a little later at the end of June and goes through to mid November. The skiing areas are in the Central North Island and Mt Taranaki. Depending on the year, the weather in July/ August is variable, usually the coldest time. The Desert Road is often closed from snow fall.
ABOUT THE SKI FIELDS
The ski and snowboarding terrain in New Zealand tends to be large open spaces, devoid of trees. The marked trails and open spaces providing an excellent skiing experience.
There are 17 commercial ski fields very few actually have accommodation right on the mountains. There are several small club operated fields, some of which have their own huts. This brings the total to 24 ski areas. There are also 12 heli ski operators mainly in the Queenstown,and Lake Wanaka areas.
Lake Wanaka is one of the most reknowned ski areas in New Zealand with Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Park and Snow Farm all popular ski fields. Being in the southern part of the South Island, they offer reliable snow fall.
Ski Field Locations
NORTH ISLAND Mt Ruapehu - Turoa,(Ohakune)Whakapapa, (National Park) and Tukino. There is a good selection of accommodation around National Park, or on the other side at Ohakune.
Mt Taranaki
SOUTH ISLAND
St Arnaud Mountains Rainbow field (around Nelson Lakes)
The Kaikouras Mt Lyford, Hanmer Springs jave a hot thermal swim afterwards!
Canterbury Temple Bason, Craigieburn, Broken River, Mt Cheeseman, Porters, Mt Olympus and the best known Mt Hutt
The MacKenzie Basin Fox peak, Alpur e peaks, Mt Dobson, Round Hill, Ohau
Lake Wanaka Treble Cone, Cardrona, Snowfarm, Snow park
Queenstown Coronet Peak, The Remarkables
Also 12 Heli ski fields Canterbury, MacKenzie Country, Wanaka and Oueenstown
Hire New Zealand Ski and Snowboard Equipment here!
Hire of ski and snowboard equipment is available at commercial ski fields. This would include
Snowboards
Skis
Boots
Clothing - gloves, jackets, waterproof over trousers etc
Toboggans - great fun for the children!
Avalanche safety kits
Snow Reports
Go to this site with all the New Zealand ski and snowboard information you need, including daily dated snow and weather reports, which ski fields are open, and anything to do with New Zealand snow fields. Check today's
snow reports
and information on ski fields around New Zealand.
NEW ZEALAND HELI SKIING
Snow Insurance
I have personal experience of the possible outcome for a novice trying their hand on the slopes! Sprains and broken bones are probably the most common injuries. As with any adventure activity there is an element of risk. It wouldnt be much fun otherwise would it! It is very wise to think about having special snow insurance cover, for peace of mind.