{"id":10720,"date":"2020-08-11T11:35:43","date_gmt":"2020-08-11T01:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=10720"},"modified":"2021-04-21T13:36:59","modified_gmt":"2021-04-21T03:36:59","slug":"your-ultimate-guide-to-skiing-in-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/new-zealand\/nz-ski-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Your ULTIMATE guide to skiing in New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"

From making snow angels and spraying each other with powder to chilling out in a lodge, there\u2019s nothing like hitting the slopes in New Zealand. Want some intel on where to find the best slopes in the country? We\u2019ve got you covered\u2026 in snow! \u2744\ufe0f\ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

1. Cardrona, South Island<\/h2>\n

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Making snow bunnies happy since 1980, Cardrona has all the skiing and snowboarding you\u2019ve been dreaming of. It\u2019s always been a popular choice for locals and families. And if skiing isn\u2019t your thing, there\u2019s champagne at the Vista bar or a gondola ride up the mountain – perfect for couples.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Millbrook Resort<\/a>, Cardrona Hotel<\/a>, Cardrona Hotel<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Treble Cone, Wanaka<\/h2>\n

Close to Cardrona is the largest ski area in the South Island, Treble Cove. It\u2019s famed for its legendary off-piste terrain (that\u2019s ski term for off-the-beaten-track). For a playground full of powder, TC has you covered with a massive 700m vertical slope. It\u2019s best for intermediate and expert skiers.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Mahu Whenua<\/a>, Sunrise Sanctuary<\/a>, Sunrise Sanctuary<\/a><\/p>\n

3. The Remarkables, Otago<\/h2>\n

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This is THE slope for the \u2018gram. It features some of the most beautiful and most photographed mountains in all of the country. It\u2019s perfect for beginners and is less than a 20km drive from Queenstown airport. Bonus!<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Ramada Hotel & Suites Queenstown Remarkables Park<\/a>, Shotover Country Cottages<\/a>, Shotover Country Cottages<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Coronet Peak, Queenstown<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s a slope perfect for anyone looking to capture their mountains on cameras as well as ski them. Coronet Peak has some of the best panoramic views on the South Island. There\u2019s also on-mountain accommodation, on-site childcare, and some mouth-watering dining options. Insider tip: As one of the most popular ski fields in the country, it can get a little crowded. Booking ahead is a must.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa<\/a>, Heartland Hotel Queenstown<\/a>, Heritage Queenstown<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Mount Hutt, Hutt<\/h2>\n

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Here\u2019s our top pick for young families, because kids under 10 ski free at Mount Hutt. As its name suggests, Mount Hutt is elevated, which means it\u2019s got reliably good snow conditions. The lovely town of Methven is just a 40-minute drive away.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Mt Hutt Highview at Terrace Downs<\/a>, Ski Time Lodge<\/a>, Gunyah Country Estate<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Craigieburn Valley, South Island Southern Alps<\/h2>\n

Favoured by elite skiers, Craigieburn Valley is often a quieter slope that\u2019s visited by those looking for open bowls and long runs of untouched powder. If you happen to be nearby and a fan of hiking, there\u2019s some beautiful country to explore on foot too.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> The Bealey Hotel<\/a>, Arthur\u2019s Pass Alpine Motel<\/a>, Lake Coleridge Lodge<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Whakapapa, Tongariro National Park<\/h2>\n

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If you say \u2018beginner\u2019, we say \u2018Whakapapa\u2019. It\u2019s a family-friendly field with a large, dedicated area of beginners. We might also say \u2018Mordor\u2019, since this is one of the spots featured in the legendary The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Powderhorn Chateau<\/a>, Oreti Village Resort<\/a>, Chateau Tongariro Hotel<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Hanmer Springs, Canterbury<\/h2>\n

Just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is a winter wonderland. Our pick is the
\ngrassroots New Zealand Club Fields for an authentic ski getaway. Feeling a little sore from the slopes? Hanmer Springs, with its mineral-filled hot pools is super close. Soak it all in and let those muscles relax!<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Hanmer Springs Retreat<\/a>, Alpine Adventure Holiday Park<\/a>, Braemar Lodge and Spa<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Turoa, Mount Ruapehu<\/h2>\n

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Turoa boasts the longest vertical drop in all of Australasia! \ud83d\ude31 It\u2019s also on top of New Zealand\u2019s largest active volcano and has some incredible Middle Earth views. It\u2019s more challenging than its neighbour, Whakapapa, so it’s often a popular spot on weekends.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Rivendell Horopito Holiday Home<\/a>, Night Sky Cottage<\/a>, Chateau Tongariro Hotel <\/a><\/p>\n

10. Roundhill, Canterbury<\/h2>\n

Roundhill has been a local institution since it opened in the 1960s. Locals Oskar and Karoline Rieder have owned Roundhill since 2012 and claim to have the longest rope tow in the world at a staggering 1473m! There\u2019s also plenty of non-snow fun to be had in Tekapo, like taking a stargazing tour or a breathtaking flight over the Tasman Glacier.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> The Barn<\/a>, Lake Tekapo Cottages<\/a>, Peppers Bluewater Resort<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/i> PLAN YOUR NEXT SKI TRIP <\/a>\n