The 10 Best Ski Resorts in New Zealand

This epic South Island ski resort is located right in centre of the action – it’s closest to Queenstown, but also not too far away from the scenic Wanaka. Facilities are open from early morning to late at night, offering a number of pistes and slopes for all abilities. There are various practice spots running along the base, and an ice-load of trails running everywhere in between. The Big Easy is quite popular among beginners, while the awesome Exchange Drop entices expert riders.

Another alpine resort conveniently located near Queenstown and Wanaka, Cardrona is a great all-rounder through and through: families can enjoy it, seasoned skiers will love it, and snow bunnies will just marvel at the entire experience. Those who thrive on the alpine heights will be amped by Cardrona’s highest elevation point, which comes in at a full 1,860 metres (6,102 feet).

Roundhill is a family-friendly snow resort in Lake Tekapo. It is scenic as well as epic, not only because of the aforementioned lake, but because the terrain offers a fantastic vista of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook. Kids and novice skiers will be able to learn the ropes at a large beginners’ area; intermediate riders can swirl around the wide ski curves along the hill; while advanced powderhounds can venture up to the world’s longest rope tow.

Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain. This has made it a prime filming destination, and a cool stop-over for thrill-seeking skiers. Heli skiing is the local speciality: get into a helicopter and, when the time is right, plunge your way into the powdered snow. The expedition requires a bit of patience (because, you know, weather conditions), but you’ll definitely receive some bragging rights after tackling the country’s largest slopes.

Of course, we’re not going to let the South Island hog all the glory. Whakapapa is a ski site in the north-eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, in Tongariro National Park. A boundary area of 550 hectares (1,400 acres) and a vertical descent of 675 metres (2,214 feet) invites skiers of all kinds to get into the snowy spirit. Happy Valley is their beginner terrain, which is secluded from the more advanced areas. There are 30 groomed jumps and trails for intermediate riders and 24 jam-packed black and diamond runs for the seasoned pros.