OtagoCoronet Peak
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown's closest ski area, 16 km from town on a fully sealed road, with 280 ha of terrain and night skiing on selected evenings.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediateExperienced only
Explore · Skiing & Snowboarding
Skiing and Snowboarding in New Zealand
Photo: “The Remarkables. Queenstown NZ” by Bernard Spragg. NZ, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
New Zealand's ski season runs through the southern winter, from June into October. These guides cover seven commercial ski areas, from Queenstown and Wānaka to Canterbury and the volcanic slopes of Mt Ruapehu, with terrain, season dates, learner areas and how to get up the mountain.
Skiing & Snowboarding destinations
Browse by island or region, then open a guide for conditions, access and local operators.
OtagoOtagoThe Remarkables
Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown's "big mountain", 24 km from town, with one of the South Island's biggest beginner areas, three terrain parks and freeride chutes.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediateExperienced only
OtagoCardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona Valley, between Wānaka and Queenstown
Since Soho Basin opened in 2025, Cardrona has 615 ha of terrain and calls itself New Zealand's largest ski resort. It's known for its terrain parks and a big learner area.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediateExperienced only
OtagoTreble Cone
Above Lake Wānaka, Otago
Wānaka's steeper ski area, 30 minutes from town, with 700 m of lift-served vertical, the South Island's longest groomed run (about 4 km) and views over Lake Wānaka.
IntermediateExperienced only
CanterburyMt Hutt
Above Methven, Canterbury
Canterbury's big ski area, 26 km from Methven and about 90 minutes from Christchurch, with 683 m of vertical, four terrain parks and views over the Canterbury Plains.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediateExperienced only
Manawatū-WhanganuiWhakapapa
Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park
The ski area on Mt Ruapehu's northern slopes, inside dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park, with 12 lifts across 550 ha and a separate learner area, Happy Valley.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediateExperienced only
Manawatū-WhanganuiTūroa
Mt Ruapehu, above Ohakune
The ski area on Mt Ruapehu's southern slopes, 17 km above Ohakune, with 500 ha, New Zealand's highest lifted point (2,230 m) and a 722 m vertical.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediateExperienced only
Map of skiing & snowboarding destinations
Pins show the general area of each destination, not exact access points or parking. Every destination is also listed above.
Location data: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0).
Skiing in New Zealand
New Zealand's commercial ski areas sit in three main clusters:
- Queenstown and Wānaka in Otago, home to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone.
- Canterbury, where Mt Hutt rises above Methven and the Canterbury Plains.
- Mt Ruapehu in the central North Island, where Whakapapa and Tūroa sit on opposite sides of an active volcano.
Most ski areas are a short drive from a town, so you can stay in Queenstown, Wānaka, Methven or Ohakune and drive or bus up each day.
The ski areas at a glance
Figures come from each operator's website.
| Ski area | Near | Skiable terrain | Highest lifted point | Vertical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coronet Peak | Queenstown (16 km) | 280 ha | 1,649 m | 462 m |
| The Remarkables | Queenstown (24 km) | 449 ha | 1,990 m | Not stated |
| Cardrona | Wānaka (35 km) | 615 ha | 1,860 m | 600 m |
| Treble Cone | Wānaka (about 30 min) | Not stated | 1,960 m | 700 m |
| Mt Hutt | Methven (26 km) | 365 ha | 2,086 m | 683 m |
| Whakapapa | Whakapapa Village (6 km) | 550 ha | Not stated | Not stated |
| Tūroa | Ohakune (17 km) | 500 ha | 2,230 m | 722 m |
When to go
The season runs through the southern winter. For 2027, NZSki has published these dates:
- Coronet Peak: a limited early-winter operation from 29 May, then the full season from 18 June to 3 October.
- The Remarkables: 19 June to 10 October.
- Mt Hutt: 18 June to 10 October.
On Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa's 2026 season ran from 30 May to 25 October. Cardrona, Treble Cone and Tūroa publish their dates closer to winter.
The July school holidays are the busiest time on the slopes. Check the school holiday dates and the long weekends for King's Birthday and Matariki if you'd rather avoid the crowds, or want to make the most of a long weekend. For more, see when to ski in New Zealand.
Choosing a ski area
- First-timers: The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Whakapapa's Happy Valley all have dedicated learner areas with conveyor lifts. See learning to ski or snowboard.
- Intermediates: Tūroa lists 55% of its terrain as intermediate. Cardrona, Mt Hutt and the Queenstown ski areas all have plenty of groomed blue runs.
- Advanced skiers and riders: Treble Cone is known for steep faces and its 4 km groomed run. The Remarkables has freeride chutes, and Cardrona lists 20% of its terrain as expert.
- Park riders: Cardrona, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt and Coronet Peak all run terrain parks.
Getting up the mountain
Access roads are steep alpine roads, and some are unsealed: Mt Hutt's last 14 km, for example. Ski areas generally ask you to carry snow chains, know how to fit them, and check the snow report for road conditions before you leave. Ski buses from Queenstown, Wānaka and Methven, and free shuttles at Cardrona and Treble Cone, save you the drive. See driving to the ski areas.
Staying safe
- Stay inside the ski area boundary unless you're trained and equipped for the backcountry. Check the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory before heading out of bounds.
- Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano. Check GeoNet's volcanic alert level for Ruapehu and follow the ski area's safety information.
- Weather changes fast in the mountains. Lifts and roads close in high winds or heavy snow, so check the ski area's snow report on the day.
Skiing & Snowboarding tips & guides
Driving to the ski areas
Which roads are sealed, where you must carry chains, and the buses and free shuttles that save you the drive.
Read the guideLearning to ski or snowboard in New Zealand
The best ski areas for first-timers, what's in a first-timer package, and what to rent and wear.
Read the guideWhen to ski in New Zealand
Published 2027 season dates, how the season usually runs, and when the slopes are busiest.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
When is the ski season in New Zealand?
The ski season runs through the southern winter, roughly June to October. For 2027, NZSki lists Coronet Peak's full season as 18 June to 3 October, The Remarkables as 19 June to 10 October, and Mt Hutt as 18 June to 10 October. Whakapapa's 2026 season ran from 30 May to 25 October. Opening dates depend on snow, so check each ski area's website.
Which New Zealand ski area is best for beginners?
Most commercial ski areas have dedicated learner terrain. The Remarkables says it has one of the South Island's biggest beginner areas, Coronet Peak has wide beginner areas close to Queenstown, Cardrona has a specialised beginners' area with conveyors, and Whakapapa has Happy Valley, a separate learner zone. Treble Cone is better suited to confident skiers and riders.
Do I need snow chains to drive to a New Zealand ski area?
Usually, yes. Coronet Peak, Cardrona, Treble Cone and Mt Hutt all ask drivers to carry snow chains on the mountain road at all times, and The Remarkables says chains are mandatory. Whakapapa's and Tūroa's roads can be restricted to chains or 4WD on the day. Ski buses and free shuttles avoid the issue.
What is the biggest ski area in New Zealand?
Cardrona says that, since its Soho Basin expansion opened in 2025, it is New Zealand's largest ski resort, with 615 ha of terrain. On Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa lists 550 ha and Tūroa 500 ha.
Can I ski on a volcano in New Zealand?
Yes. Whakapapa and Tūroa are on Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano in Tongariro National Park. Check GeoNet's volcanic alert level for Ruapehu and follow the ski area's safety information before you go.