NZ Ski Fields

Christchurch's closest ski area at just 89km away, with a short, easy access road make this a favourite. Whatever your ability, you’ll feel right at home at Porters. We’ve got gentle runs and easy lifts for beginners and kids, long cruising runs for the intermediates, and super challenging terrain for advanced skiers and riders. The Porters Community Park also offers a challenge for the more adventurous, and a great platform to progress your freestyle skills.  There is a Beginners Carpet lift, an Intermediate Platter lift, a 4 Seater Chair lift and 3 T-bar lifts.  FOR THE KIDS - Kids Programmes - for all ages - Special programmes include Holiday Snow Fun, Sunday Specials and Junior Ski School.

The terrain is a series of rolling bowls with awesome runs to challenge all levels of snowboarders and skiers, beginner to expert. The surrounding basins provide superb untracked 'back country' terrain for the more adventurous. Broken River is administered by the Broken River Ski Club. It offers an alternative to skiers and snowboarders who are looking to experience back to basics fun in the snow. There are 2 learner tows and 3 high-speed tows. Everyone is welcome at Broken River, although some previous experience in the snow is an advantage. Accommodation available at the ski field. NOTE: The Broken River field is accessed by a 4 minute Tramway that carries you and your gear to the ticket office, or, you can also choose to walk-in (20-30 minutes) through gorgeous beech forest and have only your gear sent on the service lift.

Turoa is the highest ski area in New Zealand, but the road is fully sealed, two way, and suitable for campervans. 9 lifts gives access to 1200 acres of patrolled terrain and our longest run is 4km! Like Whakapapa, the beginner area at Turoa (Alpine Meadow), is separate to the main ski area so beginners can learn in a safe environment. However, strong skiers and boarders aren’t neglected…we have a huge variety of terrain, from open runs to gullies and cliffs. Lift passes are valid at both Whakapapa and Turoa. Turoa Yeti Kids' Centre is a fully licensed childcare facility for children 2-5 years. Children 4 years and under ski free.

Mt Lyford is one of New Zealand’s first true alpine developments. This field is a favourite with families as it has great facilities for learners and a variety of challenging runs for the more experienced. Snowboarding is catered for with the ‘Wild Ride’ terrain park and a great natural half-pipe, as well as tubing and tobogganing areas. There is 1 T-bar, 2 platter lifts, a 180m fixed grip and one advanced rope tow. The Terako Day Lodge has a cafe and ski/snowboard hire.  Kids 6 years and under ski free.

Known as “New Zealand’s largest off piste ski area”, this is not a beginners’ field. Suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers only. Steep narrow chutes, wide open powder bowls, un-crowded runs or just a place to take it easy in the awesome vista of the Craigieburn Range. Craigieburn Valley has all this and more for intermediate to advanced off-piste enthusiasts. Lodge accommodation with bar at the ski field.

The second closest ski area to Christchurch (90 minutes drive), Mt Cheeseman offers open, rolling terrain and great beginner and intermediate slopes making this a good family and learners’ field. There is Lodge accommodation at the ski field (Snowline Lodge - ski in/ski out) and the mountain has a sunny aspect with groomed runs and off-piste terrain catering for all abilities.  There are two T-bar lifts which provide access to the whole mountain; and a learners’ rope tow in a dedicated learners’ area.

Tukino is a club ski field, operated and maintained by club members. The Tukino slopes are sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds and the field is often operating in clear weather when the rest of the mountain is blanketed in cloud. The field offers predominantly beginner and intermediate terrain and the wide slopes are crowd free, making it a great family option. Tukino offers ski lessons for anyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Lessons are customized to take advantage of the local terrain and cater to the individual or group needs.