NZ Ski Fields

Rainbow Ski Area captures regular winter snow, which is enhanced by its snowmaking and grooming throughout the night so you can have the best day's skiing and boarding. The wide uncrowded slopes and well groomed trails provide superb terrain for beginners and intermediates while advanced skiers can challenge themselves in the high powder runs and chutes. There is 1 Main T-Bar, 1 Intermediate Platter, 1 Learners tow, 1 Terrain Park tow, 1 West Bowl access tow. Overlooking Nelson Lakes National Park with its extensive beech forest and beautiful Lake Rotoiti, the views from the top of the T-bar are spectacular. Group or private lessons available for those ages 7 upwards.

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.

Just 17km off the main highway between Christchurch and the Southern Lakes, this is a family-owned, very friendly field with consistent snow. You can arrange accommodation at the Ohau Lodge at the bottom of the access road (bookings advised) or in nearby Twizel or Omarama. There are two learners areas, intermediate runs, plus fantastic powder skiing for those prepared for a little hiking! FOR THE KIDS check out the - Mountain Goats beginners program. Children 5 years and under ski free.

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 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.

Whakapapa, on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu, is New Zealand’s largest developed ski area. There are 30 groomed trails and a huge variety of off-piste areas which intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders will love. Happy Valley is a complete learners’ area that is separate to the main ski area so beginners can progress in a safe environment, and this area also has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. Private or group children's lessons are available, but childcare is not. However Turoa Ski Area (nearby) provides Mt Ruapehu's on snow childcare facilities. For non-skiers who don’t want to miss out on playing in the snow they have a tobogganing and tubing area for your sliding pleasure! Lift passes are valid at both Whakapapa and Turoa.

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.