NZ Ski Fields

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.

Mt Dobson has been providing skiing and snowboarding pleasure to thousands of people for many years. With regular snowfalls on its peaks and across the wide open slopes, Mt Dobson offers a fun skiing and snowboarding experience for everyone. From the well-groomed slopes for the beginners & intermediates, through to the soft and smooth powder that will test the best. Mt Dobson offers a challenge for all levels of skiers and boarders. Largest, sunniest beginner/intermediate slope in New Zealand, natural snow, sunny, 3km wide basin with 14 runs, school programmes and beginners packages.

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.

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.

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.

Roundhill Ski Area is situated in the heart of the Mackenzie Country and provides the perfect setting for a relaxing day skiing or snowboarding on our gentle, undulating hill. There is a great beginners area where learners and little ones can enjoy our platter lift and 2 beginners rope tows; whilst our 2 T-Bars give access to loads of wide, perfectly groomed intermediate trails with lots of natural dips and curves making for fun and interesting skiing and riding. Roundhill is perfect for families, there is also parking right on the slope - so no need to haul all that gear!  You can watch the little ones fly past from the comfort of your deck chair! Whether on our access road, the learner platter, or the T-bar, you and your children are on the safest ski area in the country! Children 5 & under ski free.