NZ Ski Fields

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.

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.

Just over 2 hours from Christchurch, surrounded by mountains, it could be another world away. Hanmer Springs Ski Area is situated on Mt. St. Patrick and is an easy 40 minutes drive from the alpine thermal holiday resort of Hanmer Springs. In a good season with lots of snow there is some fabulous skiing. The ski runs cater for all stages of skiers, but especially anyone of intermediate grade who'll literally discover a mountain of fun! While all the main runs are groomed there's still plenty of virgin snow left for the experts and the more adventurous to enjoy. Lodge accommodation available at the ski field.

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.

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.

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.

Temple Basin offers a great variety of terrain spread over four separate basins. There are gentle slopes for complete beginners, adrenalin-pumping challenges for the expert, and everything in between. Floodlit slopes make night skiing a pleasure and if you haven’t tried it, go! Skiing at night is a unique and surreal experience! Lodge accommodation at the ski field.
NOTE: The Temple Basin field is foot access only!  The car park is beside State Highway 73, 4kms west of the Arthur's Pass Village. From it a well defined walking track takes you up to the Lodges and the Field. The walk takes 45 minutes in good conditions. A free baggage lift carries your gear up for you.