Getting around New Zealand – and up to the mountains – is easy. For maximum independence, rent a car, and if you’re heading up to the fields, make sure you have chains, and you’ve practiced using them.

For economy, the environment, and a social experience, get on board a bus or shuttle. Top carparks can fill up fast, and every single ski area and club field has a shuttle option to get you from the bottom to the top without having to navigate the sometimes-sketchy mountain roads yourself.

Self drive

You can drive your own vehicle to the fields, or rent a car. Most of the major car hire companies have desks at airports, ferry terminals and city depots throughout the country. Check the conditions of the access roads before you go – each ski field decides day-to-day whether all cars, only 4WDs or only cars with chains are allowed to drive up. Chain hire is readily accessible throughout the country.

Many of the smaller fields have narrow, icy access roads. If you’re not a confident winter driver, consider catching a shuttle – for most fields, you can park at the bottom of the access road and catch the shuttle up. 

Mountain shuttles

Even if you don't have a car, you won't be left out in the cold with the great transport options on offer. Get a ride on a local snow shuttle – some operators will pick you up from your accommodation, and other great-value options depart from a central pick-up point in town. It’s not just the big mountains that have transport options – many of the clubbies also run shuttle services.

Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand