Skiing & Snowboarding

If you’re after the snowboard or ski holiday of a lifetime then you’ve come to the right place! In wintertime New Zealand’s stunning mountains transform into a winter wonderland and towns like Queenstown, Ohakune and Mt Ruapehu become popular ski resorts.

In New Zealand the seasons occur in reverse of the Northern Hemisphere, which means the ski season runs from June till October (when ski areas in the rest of the world are out of action). With 26 New Zealand ski areas across the North and South Islands – and great powder! – skiers and snowboarders are spoilt for choice. A small population ensures relatively uncrowded slopes even in the best ski areas, and a good snow base and warmer temperatures make spring skiing in New Zealand a big draw-card.

Club ski fields and commercial ski areas cater for all levels and snow sports. Whether you’re after downhill skiing and snowboarding or cross-country skiing and freestyle terrain parks, you’ll find it all on New Zealand’s mountains. In the North Island you can ski an active volcano and, if you want to experience an even bigger thrill, why not try New Zealand heli-skiing in pristine and remote locations?

Buying skis or snowboards and renting ski gear is easy in cities and ski resorts. Most New Zealand ski areas rent ski gear on site. Ski accommodation is available in popular ski resorts like Queenstown, Wanaka, Ohakune and Methven – just a shuttle or bus ride away from the slopes. Some club fields and resorts offer cosy on-field ski accommodation for a range of budgets in mountain chalets and lodges. Accommodation fills up fast in popular ski areas so book your New Zealand ski or snowboard holiday now! For help and inpiration, read up on Planning Your Ski Holiday. Then browse destination-nz.com to book accommodation and transport, and put together your own awesome ski package.

Once you're ready to go on a ski road trip or weekend snow adventure, remember to always check the New Zealand weather forecasts at www.metservice.co.nz before you head out.

Ski & Snowboard Fast Facts

Which NZ ski area to choose? Where to get weather information and mountain forecasts? How much will skiing New Zealand cost? Get all the answers right here.

New Zealand Ski Areas

Ski a live volcano in the North Island or snowboard New Zealand’s largest variety of ski areas in the South Island. Read up on all 26 ski fields and regional information.

Ski & Snowboard Gear Guide

Choosing the right ski gear starts with basic ski clothing and goes all the way to picking from various ski and board styles.

Planning Your Ski Holiday

Find everything from mountain transport and tours to ski packages, activities and mountain accommodation.

New Zealand Heli Skiing

New Zealand offers the ultimate snow adventure for intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders: give NZ heli skiing a try!

Jeff the Kiwi Snow Tips

Prepare for your ski holiday with Jeff the Kiwi’s handy snow tips and ski gear checklist.

Brown Bear Ski & Snowboard New Zealand

This ski and snowboard guide has everything you need to know about skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand. To read the latest on NZ ski areas, mountain transport, ski gear, ski accommodation, winter activities and après-ski nightlife, pick up a copy of Brown Bear Ski & Snowboard New Zealand or go to www.brownbearski.co.nz. On the website you’ll also find blogs with all the latest news about skiing and snowboarding New Zealand.