A warning to the uninitiated – you won't find any chairlifts, gondolas, grooming, snow-making, or fine dining at Craigieburn.

What it does offer is a friendly club atmosphere, an environmentally responsible approach to skiing and snowboarding, and ready access to some of the best off-piste skiing terrain in the world.

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

If you are an advanced or expert rider then Craigieburn is your holy grail, with steep narrow chutes, wide-open powder bowls and uncrowded runs. Craigieburn also offers some of the most readily-accessible side-country for touring or hiking. You can traverse from Cragieburn to Broken River, although you will need to be equipped with a beacon, probe and shovel (and know how to use them) to get there. The field’s two lodges, Koroheke and Matuhi, are set amongst native beech forest at the base of the field and accommodation prices include bed, breakfast and dinner.

Quick Facts

• Where 110km from Christchurch
• Ski & board Largest off-piste area in New Zealand
• Season July – early October
• Access road 6km unsealed, carry chains, shuttles available
• Ratings Beginner 0%, intermediate 55%, advanced 45%

Essentials

• Highest point 1922m
• Vertical Over 500m
• Skiable area 400ha
• Lifts 3 x high-capacity nutcracker rope tows
• Lift passes $95 adults, $35 kids, discounts for students, under 13s and over 70s
• On-field ski/snowboard hire No
• Tuition Yes
• Package deals All-inclusive packages include lift passes, lessons, accommodation, dinner and breakfast (5 nights or more)
• On-field accommodation Yes

craigieburn.co.nz