Skiing in New Zealand

[loukkcat]

Where's good to ski in New Zealand? Will probably go for 3-4 days in August. We will range from complete beginners to advanced (probably four of us). Is it expensive? Thanks

[luvNZ]

Hi loukkcat

Will you be heading to the North Island or the South Island? The best (or rather, the most) skiing occurs in the South Island around Queenstown and Wanaka. However, if you arrived on an international flight into Christchurch and didn't want to spend time driving or flying elsewhere, there are a number of ski areas, ranging from small, club fields to large, public fields, that are accessible as a day trip from Christchurch.

For prices, you'd be best to visit the website of each individual ski area as they vary greatly. Or check out the ski area comparison guide on the site in my signature.

Some names for you to google:
Coronet Peak
Treble Cone
The Remarkables
(those are all in the Queenstown region, South Island)
Cardrona (wanaka, South Island)

Mount Hutt
Mount Lyford (this has quite good facilities if you've got a range of levels to cater for)
Porters (used to be Porter Heights)
(these are all in the Christchurch/Canterbury region, South Island)

Turoa
Whakapapa
(both of which come under the 'Mt Ruapehu ski area' name. They're in the North island)

All the ski areas have different levels of facilities, but again, visiting their websites will tell you what they offer. Or try skidealsnz.com

Have a great trip!
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[edachsund]

For a beginner, I guess Mount Hut is approachable. I was there last June. It's awesome!
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[nuttakorn]

I have found this comparison table from this website,

http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/ski-area-comparison/

They have useful information for you to decide which place is suitable for you.
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[volatire]

The Remarkables in Queenstown are OK, the view is great but the ski fields are a bit small...
Cordrona is better (lots of snow)
You can also go to the snow park if you wanna party and make some jumps.
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[raven]

[yougodo]

Here's some useful resources for skiing / snowboarding (mainly in the South Island)...

The big commercial mountains:
www.nzski.com

Smaller club fields:
www.chillout.co.nz

Various other resources from our web site (ski fields, parks, heli-skiing, etc.):
www.yougodo.com/Search.aspx?c=45&cc=NZ
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[snowrat]

I enjoyed Mt Hutt lots, but for more options you could base yourself in Queenstown or Wanaka (less busy) and have several different ski resorts nearby
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[caino]

l done Mnt Hutt as well had a great time !!

Snow was fantastic!!

Queenstown is pretty awesome as well!
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[kiwisine]

Have skied here for 10 years

Treble Cone - Steeper terrain for the more advanced, fantastic now they have opened up lifts on the Saddle Basin, nice and high and often great snow.
Cardrona - Loads of mellow and intermediate terrain for all abilities, as they say 'higher and drier' which means usually good reliable natural snow. Great Pizzas in Captains Basin!.
Corronet Peak - Awesome when its good and the whole mountain becomes packed with good winter snow, loads of excellent intermediate terrain.
Remarkables - Very good for begginers, whilst advance skiers take a while to discover the many secrets requiring some exploring and hiking but sure does reward those who do.

And if coming from Christchurch plan for a day or two at Ohau Lodge on the way and ski the club field at Lake Ohau - one very long lift, awesome views, no queues and often some great off piste skiing.

[John_from_Eurapart]

Hi kiwisine,
You appear to be one of the original members from here. The Introductions post came about well after you joined so perhaps you can Introduce yourself there.
I am not a skier but a snowboarder so Snow Park NZ would interest me as well as lots of untracked powder.
How good is the park and what are the opportunities for shredding powder in NZ?
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[nztravel]

It's got to be Queenstown. It's located south of Christchurch abt 7 hours drive. There are 2 fantastic ski resorts in Queenstown, the Coronet Peak and the Remarkables.
The Remarkables is perfect for families and beginners and is regarded as the best place to learn to ski for both adults and children.
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[johnny_mac]

Sounds like it came from a movie: The Remarkables.
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