Great Slopes to Go Skiing in New Zealand in August

With its majestic mountain ranges, the jaw-dropping Southern Alps and awe-inspiring scenery, New Zealand has long been one of the world’s best ski destinations. With famous resorts like Cardrona in Wanaka, Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu, and Coronet Peak in Queenstown, the list goes on. So, what’s it like skiing in New Zealand? We’ve put together a detailed list of ski resorts, the best time of year to plan your trip and other tips to explore the snow sports scene New Zealand has to offer.

Best place to ski in New Zealand South Island

Whether you’re a beginner, or interested in heli-skiing or cross-country skiing, you’ll find a ski resort in the South Island that suits your skill level.

The Remarkables

Queenstown

If you ask any Kiwi where the best place to ski in New Zealand in the South Island, the answer is usually Queenstown. It’s the first destination that comes to mind when you think about skiing in New Zealand, and with good reason. There’re also shuttle buses that run every 15-30 minutes to the ski fields and back.

While The Remarkables may not be the biggest ski field in New Zealand, it’s definitely the one with the greatest views. The slopes are nice and wide, making it perfect for kids and beginners to practice their turns and stops. With its friendly atmosphere, north-facing slopes and high altitude, there’s something for everyone, including the pro skiers skiing the black diamond runs.

Coronet Peak

Queenstown

Just 20 minutes away from Queenstown, Coronet Peak is the locals’ favourite spot to carve down the slopes. We’d recommend avoiding going during the weekend if you don’t like crowds or aren’t so good at your turns. This is one of the best places for night skiing in New Zealand. Night skiing starts at 4pm and ends at 9pm every Wednesday and Friday until the end of the season. So, come a bit early and check out the epic sunsets overlooking Queenstown before carving down the floodlit trails with your friends and family.

Mt Hutt Ski Resort

Christchurch

Just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch, Mt Hutt Ski Resort has one of the longest vertical drops in the South Island and offers wide open terrain for skiers of all ability levels. On fine days, you can see across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean. But because of the steep slopes, it can get very windy at Mt Hutt.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, Kiwi winter holiday, then Mt Hutt is a no-brainer for you and your family.

Mt Lyford

Hanmer Springs

Mt Lyford ski field is one of the best kept secrets amongst the local skiers. Most of the time, the slopes are empty, offering that laid-back vibe of a club field (even though this is a commercial ski resort). When a south-easterly storm hits, Mt Lyford is the perfect place for powder skiing that no other ski fields in New Zealand can beat. If you’re looking for a club field, you might want to check out Hanmer Springs Ski Area, which boasts a truly unique grassroots snow experience.

Best place to ski in New Zealand North Island

Ready to carve up the freshies down Mt Ruapehu or flip some rotations on the half-pipe and rails? Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano and is the home to two unique ski fields, Whakapapa and Tūroa, and a small club field, Tūkino.

Whakapapa

Mt Ruapehu

Whakapapa is great for everyone, boasting the most amazing natural terrains with tonnes of natural jumps, wide groomed trails, huge bowls, steep chutes, and secrete powder stashes. The beginner’s slope, Happy Valley, is safely separated from the advanced trails. Take the longest gondola ride, Sky Waka, and journey through the clouds and snow (don’t worry, you can take the gondola ride back down to the base if you don’t want to ski down). On a clear day, you’ll enjoy not just the spectacular landscapes of Whakapapa but also will be able to see Mt Tongariro on the other side.

Tūroa Ski Field

Mt Ruapehu

Tūroa sits on the southwestern slopes of Mt Ruapehu and has a more challenging terrain than the neighbouring Whakapapa. Explore the natural gullies, bowls and groomed open runs, and practice your tricks and flips on the flat boxes, half-pipes, and rails. There’s a little something for everyone, so it can get quite busy during the weekends.

When can you ski in New Zealand?

Ski seasons normally begin from mid to late June and finish in October in the South Island. If you go skiing in New Zealand in August, you might be lucky to see snowfalls, especially if you’re in the South Island. The North Island’s ski seasons on Mt Ruapehu typically start and finish a little later. If you live in the North Island and can’t wait for the snow to cap the mountains, pack your gears and head down south to check out the great ski resorts and parks in Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wanaka.

Accommodation around the ski fields and resorts

Before arriving at your chosen destination, don’t forget to book your accommodation early. Finding accommodation in Queenstown, Christchurch, Taupo and Hanmer Springs during the ski season, especially during the school holidays, can be a bit of a nightmare.

• Silver Fern Lodge – Hit the slopes at Whakapapa or Tūroa during the day and retreat to Silver Fern Lodge at night. Located 90 mins drive from Whakapapa and 2 hours’ drive from Tūroa, the Silver Fern Lodge makes the perfect accommodation in Taupo for anyone looking to spend a couple of days enjoying the snow and all the adventures Taupo has to offer.
• Parkview on Hagley – If you’re looking for somewhere cosy to unwind after a big day on Mt Hutt, then Parkview on Hagley is the place for you. Located in the heart of the city and overlooking Hagley Park, it is the perfect base for skiing at its best in Christchurch.
• Hanmer Springs Retreat – Have a fantastic skiing trip and enjoy the convenience of staying at Hanmer Springs Retreat while you relax and re-energise. Dine in at the in-house Five Stags restaurant and have a glass of beer by the fireplace.
• Queenstown accommodation – Located right in the town centre and next to Lake Wakatipu, you’re spoilt with choice when it comes to choosing Queenstown accommodation. The Lofts Apartments, Lakeside Motel and Lakefront Apartments & Lodges offer a range of accommodation for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts of all budgets. Check out the best après ski venues and activities in Queenstown and unwind with a beverage in hand.

Don’t wait until the snow melts! Book your snow pass, flights, and accommodation today at VR Hotels & Suites. Remember to bring or hire your skis and check out shuttle bus schedules if you aren’t planning to drive.