Ski New Zealand

Make New Zealand your Ski destination this winter!

A winter vacation in New Zealand offers breath-taking scenery, arguably the longest ski season in Australasia and an affordable vacation for all. A winter ski vacation is awesome fun and in New Zealand there is something for everyone, from the most avid skier and rider to beginners.

Air New Zealand offer a vast range of accommodation, on and off mountain activities, rental cars and more - book with Air New Zealand today for your one stop ski vacation shop.

North Island

Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's oldest National Park and a dual World Heritage area where snow-capped Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu (an active volcano) and Mt Ngāuruhoe rise majestically from the central volcanic plateau.

The National Park is a truly unique place to visit - the combination of magnificent tussock mountain scenery and plentiful, reliable snow falls makes the National Park a buzzing hub of activity over the luscious snow-laden winter months for ski and board enthusiasts from around New Zealand and the world. The villages supporting both sides of the mountain, National Park Village and Whakapapa Village to the East, and Ohakune to the West, have a good range of places to eat and sleep, to enjoy the après ski vibe.

People are here for a good time - discovering the secrets of the volcanic wilderness and experiencing where adventure happens. Once in National Park there are plenty of local shuttles to get you to and from Whakapapa or Tūroa ski areas or hire a car and some chains and drive yourself up!

Approximate driving times

To 

Whakapapa 

From Auckland 

4 hours

From Wellington

4 hours 45 minutes 

From Taupō

1 hour 20 minutes


To 

Tūroa

From Auckland 

4.5 hours 

From Wellington

4 hours 15 minutes

From Taupō

2 hours 6 minutes


South Island

The South Island is home to the magnificent Southern Alps. This wonderful mountain range dominates the landscape and is home to a host of ski fields including Mt Hutt located at the foot of the Alps. Mt Hutt is devoted to its laid back and genuine kiwi atmosphere. The breathtaking views on a clear day stretch across the patch-worked Canterbury Plains all the way from the Pacific Ocean to Aoraki Mt Cook.

Dubbed the "Southern Hemisphere's premier winter destination," Queenstown - further south - is a haven for skiers and snowboarders and those that just love the après ski atmosphere. There are two key ski fields nearby - The Remarkables and Coronet Peak - and the likes of Treble Cone, and Cardrona are a short drive away nearer to Wanaka.

Whilst the character of each field is very different, they are all framed against stunning scenic backdrops. Queenstown or Wanaka equally are ideal hubs for your New Zealand winter ski or board holiday. Ski shuttles and mountain transport in Queenstown can get you to and from all major ski fields or hire a car and some chains and drive yourself up!

Approximate driving times

To 

Mt Hutt

From Christchurch

1.5 hours 

From Queenstown 

From Wanaka


To 

The Remarkables 

From Christchurch

From Queenstown 

45 minutes 

From Wanaka

1 hour 15 minutes


To 

Coronet Peak

From Christchurch

From Queenstown 

20 minutes

From Wanaka

1 hour 10 minutes


To 

Treble Cone

From Christchurch

From Queenstown 

1.5 hours

From Wanaka

30 minutes


To 

Cardrona

From Christchurch

From Queenstown 

1 hour

From Wanaka

35 minutes