Luxury New Zealand Snow Packages: Planning Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

Our luxury New Zealand snow packages take you to some of the best ski fields in the southern hemisphere.

Hit the slopes at New Zealand’s top ski resorts, including:

• The Remarkables
• Coronet Peak
• Cardrona Alpine Resort
• Treble Cone

In addition, carve your signature in fresh powder with a heli skiing adventure.

Stay at sumptuous luxury lodges or 5-star hotels, and spend your free days experiencing the best of the Queenstown Lakes region.

Read on for answers to frequently asked questions on skiing in New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions on New Zealand Snow Packages

What is skiing like in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, snow rarely falls as low as towns. Therefore, you must drive up steep roads into the mountains to access the ski fields. There are no trees at New Zealand ski fields, and they tend to be smaller than their counterparts in the US and Canada. However, the steep climb offers excellent views back down toward the ski towns; New Zealand ski resorts offer some of the best views in the world.

Can you ski all year round in New Zealand?

No–the New Zealand ski fields are only open during the southern hemisphere winter, typically from mid-June through mid-October. However, avid skiers can combine New Zealand skiing with northern hemisphere skiing for a year-round snow experience.

What is the ski season in New Zealand?

Most New Zealand ski fields open by late June and close around late September. However, some open as early as the first week of June and remain open as late as mid-October. Cardrona Alpine Resort typically has the longest season. Of course, the ski fields are dependent on snowfall and weather to open.

What is the best time to ski in New Zealand?

• June–if you want good deals, quiet slopes, and the Queenstown Winterfest
• August–for the most reliable snow
• September–for warm weather in town and spring snow conditions

What months does it snow in NZ?

On the South Island, snow can fall at any time of year. Typically, snow appears for the first time around April and melts away by November. However, snow rarely sticks around until June or July. In addition, the Queenstown Lakes region receives the occasional snow in January, in the height of summer.

Where do you ski in New Zealand?

Apart from small club ski fields, most New Zealand skiing is in these four regions:

• Queenstown
• Wanaka
• Mt Hutt
• Mt Ruapehu (the only North Island ski fields)

These are major ski resort regions with excellent facilities and ski infrastructure.

Where is the best place to ski in New Zealand?

• Best ski field for families and beginners: Cardrona Alpine Resort
• Best ski field for advanced skiers and snowboarders: Treble Cone
• Cheapest ski field: Mt Hutt
• Most famous ski field: The Remarkables

Since Queenstown and Wanaka are located just an hour apart, each offering a ski pass valid at two ski resorts, we recommend spending your ski holiday in this region and sampling all four top New Zealand ski fields.

Where is the best snow in NZ?

Cardrona Alpine Resort offers the most reliable snow cover. With sheltered slopes and excellent snow-making capacities, Cardrona usually opens by the expected season start date.

Treble Cone is less reliable. However, this ski field receives more snow than any other New Zealand ski field, so Treble Cone is your best chance of a powder day.

Which ski resort is best for beginners?

Cardrona Alpine Resort, near Wanaka, New Zealand, is perfect for beginners. You will find wide open beginner slopes, plenty of easy and intermediate terrain, and flexible lesson plans to match any schedule. Both adults and children of all ages will find it easy to master skiing at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

Where should I stay when skiing in Queenstown?

The two closest Queenstown ski fields are located in opposite directions, each within a 45-minute drive of the town centre. We recommend staying downtown or on the outskirts of town, where you will have easy access to both ski fields.

Can you stay on the mountain in Queenstown?

Cardrona Alpine Resort offers the only on-mountain accommodation in New Zealand. However, these apartments book up months in advance, so your chances of securing one are low. In addition, there is nothing other than the ski field facilities up at Cardron Alpine Resort. Therefore, most travelers choose to stay in either Wanaka or Queenstown.

What is there to do in Queenstown if you don’t ski?

Queenstown offers a fantastic range of activities for non-skiers. Some top options include:

• The Skyline Gondola and Luge
• The TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak High Country Farm Tour
• Wine Tours
• Helicopter Flights
• Lord of the Rings Tours
• Adrenaline Activities–Jet-Boating, Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, Canyon Swings
• Kiwi Birdlife Park
• Onsen Hot Pools

Which is better, Queenstown or Wanaka?

Queenstown is a bustling ski hub with a resort town vibe. Meanwhile, Wanaka is quieter and more suited for families. Both towns are set beside lakes, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. The best town depends on your preferences.

Many New Zealand snow packages include a stay in both towns so you can sample the best of the Southern Lakes ski region.

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As you begin planning your New Zealand ski holiday, browse our luxury ski itineraries.

We also offer a wide range of ski holidays through our New Zealand Ski Packages brand.