Winter ushers in the thriving New Zealand ski season, as the majestic mountains and fields are coated with snow and locals and tourists alike flock to the world-class New Zealand ski resorts. Athletes, friends, and families gear up to feel the rush at the snowy slopes. And what’s a ski trip without a ride on the ski lift, or snowball fight with the family, or some warm hot choco?
For many, skiing and spending time in the snowy mountains are staples of their winter experience. If you’re just getting into skiing for the first time, then don’t fret. Skiing in New Zealand happens to be the best way to start!
There are several ski resorts, equipment rentals, transports, and passes you can check out for your first skiing experience. And we know that equipment can be one of the most intimidating aspects of beginning your skiing journey, but we’ve got you covered with the best rentals in town to make your experience easier! You can even take lessons for beginners to kick start your skiing experience!
Insider tip: Klook offers several packages that let you book passes, rentals, and transport in one go and with discounted rates! If you want to save yourself the extra effort of renting and booking from different sources, you can definitely try these offers!
BEST PLACES TO LEARN TO SKI IN NEW ZEALAND
There are plenty of great resorts and ski fields to go skiing in New Zealand. To help you plan your first skiing trip, here’s a list of the best ski experiences, transfers, rentals, and other New Zealand snow season activities you can try:
1. Cardrona ski experience for beginners
Ski down the scopes of Cardrona. Image credits @cardronanz on Instagram
One of the best places to have your first experience skiing in New Zealand is Cardrona Alpine Resort, a resort near Queenstown well-loved by all walks of skiers. 50% of the runs in the resort are designed for beginner and intermediate skiers, and they also offer available lessons. No prior skiing experience is required!
Once you start learning, you’ll definitely want to keep coming back. The resort offers an array of activities and equipment rentals that will make your entire ski experience a breeze. Who knows, you could soon be flexing on their Olympic halfpipe!
How do I get get to Cardrona?
Have an easy trip from Queenstown or Wanaka to Cardrona with this shuttle service
If you’re visiting from out of town or simply want a convenient trip to Cardrona from Queenstown or Wanaka, then you should definitely try this ski shuttle. They pick up from several points in Queenstown and Wanaka, so you can hop on wherever is near and convenient to you.
Once you get to Cardrona, then the fun begins!
2. Learn to ski at Coronet Peak
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, you’ll love Coronet Peak! Image credits @coronetpeak on Instagram
Get everything you need for a fun and hassle-free ski experience at Coronet Peak with this ski pass, transport and equipment package!
Choose between several equipment options, from renting just the equipment, just the clothes, a combination of both, and more. Choose whichever package suits you best. With this, you can simply board the shuttle service, gear up, and enjoy the 280 hectares of skiable terrain at the resort that are great for beginners who are learning to ski for the first time!
How do I get to Coronet Peak Ski Resort?
Getting to Coronet Peak is a breeze with this transport package!
Did you know that Coronet Peal is only 25 minutes away from Queenstown city proper? No wonder it’s a hit among locals and tourists, it’s very convenient to visit!
You can make your trip even more convenient with this round-trip transport service from various Queenstown pick-up points! Simply go to the pick-up point most convenient to you, or even from your accommodation, and hop aboard the shuttle that will take you to a winter wonderland!
3. The Remarkables beginner ski lessons
Enjoy a hassle-free trip to the Remarkables, inclusive of a ski pass!
Book your transport, ski passes, and even equipment with The Remarkables Ski Pass & Transport Packages. Pre-book your gear rental and hop on the comfortable coach that will take you from your accommodation to the ski resort.
Once you get there, all you have to do is gear up and enjoy the 266 hectares of the skiable area! With space that big, you’ll definitely have a lot of elbow room to learn at your own pace.
After a fun day of skiing, you can enjoy the restaurant, bar and cafe.
How do I get to the Remarkables Ski Resort?
No need to figure out how to get to the Remarkables; we got you covered!
Queenstown is a popular destination to go skiing in New Zealand, with its thriving ski culture and excellent resorts. One of the best places to ski in Queenstown is The Remarkables, with its remarkable (see what we did there?) ski fields and snowy terrain.
The easiest way you can travel to The Remarkables is through this convenient, comfortable transfer on a coach. You’ll be picked up from your Queenstown accommodation, and you’ll be at the snowy mountains without the hassle and within 40 minutes!
BEST PLACES TO RENT SKI EQUIPMENT IN NEW ZEALAND
4. Browns Ski Shop Equipment Rental
Rent your gear at this cosy-looking shop. Image credits @brownsskishop on Instagram
If you’re new to skiing in New Zealand, chances are you don’t have any gear yet, especially if you’re coming from abroad. Luckily, Browns Ski Shop Equipment Rental in Queenstown has all your skiing essentials, from skis, poles, boots, jackets, and more.
If you’re going to ski with your kids, you’ll be happy to know that kids under the age of 10 can get free ski, boots, and helmet rentals with every adult that rents. Plus, they have delivery and pick-up to make transporting your equipment easier!
Getting geared up for the Queenstown ski season is as easy as pie!
5. Greentoad Equipment Rental
Image credits @greentoad_rentals on Instagram
Another great choice for ski equipment rental in Queenstown and Wanaka is Greentoad, where you can rent all your necessary gear such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and more. They even offer discounts for kids 15 years old and below!
BEST SNOW AND WINTER ACTIVITIES IN NEW ZEALAND
Skiing in New Zealand is definitely a must-try experience, but there are also a bunch of other fun activities you can try to make your winter trip even more memorable! Here are other fun and exciting snow activities you can try:
6. Go snowshoeing and tubing at Snow Farm’s Winter Fun Zone
It’s all about snow, ski, and fun at Snow Farm New Zealand. Image credits @snowfarm_nz on Instagram
Snow Farm in Wanaka is a winter wonderland for all ages. You can go snowshoeing (and yes, you can rent the snowshoes at their facility!) and explore Pisa Range, a great place to go snow skiing.
You can also check out their Snow Fun Zone, which offers fun for the whole family! You can go snow tubing, build a snowman, make snow angels and have a friendly snowball fight!
7. Go snowshoeing and heli-hiking with the help of Queenstown Mountain Guides
Explore remote parts of snowy mountains and go snowshoeing or heli-hiking. Image credits @queenstownmountainguides on Instagram
Snowshoeing and heli-hiking are great activities to try during the New Zealand winter. Through this activity, you can explore untouched parts of the NZ backcountry and snowy, sloped mountains.
With heli-hiking, you’ll be whisked away to remote parts of the mountain that can’t be accessed otherwise. You’ll be well-protected by the safety gear and by the expert guides from Queenstown Mountain Guides. So make sure you bring your sense of adventure and exploration!
8. Go on a Treble Cone Backcountry Day Tour
Treble Cone’s backcountry has trails that are great for beginners! Image credits @aspiring_guides on Instagram
Explore the snowy trails of the backcountry of Treble Cone, the largest ski area in New Zealand’s South Island. With the Treble Cone Backcountry Day Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to access its various terrains that are great for beginners and experts.
You’ll be guided along the way, so don’t worry if it’s your first time! Once you try, you’ll definitely want to keep coming back!
9. Snowshoe experience at Pisa and the Remarkables
Snowshoeing is a great alternative to skiing for first-timers to experience the snow. Off the beaten track, away from the ski fields with great views and the gentle terrain of Pisa and the Remarkables. This experience is ideal if you are seeking a rewarding scenic snow experience away from the crowds.
10. Dog Sledding and Helicopter Experience in Queenstown
You should definitely dog sledding in Queenstown!
Make some furry friends and go on the rides of your life because, with this unique Queenstown experience, you won’t just ride a helicopter to Snow Farm, you’ll also be meeting the dogs who’ll take you dog sledding!
Marvel at the beauty of the snow-covered landscape from the sky and hop on a fur-powered sled. And yes, for you dog lovers out there, you can pet the dogs.
After that, you’ll be whisked back to town via helicopter again, making the journey home still as fun and exciting as the whole trip!
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