With New Zealand’s great outdoors laden with stunning mountains, lakes, rivers and incomparable landscapes, who wouldn’t want to explore and have an adventure here, even during winter? Skiing in New Zealand is the quintessential winter activity, especially in Queenstown, the country’s Adventure Capital.
Don’t worry if you’re a beginner or you’re bringing your family or loved ones—there’s a ski experience for all ages and level of adrenaline tolerance! You can take private lessons to kickstart your skiing career, and your little ones can join you! Who knows, maybe the next Olympian is in your family?
There are plenty of ski resorts in New Zealand, specifically in Queenstown and Wanaka, that you can check out, whether you’re a first-timer to skiing or a first-timer in NZ.
Here are the best ski resorts you can check out:
QUEENSTOWN
1. The Remarkables
2. Coronet Peak
Transfers and Packages:
- The Remarkables Ski Pass & Transport Packages
- Transport to The Remarkables Ski Resort
- Coronet Peak Ski Pass & Transport Packages
- Transport to Coronet Peak Ski Resort
WANAKA/CARDRONA
3. Cardrona Alpine Resort Ski
Transfers:
- Cardrona Ski Shuttle from Queenstown or Wanaka
4. Snow Farm New Zealand
5. Treble Cone
QUEENSTOWN
1. The Remarkables
One of the best places to go skiing in New Zealand is Queenstown, and one of the best Queenstown ski resorts is The Remarkables Ski Resort.
Located only 45 minutes away from central Queenstown, it’s a great weekend getaway whether you’re a local or a visitor from out of town. Upon arriving, you’ll be greeted by the most incredible white mountains and various skiing terrains.
If you’re a skiing newbie, there’s nothing to worry about because you can book beginner and intermediate level lessons at The Remarkables. And if you don’t have your equipment yet, you can rent at the resort. Once you learn, you’ll definitely enjoy coming back here to hone your skills and enjoy the thrill of the ride down!
If you want to relax afterwards and have friends and family who aren’t into adrenaline-pumping activities, you can simply ride the lift to get a beautiful view of the resort’s terrain. Then you can head out to warm yourself at the cafés, restaurants, and bars!
2. Coronet Peak
Another great place to ski in Queenstown is Coronet Peak, which is only 25 minutes away from the city centre. When you take the lift, you can see the beautiful terrain all around—the crystal lakes, snowy farmlands and white-frosted mountains.
Considered one of the best Queenstown ski fields, the peak is well-beloved by regulars, first-timers, tourists, and even professional ski teams. You can also take lessons for beginners—and trust us when we say beginner-friendly because even your little ones can learn along with you!
After a day of fun and thrill, you can check out the restaurants, gift shops, and other resort establishments nearby.
Transfers and Packages to Queenstown ski resorts:
The Remarkables Ski Pass & Transport Packages
Are you visiting from out of town, or do you simply want a convenient and hassle-free trip to The Remarkables? Enjoy a roundtrip transfer from Queenstown city proper to The Remarkables, inclusive of a one-day ski pass! You even have the option to rent your skis and equipment!
Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride on the way to the Remarkables! Then you can head out to the slopes and ski your heart away with their 265 hectares of skiable area!
Plus, if you’re staying for more than a day or so, you don’t have to worry about lugging your bulky gear to the resort accommodation! Leave it to our overnight storage service, and you can pick them up at the bus the next day!
Transport to the Remarkables Ski Resort
This is another great transport option to the Remarkables: simply sit back in the comfortable coach (seating guaranteed!) and delight in the convenience of this roundtrip transfer.
The friendly staff will even help you with your ski gear, and you’ll be guided by an English-speaking driver and guide!
Coronet Peak Ski Pass & Transport Packages
With the Coronet Peal Ski Pass & Transport Packages, your ski trip will be nothing but smooth sailing. This package includes a lift/ski pass, roundtrip transport from your Queenstown accommodation, and various equipment and apparel rental packages. You can choose to rent equipment only, equipment plus jacket and pants, equipment plus full apparel, and more!
If you’re making the most out of your ski trip and you’re staying at Coronet Peak overnight, you can leave your equipment to us! We offer overnight storage services, and you can just pick them up at the bust the next morning, free of charge! No need to lug around your bulky equipment to your resort accommodation.
Transport to Coronet Peak Ski Resort
Sit back, relax and ride and style to Coronet Peak with this hassle-free, round-trip transport!
Picking up at various locations and accommodations in Queenstown, you no longer have to worry about your commute. In 25 minutes, you’ll arrive at the resort, ready to ski the day away.
WANAKA/CARDRONA
3. Cardrona Alpine Resort Ski
One of the most popular places to go skiing in New Zealand, Cardrona Alpine Resort boasts of various runs meant for absolute greenhorns to the most advanced of X Games athletes. For the advanced skier, you can even try out their Olympic half-pipes and other park facilities to test your skills and feel the thrill.
If you’re with kids, you can take lessons, or if you prefer to be a bit more laidback, you can simply take on the beautiful white surroundings. Up on the snowy slopes and the lifts, you’ll also get a fantastic view of the resort’s snowy terrain and Wanaka.
Transfers:
Cardrona Ski Shuttle from Queenstown or Wanaka
Whether you’re with a friend, your fam, or going solo, this transfer will take you from Queenstown or Wanaka to Cardrona with ease. And if you’re coming from out of town, you won’t have to figure out how to commute or get there! Simply let the expert driver take you and your loved ones where you need to go.
Just hop on the shuttle and head on out to Cardrona for a memorable ski trip.
4. Snow Farm New Zealand
It’s all about snow and fun at Snow Farm New Zealand, where they have extensive skiing experience from cross country to beginner’s lessons. With their trail passes, you can also explore their groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing.
They also have a Snow Fun Zone where you and the little ones can enjoy some fun snow activities, such as building a snowman, having snowball fights, and even riding a snow tube down a slope! And don’t worry, the hill isn’t of X-Games calibre, but more child friendly!
5. Treble Cone
Want to experience skiing in New Zealand’s largest ski area on the South Island? Then head over to Treble Cone in Wanaka!
There, you can enjoy uncrowded runs, private lessons, astounding views, and even the longest vertical rise from a lift service! You and your loved ones can enjoy the astonishing white scenery as you enjoy the various run and snow activities.
Plus, you can catch some grub after burning all those calories at their fantastic restaurants!
Other fun activities in and around Queenstown and Wanaka:
Now that you know the best places to go skiing in New Zealand, specifically in Queenstown and Wanaka, you can also check out a slew of other fun activities to make your visit even more worthwhile!
1. Shotover Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown
You definitely don’t have to be an Olympian or an X-Games champion for jet boating. No matter your physical capabilities or age, you can enjoy a great ride in the waters of Shotover River.
Feel the wind and the splashes of water as you traverse the river through narrow canyons and boulders at remarkable speeds, and go on 360-degree spins. As you enjoy the ride, you can also delight in the spectacular river-side landscapes before you.
This is definitely an activity you can’t miss at the Adventure Capital of NZ!
2. TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise in Queenstown
TSS Earnslaw is a 107-year-old hand-fired steamship, the only one of its kind, that still carries passengers in the whole Southern Hemisphere! You wouldn’t get this experience anywhere else unless you jet off halfway around the world.
You definitely can’t miss the opportunity to relax aboard this vintage and classic ship and sail past significant landmarks such as The Remarkables (which you may take a skiing trip to), Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak!
3. Skydive in Wanaka
If you want to add some thrill after shredding some snow at the slopes, you can try skydiving at Wanaka!
Hope on a plane and pick whether you want to go 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet into the air! You’ll have an unparalleled view of six lakes, Mt Cook, Southern Alps, and more. Of course, safety is the top priority, as you’ll be guided by the expert instructors before you leap out into the open air.
4. The Nevis Bungy
Another exhilarating and adrenaline-inducing experience is bungy jumping in Nevis, the highest one in the whole of NZ at 143 metres. Feel the wind blow your hair during the thrilling 8.5-second free-fall, and take in as much of the lush greenery as much as you can!
Plus, you’ll even get a complimentary pinafore dress T-shirt to commemorate the experience.
5. Kawarau Bridge Bungy
Another adrenaline paradise in Queenstown is Kawarau Bridge, iconic for being the world’s first bungy jump! No wonder Queenstown is the Adventure Capital of New Zealand!
Jump alone or get the support of a friend or a significant other with the city’s only tandem bungy experience. You can even ask to be able to touch the water below to accelerate the exhilaration! Come alive as you free fall and enjoy the natural sights all around you!
6. Fiord Day Cruise with Underwater Observatory & Kayak Experience in Milford Sound
If you and the fam want to take a break from the adrenaline rush, you can opt for a relaxing nature and wildlife experience, and go on a cruise at Milford Sound!
You’ll be astounded with the beauty that nature has created, from the glimmering waters, the cascading rock formations, and the diverse wildlife. You can even catch a sea lion milling about, so make sure to get your cameras ready!
Oh, and when you book on Klook, you’ll also have access to the underwater observatory, where you can check out the marine wildlife up close! You can even opt to go kayaking so that you can explore the waters at your own pace.
7. Dog Sledding and Helicopter Experience in Queenstown
Fly through the sky—and this time, you won’t be free-falling! Hop on a helicopter and marvel at the snowy mountains of Queenstown from above. You’ll be landing at Snow Farm, while a furry team will take you dog sledding! Yes—you’ll be able to interact with the doggos! Feel free to pet and hug them, and get real friendly with the team that will take you through Snow Farm’s scenic trails.
After a fun, furry adventure, the helicopter will take you back to Queenstown for another exhilarating scenic ride.