The Southern Lakes ski fields are superb. One in particular has wonderful, safe, open terrain that puts it in a category of the best family ski fields in the world. Cardrona is a top shelf skiing and boarding experience, and everyone can have a great time here. Introduce a beginner to these smooth rolling slopes and after several days of lessons.
Classic cross-country skiing is now firmly established in New Zealand with the advent of the Southern Hemisphere’s first all mountain terrain park. Waiorau Snow Farm on Otago’s Pisa Range lies directly across the valley from the Cardrona Ski Field.
Queenstown ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’, takes pride of place as our best winter wonderland. Right on its doorstep are glistening snow slopes, and a hundred different adventure options from heli-skiing to jet boating and bungee jumping.
The snow-capped serrated peaks of the Remarkables Range rise majestically above Queenstown. The scene is breathtaking. So too is the spectacular setting of the Remarkables ski field, a true alpine environment just 45 minutes drive from Queenstown.
The biggest and steepest ski field in the South Island has a commanding position in the Southern Alps, and in the hearts of New Zealand’s skiing fraternity. The name, ‘Treble Cone’, conjures up vivid images of ‘Ski Heaven’ - epic views, natural half pipes, big mountain chutes and powder.
The symmetrical volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki (also called Mt Egmont) rises dramatically above the plain, thrusting up its snow-capped peak as a beacon to snow lovers. Manganui ski field sprawls over the eastern flanks of this silent sentinel, offering the sort of spine-tingling volcanic-slope skiing that pushes the pulse rate to the max.
One of New Zealand’s most challenging club fields has achieved cult status among our advanced skiers due to its steepness, deepness and cheapness. This field is uniquely devoid of any slopes that would form a comfort zone for the novice skier. Craigieburn Valley ski field nestles under the steep face of a prominent mountain in the Craigieburn Range called Hamilton Peak.
North Canterbury boasts a beautiful resort that promotes itself as New Zealand’s sunniest snow park, where the atmosphere is charged with the excitement of winter fun. Mt Lyford also has the distinction of being one of New Zealand’s first true alpine developments. Below the ski field is a picturesque village of log chalets, which includes a subdivision known as Mt Lyford Wilderness Retreat.
High in the St Arnaud Range, amidst the northermost peaks of the Southern Alps, is a commercial ski field that regards itself as a legend in the making, and which offers visitors a spectacular alpine experience. Rainbow ski area is the only commercial field in the sun-drenched Nelson/Marlborough lifestyle region.
A broad snow-filled basin nestling under the main divide of the Southern Alps in the beautiful Arthur’s Pass National Park, attracts skiers from around the world. Temple basin is a fabulous ski field blessed with prolific snow, a sunny northerly aspect and a pervading sense of adventure and isolation.
Set within one of New Zealand’s favourite holiday resorts is a small club field that has much more to offer than just a wonderful day’s skiing. Hanmer Springs ski field is only a 40 minute drive by car or shuttle bus from the Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort, New Zealand’s best alpine spa, and one of the South Islands main tourist attractions.
Christchurch is the main gateway to the South Island and the stepping off point for exploring the South. The following all-embracing tour of Southland, Otago and the West Coast encompasses most of the important tourist destinations en route.
