A well kept secret in New Zealand skiing circles, is a remote ski field, which can be found midway between Christchurch and Queenstown. Ohau ski field is by-passed by winter sports enthusiasts dashing to the Southern Lakes, even though the field is clearly visible from the main Mackenzie Plains highway.
Mt Ruapehu is revered as the focus for fantastic winter fun on the expansive slopes of Whakapapa and Turoa - the largest snow sports area in New Zealand. Tukino, a club field on the remote eastern slopes, offers the chance to ski and snowboard on the ‘wild’ side of the mountain.
The broad white flanks of Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand’s largest active volcano, are an irresistible attraction for thousands of snow sport enthusiasts each winter. Whakapapa is the North Island’s premier ski field and lies within the magnificent Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Area.
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.
