Skiing, Snowboarding activities in New Zealand
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Whakapapa & Turoa Ski Areas
These linked resorts straddle either side of Mt Ruapehu and are NZ's two largest ski areas. Each offers similar skiing at an analogous altitude (around 2300m), with areas to suit each level of experience – from beginners' slopes to black diamond runs for the pros. The same lift passes cover both ski areas. At the time of research a new lift was being planned for Turoa, providing access to a glacial area further up the mountain.
The only accommodation at the ski fields is in private lodges (mainly owned by ski clubs), so most Whakapaka visitors stay at Whakapaka or National Park Village. Turoa is only 16km from Ohakune, which has the best après-ski scene.
reviewed
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A
Cardrona
Around 34km from Wanaka, Cardrona has several high-capacity chairlifts, beginners’ tows and extreme snowboard terrain (including the 'Heavy Metal' snowboard park). Buses run from Wanaka and Queenstown during ski season. Good services for skiers with disabilities, plus an on-field crèche. In summer, the mountain bikers take over.
reviewed
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B
Coronet Peak
The Queenstown region’s oldest ski field is Coronet Peak. A multimillion dollar snow-making system and treeless slopes provide excellent skiing and snowboarding for all levels. There's night skiing Friday and Saturday, from July to September. Shuttles run from Queenstown, 18km away.
reviewed
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C
Tukino Ski Area
Club-operated Tukino is on Mt Ruapehu's east, 46km from Turangi. It’s quite remote, 14km down a gravel road from the sealed Desert Rd (SH1), and you need a 4WD vehicle to get in. Uncrowded, with mostly beginner and intermediate runs.
reviewed
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Porters
The closest commercial ski area to Christchurch is Porters, 96km away on the Arthur’s Pass road. Its Big Mama, at 620m, is one of the steepest runs in NZ, but there are wider, gentler slopes, too. There’s a half-pipe for snowboarders, good cross-country runs along the ridge, and lodge accommodation.
reviewed
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Mt Lyford
Mt Lyford is 60km from both Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, and 4km from Mt Lyford village. It’s a ‘resort’ in the true sense, with accommodation and plenty of food options available. There’s a good mix of runs, suiting beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, and a terrain park.
reviewed
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Manganui
Manganui offers volcano-slope, club-run skiing on the eastern slopes of spectacular Mt Taranaki in the Egmont National Park, 22km from Stratford. You can ski off the summit; when conditions permit, it’s a sweaty two-hour climb to the crater, but the exhilarating 1300m descent compensates.
reviewed
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Rainbow
The sunny Nelson region has a ski area, just 100km away (a similar distance from Blenheim). Rainbow borders the Nelson Lakes National Park, with varied terrain, minimal crowds and good cross-country skiing. Chains are often required. St Arnaud is the closest town (32km).
reviewed
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Mt Dobson
The 3km-wide basin at Mt Dobson, a commercial ski area 26km from Fairlie, caters for learners and has a large intermediate area, a terrain park and famously dry powder. On a clear day you can see Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Pacific Ocean from the Mt Dobson summit.
reviewed
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Treble Cone
The highest and largest of the southern lakes ski areas, Treble Cone is in a spectacular location 26km from Wanaka, with steep slopes suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. Treble Cone also has numerous half-pipes and a terrain park for snowboarding.
reviewed
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Ohau
The commercial ski area Ohau lines the flanks of Mt Sutton, 42km from Twizel. Expect a high percentage of intermediate and advanced runs, excellent terrain for snowboarding and cross-country skiing, and a ski lodge to sleep in.
reviewed
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Awakino
Awakino in North Otago is a small player on the scene, but worth a visit for intermediate skiers. Oamaru is 45km away on the coast; Omarama is 66km inland. Weekend lodge-and-ski packages are available.
reviewed
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Roundhill
Round Hill is a small field with wide, gentle slopes perfect for beginners and intermediates, about 32km from Lake Tekapo village.
reviewed
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The Remarkables
reviewed
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Temple Basin
reviewed
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Mt Olympus
reviewed
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Mt Cheeseman
reviewed
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Hanmer Springs
reviewed
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Broken River
reviewed
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