When winter rolls around, so does the temptation to book annual leave, put your out-of-office on and leave behind your day job for an escape to a winter wonderland.

For anyone who loves to ski – or is dying to learn how – New Zealand has likely crossed your mind as a destination to definitely put on your agenda.

With a relatively long ski season, the ideal climate as well as first rate restaurants and bars in nearby villages such as Queenstown and beyond to complete a fun-filled holiday, it’s no wonder travellers often head to New Zealand for the perfect ski trip.

Below, Traveloka has rounded up some of the best ski areas to explore and everything you need to know before you hit the slopes.

There’s a few main ski areas on the south island, including the Queenstown-Wanaka area, near Lake Tekapo and closer to Christchurch.

Best for: Travellers who prefer convenient destinations over remote resorts

As one of the two most popular ski areas in New Zealand (along with The Remarkables), Coronet Peak is high on many snow-lover’s itinerary. It’s situated super close to Queenstown – just a 20-25 minute drive – making it convenient to get to as well as enjoy the nightlife after getting a workout on the slopes. Coronet Peak also boasts an extended ski season and features varied terrain for both skiers and snowboarders, so there’s lots of options to enjoy whatever your preference and skill level.

Where is it? Queenstown - South Island
Vertical drop: ​​462 metres
Number of trails: 38
Number of lifts: 8
Cost of a day pass in 2025: AU$97 (Adult), AU$55 (Child)

Best for: Families with skiers and snowboarders of varied skill levels

Another ski area close to Queenstown is The Remarkables, which is slightly further out (it’s approximately a 40-minute drive from Queenstown). Much like its neighbour, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables has breathtaking views thanks to the expansive surrounding natural landscape. It caters to all abilities from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders with its varied terrain.

It’s also family-friendly, which is great for visitors with kids.

Where is it? Queenstown - South Island
Vertical drop: 468 metres
Number of trails: 46
Number of lifts: 8
Cost of a day pass in 2025: AU$162 (Adult)

Best for: Beginners

If you’re just starting to dip your toes into the world of skiing and snowboarding, Cardrona is the most suitable ski area to kickstart your snow-filled adventures. Novices will love that Cardrona plays host to the longest beginner trail in New Zealand. For more advanced skiers and snowboarders, there’s plenty of other varied terrain here to keep them satisfied too, including the 85+ft Big Air jump and Gravity Cross course. Conveniently, it’s also situated close to Queenstown (for those who want to enjoy nightlife after time on the slopes) as well as the family-friendly Wānaka region.

Where is it? Cardrona Valley - South Island
Vertical drop: 600m
Number of trails: 47
Number of lifts: 6
Cost of a day pass in 2025: AU$166 (Adult), AU$97 (Child)

Best for: Advanced and expert skiers

There’s no disputing there’s quality skiing on offer at Mt Hutt, with the ski area voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for 10 years in a row at the World Ski Awards. It picked up this accolade thanks to its wide runs and big bowls (Mt Hutt boasts a whopping 365 hectares) alongside stunning mountain views. Mt Hutt’ facilities are also top-notch, making the whole experience as seamless to enjoy as possible.

Where is it? Canterbury - South Island
Vertical drop: 683 metres
Number of trails: 40
Number of lifts: 5
Cost of a day pass in 2025: AU$162 (Adult)

Best for: Freeriders and for those wanting to avoid the crowds

Located in the Craigieburn Range, Mt Olympus is a remote ski area in New Zealand that is popular with freeriders thanks to its wide-open faces and mellow bowls to steep chutes and peaks. While you can stay at the on-mountain lodge, many visitors make a day trip from nearby Christchurch, a journey which takes an estimated 90 minutes to two hours to drive.

Where is it? Lake Coleridge - South Island
Vertical drop: 450 metres
Number of trails: 15
Number of lifts: 4
Cost of a day pass in 2025: AU$96 (Adult), AU$48 (Child under 18) Free (Child under 10)

Best for: Advanced skiers and lovers of natural beauty

As the largest ski resort in New Zealand, Mt. Ruapehu boasts two of the country’s premium ski fields: Whakapapa and Tūroa. These ski fields have varied terrain, with trails suitable for everyone from beginners to the more advanced riders. Mount Ruapehu is also special outside its winter sports appeal – the mountain has cultural significance to the Indigenous people. As an added bonus, the mountain has volcanic features and there are hot springs nearby that tourists are able to visit.

Where is it? Mount Ruapehu - Whakapapa (northern slopes), Tūroa (southern slopes) - North Island
Vertical drop: 722 metres
Number of trails: 67
Number of lifts: 20
Cost of a day pass in 2025: From AU$54 (Adult), from AU$36 (Child)

Cardrona Alpine Resort is generally considered the best ski area in New Zealand for beginners. It features beginner-friendly terrain (say goodbye to stacks!) as well as a ski school for those starting out to learn the ropes with confidence. It’s also popular with families and children so this ski area isn’t as intimidating as others available.

As well as Cardrona, beginners shouldn’t be afraid to check out other ski resorts, as many of them contain beginner-friendly options for less advanced skiers. Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt and Treble Cone all have dedicated beginners areas.

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There are several alpine villages that should be on your radar during a trip to New Zealand. Queenstown is perhaps the most well-known and beloved, and is near four ski fields: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and Treble Cone. It’s popular for its vibrant and bustling resort vibe, with lots of quality restaurants and nightlife.

Wanaka is another popular village, which has a more family-friendly scene with breathtaking views and surrounding natural landscapes being a huge drawcard. For those who prefer a toned-down and secluded village scene, Lake Ōhau Alpine Village will be right up your alley.

The ski season in New Zealand is – unsurprisingly – dictated by the weather. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter falls in the middle of the calendar year. The ski season in New Zealand typically runs from June to October, with weather and ski conditions generally the most reliable in July and August. This is also peak ski season in New Zealand so costs when it comes to airfares and accommodation are likely to reflect that

To save on costs, try visiting in early June which often offers early season deals and typically cheaper hotel prices. Bear in mind, the weather isn’t as reliable as when it gets deeper into winter, so ski conditions in New Zealand may not necessarily be the most ideal. However, if you roll the dice, there’s every chance you’ll grab and bargain and squeeze in some top-notch skiing. September is also a cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds at the tail end of the ski season.

Yes, skiing in New Zealand is really good. New Zealand offers world-class skiing terrains and has become one of the go-to destinations in the Southern Hemisphere for those after a snow-filled adventure or want to enjoy a getaway at a picturesque ski resort.

While both New Zealand and Australia both have their pros and cons when it comes to the countries’ respective ski scenes, New Zealand is generally considered to come out on top. It offers a more consistent ski season that typically lasts longer than Australia’s and it often receives more snowfall each year. New Zealand also has better infrastructure in place to accommodate the ski season.