Skip navigation

Where am I? New Zealand Ski & Snowboard > Why Ski NZ? 

Why Ski New Zealand?

Perfect Winter Holiday Destination


A winter holiday in New Zealand offers breath-taking scenery, arguably the longest ski season in Australasia and an affordable holiday for all.   

The South Island’s premier ski resorts offer varied terrain, world-class facilities and fun for family and friends.  In the nearby resort towns and boutique villages there is a wealth of exciting activities and invigorating experiences off the slopes.  A winter ski holiday is awesome fun and in New Zealand there is something for everyone, from the most avid skier and rider to the beginner.

So Different

  • The South Island premier resorts are high in the Southern Alps capturing snow laden weather systems from early in the season through to the spring.

  • Typically the South Island ski resorts don’t have on-mountain accommodation.  A range of quality accommodation options are found in the nearby resort towns, such as Queenstown, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo and Methven.

  • All ski resorts have well maintained roads and some, such as Coronet Peak, are sealed from bottom to top.  Many resorts offer chain fitting services and a number have regular shuttle buses running from resort towns to the top of the mountain.

Longest Season

This year Mt Hutt is planning to open on 30th May, meaning it will be the first ski resort to open in New Zealand and quite likely in Australia as well.  It is almost as if the high Alps and their orientation were custom-designed to capture not only the early snow but arguably the best snow all season long.

Variety

The spectacular South Island offers so much to do off the slopes.   Intersperse your winter ski holiday with activities such as jet boating, paragliding, flight-seeing, wine tours, bungy jumping, or simply just relaxing in a spa. 

Getting to the South Island – Never Easier

Air New Zealand has over a hundred flights per week from Australia to New Zealand.  Christchurch International Airport is a major gateway and throughout the winter additional direct services are added to the international schedule direct into Queenstown.  You have the choice of flight times, connections and importantly, competitive fare levels.

As an added bonus there is duty free along the way and don’t forget the Australian dollar is about 20% stronger than the New Zealand dollar, so your money goes that much further.
 

What's Holding You Back?

We’ve made it easy for you by packaging up your winter ski holiday, so check out our deals now. 

Snow reports and webcam will be live when the season opens in early June.