Situated on the majestic Mt Taranaki, the region’s only ski area has two natural half-pipes offering great snowboarding and awesome terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers.

When the snow’s good, you can ski massive runs from two-thirds of the way up the mountain right back to the base building.

The lower mountain more often than not loses snow between falls, being low in elevation (and the second-wettest place in New Zealand), but needs only 30cm of snow to open because it’s on a mown tussock meadow. There’s a tow for beginners and a T-Bar that gives access to four great blue runs. The top tow gives experts access to the longest runs on the mountain over amazing terrain with fun natural features.

Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand

Accommodation is available at the warm, comfortable and friendly Manganui Ski Lodge at the base of the bottom lifts for a proper clubbie weekend. Make sure you bring gear with you as there is no on-field equipment hire, and put your hiking boots on for the 25-minute walk to the field from the car park.

Quick Facts

• Where 18km from Stratford, 56km from New Plymouth
• Ski & board Amazing kilometre-long runs, natural half-pipes and park features
• Season June – October
• Access road: 16km sealed to car park, 25min walk, goods lift halfway
• Ratings Beginner 5%, intermediate 35%, advanced 65%

Essentials

• Highest point 1680m
• Vertical 420m
• Skiable area 59ha
• Lifts T-bar, 3 x rope tows
• Lift passes $50 adult, $35 kids, discounts for students, over 70s and learners
• On-field ski/board hire No
• Tuition No
• On-field accommodation Manganui Ski Lodge – 33 beds

skitaranaki.co.nz