Looking for the inside scoop/latest slope action on New Zealand ski fields? What’s Hot New Zealand has your ultimate guide to snowsports in New Zealand.

The variety of skiing and snowboarding packed into the North Island and South Island is unbelievable. Whether you spend your days skiing or boarding a world-class mountain resort, hitting top terrain parks or hiking through the forest to an amazing club field (not just for members – anyone is welcome), you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Some of the South Island fields open as early as mid-June, and things really kick off in early July as all the main ski areas in the country open up. Depending on local weather conditions, the ski season runs through to late September and early October.

There’s also a wicked backcountry skiing scene, whether you’re down for a massive hike or keen to splash out on a heli ski operator who can tailor a helicopter trip to your skill level for the snow ride of a lifetime. You can even fly up to the Tasman Glacier for the longest green run in the country.

If you’re new to the Kiwi snow scene, you’ll notice that many (although not all) ski areas don’t have accommodation on the field itself. This means you’ll typically be driving up the mountain each day – or catching a shuttle bus. It may not be what you’re used to, but it means you can ski a different mountain each day, enjoy a more natural mountain environment – and when you get off the mountain, you have all the restaurants and bars of a buzzing winter resort to choose from! You’ll also be able to mix up your skiing or boarding with other activities; depending on which fields you decide to visit, you'll also be handy to everything from wine tasting to whale watching, bungy jumping or even surfing.

In brief: Where to Ski in NZ

Cardrona Alpine Resort [Southern Lakes] Cardrona Alpine Resort is an incredible playground for freestylers. Slope facilities include terrain parks, a gravity-cross course, half-pipes and wide-open groomed trails.

Coronet Peak [Southern Lakes] Night skiing and First Tracks at Coronet Peak ensure the field has long daily operating hours. Snowboarders relish the natural features, while skiers love the rolling terrain and gullies.

The Remarkables [Southern Lakes] Fun, families and freestyle. Catering for learners, intermediates and advanced, The Remarkables offers awesome backcountry trails and three terrain parks including The Burton Stash Park.

Treble Cone Ski Area [Southern Lakes] The South Island’s largest ski area offers slopes for all abilities; from beginners’ slopes and wide groomed trails through to free-riding terrain.

Whakapapa Ski Area [Central North Island] New Zealand’s largest ski area has 35 groomed trails, off-piste terrain for intermediates and advanced, and tobogganing and tubing.

Tūroa Ski Area [Central North Island] New Zealand’s highest ski area has three main off-piste areas and a four-kilometre run plus three all-level terrain parks. Skiers love Tūroa’s snow-filled bowls and steep chutes.

Mt Hutt [Canterbury] Long runs in a mix of terrain, a well-developed trail network, five terrain parks, a range of black runs, steep chutes and excellent facilities.

Snow Farm Ski Area [Southern Lakes] First-class cross-country skiing (day and night) on more than 50 kilometres of groomed trails. Also tubing, sledding, snowshoeing and two backcountry huts for overnight trips.

Broken River Ski Area [Canterbury] Wide slopes, rolling bowls and steep chutes alongside a terrain park offer great skiing and riding. The backcountry run down Allan’s Basin ending in the car park is the ultimate finish to your day.

Craigieburn Valley [Canterbury] This off-piste alpine playground offers steep narrow chutes, wide open powder bowls and uncrowded runs for intermediate and advanced, plus a wicked triple black diamond descent.

Fox Peak Ski Area [Mackenzie] Big, wide-open faces and fabulous hidden basins, plus a park for beginners. Over half of Fox Peak consists of long, adventurous blue runs and you’ll also find a cosy 40-bed backpacker lodge.

Hanmer Springs Ski Area [Canterbury] Club ski area with learners’ slopes and off-piste challenges. Snowboarders find natural and groomed pipe riding and there is on-field backpacker accommodation as well as ski and snowboard hire.

Manganui Ski Area [Taranaki] Taranaki’s only ski area has two natural half-pipes offering great snowboarding and awesome terrain for beginner and intermediate skiers. Head down after a day’s boarding and go surfing!

Mt Cheeseman [Canterbury] The closest club ski area to Christchurch has great park features and extensive backcountry skiing. Mt Cockayne offers challenging off-piste and stunning views of the Craigieburn Range.

Mt Dobson Ski Area [Mackenzie] Famous for all-day sunshine, Mount Dobson also has a large learner and intermediate area, advanced runs with miles of untracked powder, and a natural half-pipe.

Mt Lyford [Canterbury] The Wild Ride Terrain Park, suitable for all abilities, plus advanced skiing in the Terako Basin make for great snow days. Stay the night in a rustic log chalet with hot tubs at the bottom of the mountain.

Mt Olympus [Canterbury] Mount Olympus has chutes, steeps and open faces plus a huge natural terrain park. The on-mountain lodge with a chef and a hot tub overlooking the slopes adds to the social atmosphere.

Ohau Snow Fields [Mackenzie] Home to the famous Ohau Snowball event, Ohau features a snow mat for learners and exciting terrain in superb powder areas for intermediates/advanced. Awesome off-piste bowls and chutes and incredible views.

Porters [Canterbury] Porters has an excellent snow sports school and learners area. Advanced riders love the legendary Bluff Face and Big Mama runs.

Rainbow Ski Area [Nelson] Wide, uncrowded slopes, groomed trails, a terrain park and high-powder runs and chutes provide superb terrain for all levels. Spectacular views across Lake Rotoiti and Nelson Lakes National Park.

Roundhill Ski Area [Mackenzie] Smooth, wide trails for beginners and intermediates, and advanced terrain for experts. The Central Park features rails, boxes and jumps. Park in the sun on the slopes and bring your BBQ.

Temple Basin [Canterbury] Temple Basin, in the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park, is accessible by a 50-minute scenic walk. Floodlit night-skiing, a huge natural terrain park and modern lodges just metres from the lifts.

Tukino Ski Field [Central North Island] Uncrowded club ski field nestled on Mount Ruapehu and sheltered from wind. Snowboarders, alpine climbers and skiers all flock here. On-field accommodation available.