North island, without a major alpine range of its own, has two commercial fields, on either side of a huge, sprawling and active volcano mount ruapehu. Keep an eye on this page for updates to the ski fields that have not yet announced their dates. June and july offer great powder skiing, whilst august is considered to. In other words, this is the best time to head to the beach, go kayaking, try out some of the great walks, or just simply get active. New zealand ski packages 2020 deals best nz ski resorts. Best time for snow in new zealand new zealand travel insider. These are the most uptodate 2020 new zealand ski season dates, which may change depending on snow conditions. The largest ski resorts offer up to 40 kilometres of slopes mt. Queenstown is heaving with snow enthusiasts throughout the entire season.
Off the slopes, explore waterfalls, hot pools and glowworm caves. Ill let you know when you do not want to be skiing in new zealand during the school holidays. With the new zealand ski season starting in june and continuing through until. New zealand ski packages ski package holiday haka tours.
Skiing, snowboarding and all winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. The new zealand cycle trail network is a series of multiday rides scattered about new zealand. New zealand in the pacific ocean is a long narrow country where the lower part is frequently subject to a freezing polar blast directly from the antarctic continent. Ski resorts sorted according to season end date in new zealand season finale or end of season in new zealand. In the north island, ski on an active volcano at mt ruapehu, new zealand s largest ski field. Hit the ski slopes, visit a winery or two or head along to one of the many winter festivals. The operation of ski areas this winter, with the first area scheduled to open at the end of this month on mt ruapehu, is currently looking more promising for new zealand residents. We operate a range of ski package holiday tours and whatever level of experience youre at, well help you make the most of all of nzs best ski fields across the south island.
How the face of skiingboarding will change this southern. Looking long range the 9th10th is showing potential for some snow falling as is the 18th and 19th. Whether youre a total beginner me or a seasoned pro, heres everything you need to know about skiing and snowboarding new zealands south island. In the south island, choose between three main ski areas, each offering epic snow for all levels. The best time to visit south island, new zealand for. Learn what kind of snow conditions to expect in new zealand and in particular on the south island of new zealand during late autumn and winter. The country is slowly easing its strict lockdown having appeared to minimise the. So travelling away from this time and closer to the low season of may to september. Whether youre new to the snow or an experienced snow hound, we have it all right here packaged up for you.
Our expert guides will take you across the south islands best ski towns. There is a small chance youll get snow up mt ruapehu at that time of the year without having to go further than your car will take you. Toast martinborough in martinborough north island is an annual wine and food festival canterbury agricultural show in christchurch is like a state fair in the united states. February may be the last month of summer, but it is also typically when temperatures are at their warmest. The winter months brings snow blanketing soaring mountains in certain parts of the country and clear, crisp days that awaken the senses. In addition, snow storms and cold snaps tend to hit new zealand during the first and second weeks of august, thereby bringing large amounts of fresh snow to both islands. Nz skiing snowboarding destinations tourism new zealand. New zealands main ski regions include mount ruapehu, located on the north islands volcanic central plateau, mt hutt and lake tekapo in canterbury, and queenstown and wanaka in the southern lakes region of the south island. This is the last of the new zealand forecasts for seasons 2019. With restaurants, wineries and adventure activities, theres so much to see and do.
It is also more dry here, and days are sunny and crisp. Skiing in new zealand things to see and do in new zealand. This is especially the case in wanaka and the otago region of new zealand in the south island. Across the ditch in new zealand where the country remains in a strict four week lockdown, some resorts have made more detailed announcements, yet all remain hopeful of a ski season. If you want to experience new zealand by mountain bike, you should travel to the north island. It will be one that will focus on locals as their main international inbound market, australia, is restricted from travelling to new zealand. Spring september through november spring daily highs range from 69. I drove up to whakapapa skifield on mt ruapehu in the first week of october and there wasnt a lot of snow left at road level. South island roads are facing surface flooding, while snow showers are expected to return to the mountain passes overnight. The major north island resorts of whakapapa and turoa have a similar snow quality to south island resorts, though being relatively high the.
The ski season usually lasts until early october so you can drive up to one of the skifields. Yep, in new zealand, you dont even need real snow to go skiing. I am up there at the end of november every year for our school camp so am pretty familiar with the weather. And the renowned central otago wine region is a stones throw from ski hubs queenstown and lake wanaka. South island has ski areas in otago, nelson, canterbury, wanaka and queenstown that always celebrates the arrival of snow. By 2pm the main road was covered in about 2cm and snow was. Mt hutt, near the town of methven, is south island s highest mountain.
When that wind blows there is enough ice and snow to close the roads and chill the bone to the marrow, that of course brings snow for the skier and boarder. You must confirm all information, especially snow and. Many woke up to a white blanket on wednesday, with places like glenorchy. Learn more about new zealand s climate and weather. June weather in new zealand new zealand tourism guide. Aussie ski resorts change 2020 cancellation policies and. Christchurch, lake tekapo, ohau, wanaka and queenstown. It wont go down as one of the better seasons, one that never really hit any great heights and without snowmaking would have struggled to survive at all. Ski resorts on the south island sorted according to season begin, season opening on the south island, ski openings on the south island, south island. The vast majority of new zealands ski areas are in south island. The highest ski resorts for skiing on the south island extend up to an altitude of 2,3 metres roundhill lake tekapo. Whether you are looking for queenstown skiing packages, or epic nz skiing deals including mount hutt, you have found the perfect travel website. Twizel residents reported 20 centimetres of snow on the road and schools in methven closed early after snow blanketed the town from 1pm. Snow typically appears during the months of june through october, though cold snaps can occur outside these months.
The team is as passionate and dedicated about the mountains as you are. Its the south islands largest agricultural event and includes carnival rides, live entertainment, thoroughbred, and standardbred racing, and the new zealand cup, one of the oldest races in new zealand. On north island skiing is popular in ruapehu and taranaki. Australia and oceania new zealand south island marlborough. Postcard views at every ski turn, alpine peaks, azure lakes.
New zealand is known as a hikers paradise with a network of amazing tracks and trails weaving their way up and down the country. Spring is a great time of year to travel in new zealand. In the north island, ski on an active volcano at mt ruapehu, new zealands largest ski field. Most snow in new zealand falls in the mountainous areas, like the central. Skiing in new zealand stands for spectacular landscapes and alpine scenery, fresh powder, uncrowded slopes, and an incredible range of worldclass ski resorts. Buller holidays will provide a cancellation, change of dates, credit forward or full refund on all pre paid resort entry, accommodation, lift, lesson, rental products and other prepaid services and activities if you or a family member or travelling companion contract covid19 and are unable to travel on intended dates or the resort is closed due to covid19 or government policies prevent. For adventure seekers, this is a great time for white water rafting, as the mountain snows start melting. Some areas of the south island receive little rain in winter, this makes a visit pleasant despite the low temperatures, while heavy rains fall along the west coast.
Highlights from our 2 weeks long roadtrip around stunningly beautiful south island of new zealand. Overall rating, allmountain terrain, nightlife, terrain park and family friendly. Its elevation translates to reliably good snow conditions and coverage that lasts well into the southern hemisphere spring, making for one of the longest ski seasons in the country. Wanaka day trips wanaka multi day itineraries south island road trips. Take a look at these south island ski itineraries and get some great ideas for your new zealand winter holiday. It also falls heavily in inland canterbury and otago.
Skiing in queenstown and wanaka will allow you experience worldclass ski resorts, exciting offmountain activities and scenery that will blow you away. Autumn in new zealand is a time of spectacular changes in colours, with vivid russet browns, reds and golden leaves. June august is the busiest season for tourism in south island, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual. In good visibility, the ruapehu ski areas whakapapa and turoa provide some of the best skiing in the country, and turoa. There are some incredible cycle trails and mountain bike trails all around new zealand, but the best are on the north island. The 10 best ski resorts in new zealand updated 201920.
Click here to keep up to date with new zealand ski season dates as we get. Ski resorts south island skiing on the south island. Find the latest snow reports for new zealand mountains, updated daily throughout the winter season with new snow totals for the last day or three days. The best lift serviced snow in new zealand is at mt hutt, on the south island, which is also the coldest resort in new zealand. Start of the season south island ski opening south. Spring septembernovember has a very changing climate with sudden changes.
Best time to travel to new zealand relaxing journeys. We hope you will enjoy this video as much as we loved the trip. New zealand has a booming snow industry and those in the know have been skiing and snowboarding here for years. Most snow in new zealand falls in the mountainous areas, like the central plateau in the north, and the southern alps in the south. With thousands of kilometres of track spread across the north and south islands, theres a walk or hike to. The best places to ski in new zealand welove2skiwelove2ski. While snow storms tend to hit the south island especially the lower half of the south island more than they do the north island, you can expect ski fields in central north island to also get snow when a snow storm hits new zealand. The ski season typically runs from june through to late october. See new zealand ski resorts openclosed operating status, upper mountain and lower mountain base depths, number of open lifts, and total amount of open acreage. New zealand has some great work opportunites for working holiday makers to find seasonal work on the slopes or in the many hotels, cafes and restaurants. As an extension to my best time to visit new zealand article, id like to expand on the winter season in new zealand and share with you what the snow conditions in. Try the classic new zealand wine trail, from hawkes bay in the north island to marlborough in the south, to make the most of a cellar door experience. Skiing south island new zealand ski areas nz haka tours. New zealands southern alps a series of mountain chains extending the length of the south island and rising to 2000m 6562 feet are more extensive than the swiss, french and austrian alps combined.
The snow forecasts for new zealand, on j2ski, are updated frequently and subject to significant change. Keep an eye on this page for updates to the ski fields that have not yet announced. In this season the climate of new zealand can vary between hot and cold on the same day. Snow in new zealand south island forum tripadvisor. If your visit is to the south island, i would suggest a heli hike on the glaciers or a ski plane trip with landing out of tekapo. Mt hutt enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in new zealand. The approximate opening dates for the ski fields in 2019 are. The south island has cooler temperature than the north island. In general, the ski season runs from june to midoctober, though this may vary widely depending on the ski field. To get that sweet spot of coverage and wintery snow, mid august mid september is the call. Snow forecasts for 24 new zealand ski areas 6 may 2020. They have 2 school holiday periods during the ski season.
445 98 576 40 463 83 1547 17 1508 1056 1044 277 31 108 464 1315 577 1132 1162 1502 1560 196 1222 174 160 889 708 1204 1480 507 965 314 810