The Ultimate Ski Holiday

Ski New Zealand have a superb range of cars suitable for winter driving in New Zealand. With a range of inclusions like ski racks, and snow chains that will suit your winter holiday perfectly. First time driving in New Zealand winter? Check out our helpful tips!

Welcome to Queenstown for your winter ski or snowboarding holiday.  It’s not just the skiing that makes Queenstown a fantastic winter destination, there’s also the spectacular scenery, amazing adventures and endless activities to keep you entertained when you’re not on the slopes.  After each action-packed day, you’ll also find a superb variety of cafes and restaurants to relax and refuel at.
Today we recommend you visit the Snow Centre located on the ground floor of the Station Building at 9 Duke St and collect your MyPass card.  This will save you heaps of time tomorrow as you’ll avoid the morning queues and can head straight to the mountain with more time to ski and ride.  When you visit the Snow Centre please take your Ski New Zealand itinerary with you as the Snow Centre staff will need the reference number for this.  You will need to pay $5 for each MyPass card and each person in your group receives their own card.  All your lift passes, rental equipment, lessons, shuttle transfers etc will be loaded onto your card.

From Queenstown it’s a 40 minute drive to the Remarkables Ski Area.  From the centre of town drive towards the airport, then continue over the Kawarau River and continue on the main road until you see the well signposted entry for the Remarkables Ski Area Access Road. The road to the ski field is a sealed 14 km alpine road, snow chains must be carried.

The Remarkables offers a laid-back atmosphere which is fantastic for families and those new to skiing or snowboarding. Located just 45 minutes from Queenstown, the Remarkables features a fantastic network of trails with wide, gentle slopes for beginners of all ages and big mountain runs for the experts in the family. With 30% beginners, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced, the Remarkables offers challenges for all levels and for those wanting to progress quickly, the friendly team of instructors can be with you every step of the way. While you're up there don't forget to check out the purpose-built snow tubing lanes before you round off with a steaming hot chocolate or drink at Remarkables cafe. With regular shuttles from Queenstown, lessons for 4yrs+ and complete gear hire on the mountain, this is a fun and easy day out for visitors to the South Island.

The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to ski and ride Queenstown’s closest mountains – Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Get more choice, more fun and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
With 2 days of New Zealand Superpasses, you've got lift access to New Zealand's premier ski areas plus the fun and excitement of a range of off-mountain attractions in and around Queenstown. You can mix it up a little and ski a day at the Remarkables and a day at Coronet Peak, or maybe you've got your eye on a run that you want to conquer over 2 days. And remember if the weather doesn't play ball on one of your days you can always exchange one of your Superpass days for an exciting off-mountain activity or towards a feast at your favourite Queenstown and restaurant or cafe.
Want to ski a little longer, don't own your own gear or snow clothing, or not sure if your skills are up to scratch?
No worries, chat to us about adding additional days, rentals, or lessons.

From Queenstown, it’s a 20-minute drive to Coronet Peak Ski Area.  From the centre of town it’s well sign-posted to Coronet Peak, approximately 13km out of town. The road to the ski field is a sealed alpine road, snow chains must be carried.

Want to challenge yourself on exciting terrain in some of the best conditions in the Southern Hemisphere?  Then Coronet Peak should be top of your list. This theme park created by mother nature offers gripping trails and extensive snowmaking facilities, making for complete snow coverage on multiple trails. Coronet is also home to night skiing for a different take on these roller coaster trails try it under lights. For those just getting to know the snow the dedicated learner and novice areas make finding your snow feet easy and all gear can be hired on the mountain. With 25% beginners, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced, Coronet Peak has the trail for you.  For a break from the snow, enjoy live music at the base building, or wet your whistle with a hot chocolate or cold beverage at Heidi's Hut. The pizza and pasta meals are great for warming you up and giving you an energy boost for the afternoon. There are regular shuttles to and from Queenstown, which is only a 20-minute drive away. 

Well-known as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world's first and most famous bungy jumps to jet boat thrills, white-water rafting, and skydiving. However, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by many historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks and gardens, browse through market stalls on weekends, dine in wonderful al-fresco restaurants, or ride on the 100-year-old historic Steamship - TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. Take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob's Peak and soak up the panoramic views of the magnificent lake and mountain ranges. Steamer Wharf is full of delicious eateries and the O'Connells Pavillion is great for a spot of shopping. And after all of that, if you do want the adrenaline rush, Queenstown is known for taking your pick from the Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, or Heli-hike.

Head out of Queenstown and over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Wanaka. Take it easy as this road can be a little 'interesting' in winter. There are plenty of signs advising the road conditions and there is a slightly longer but lower altitude route via Cromwell. If you do take the Crown Range route then you should time your trip to stop at the Cardrona Hotel for 'sustenance'. This 'world famous in New Zealand' landmark will have some great food and a welcoming log fire.

Welcome to Wanaka for your winter ski or snowboarding holiday.  It’s not just the skiing that makes Wanaka a fantastic winter destination, there’s also the spectacular scenery, amazing adventures, and endless activities to keep you entertained when you’re not on the slopes.  After each action-packed day, you’ll also find a superb variety of cafes and restaurants to relax and refuel at. Today we recommend you visit the Cardrona x Treble Cone Wanaka Office (located at 50 Cardrona Valley Road, Wanaka) and collect your lift pass.  This will save you heaps of time tomorrow as you’ll avoid the morning queues and can head straight to the mountain with more time to ski and ride. 

Located near Queenstown and Wanaka, this ski resort boasts stunning Southern Alps scenery, extensive ski and snowboard terrain, and world-class facilities. Perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned pros, Cardrona offers everything from gentle learner slopes to thrilling freestyle parks and backcountry trails. Enjoy a vibrant après-ski scene and access to 600ha of terrain from 6 chairlifts.

Cardrona is New Zealand's fun and family-friendly ski resort with the most reliable snow conditions in the region. Its high elevation and southerly aspect mean dry natural snow is plentiful, which is further enhanced by snowmaking facilities. Cardrona is the perfect place for beginners and intermediates, with NZ's only combined gondola chairlift, easy-to-use surface lifts, specialized beginner packages, and plenty of wide open trails spread over three basins. 
Treble Cone Ski Field, the largest ski area in NZ’s South Island, is famous for its long, uncrowded groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. Located just a 35-minute scenic drive from Wanaka and a 90 minute drive from Queenstown via the Crown Range road.
Treble Cone is a must-do experience for skiers and snowboarders with a massive 700m of vertical, which also allows for some of New Zealand’s longest groomed trails and best free-riding terrain.
Earlybird Multiday Lift Pass offers the best value as it includes access to both mountains.

Treble Cone, the largest ski area in NZ’s South Island, is famous for its long, uncrowded groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain, and unrivaled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Once you know your way around Home Basin, time to head out wide and explore Matukituki Basin, be sure to stop out there and take in the spectacular views of the Southern Alps and down to Lake Wanaka.

If you are feeling familiar with the home basin maybe it is time to head out wide and explore Matukituki Basin, be sure to stop out there and take in the spectacular views of the Southern Alps and down to Lake Wanaka.

Explore what else Wanaka has to offer, including a range of cafes, bars, and restaurants to enjoy, miles of scenic walking and biking tracks, vineyards and distilleries to visit, and if you are looking for something indoors experience Puzzling World, Transport and Toy Museum or the Base Indoor Climbing Wall. If you still want to be skiing and your legs can handle it then book heli-skiing as it's one of the most breathtaking places to do it in the world.

Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Queenstown.

Started in the 1970s Cardrona ski field is the dream child of the Lees, a local farming family. In 1978, they installed the first tow rope on the mountain and added an access road with a suitable gradient for even a bus to travel along. The field went from strength to strength with the introduction of the fields first snow groomer in 1981 and double chair lift in 1983. By the end of the 80s snowboarders had also caught on that there was fun to be had and the county's first international halfpipe was built above the learners' area. Since then Cardrona ski field has gone from strength to strength and is opening up more terrain all the time.

If time allows sneak in a few more Queenstown sights or maybe take an early morning ride on the Skyline gondola before returning your rental car to the airport and catching your flight home.