Many keen skiers and snowboarders in New Zealand will head to the South Island to enjoy the impressive range of natural slopes and parks on offer, but the North Island offers its own unique mix of resorts too. From the snow peaks of Mount Ruapehu to the year-round indoor facilities of Snowplanet, the North Island offers a skiing experience for anyone, any time of the year.
1. Whakapapa
Whakapapa is New Zealand’s largest ski area and part of the Tongariro National Park. The Tongariro National Park is an incredible World Heritage area. Here, you can explore the most rugged terrain of the North Island as you ski over ancient craters and lava flows. Take a ride to the top of the mountain on the Sky Waka, New Zealand’s longest gondola. The Whakapapa resort has 445 hectares of ground suitable for all skiing levels including terrain enthusiasts. With ample snow and magnificent views, the park is complemented by Turoa to the south-west. Together, they make up the only two commercial ski fields in the North Island.
With unreliable weather, you’ll need to have other activities up your sleeve, but that shouldn’t be a problem as the surrounding area hosts an array of walks. Choose from six short walks in the Whakapapa village where the land is shaped from ancient volcanoes and the tracks offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and vegetation. There’s even a carrot theme park in the neighbouring village of Ohakune where you can visit a range of larger than life vegetable characters in this unique theme park.
2. Turoa
Sitting next to Whakapapa, the Turoa ski resort nestles itself next to the slopes of New Zealand’s most active volcano, Mount Ruapehu. The mountain is owned by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and is a not for profit area, meaning that all earnings go back into maintaining and developing the ski field. When the weather conditions allow, this resort is a skier’s dream, but its exposed nature means that your experience relies on the weather and the terrain is at the mercy of the elements. “The Giant” (Turoa) offers runs for all abilities plus terrain parks and secret powder stashes.
Once the day is done, you can head into Ohakune to relax and reflect on the day’s events. Grab a gourmet hamburger at The Blind Finch, where the menu is full of unique flavours and vegan options are available. The Matterhorn Grill and Bar is a 5-star rated venue that provides a range of meals in a cosy setting. Grab a hearty breakfast before you ascend the mountain or round your day off with Powderkeg’s famous pork ribs.
3. Manganui
The small ski resort of Manganui is the only ski area in the western region of Taranaki. The area is maintained by the Stratford Mountain Club and provides one of the most accessible ski fields in New Zealand. The park is best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers, including terrain park enthusiasts. It has a vertical of 420 metres. While you’re in the area, enjoy a challenging hike in Mount Egmont park, where you can walk the 12km Mangorei track and enjoy striking views of Mount Taranaki reflected in the tarns. For a shorter walk, enjoy the watery roundtrip of Wilkies Pool and Dawson’s Falls.
4. Tukino
Tukino is a non-commercial ski field in the Tongariro National Park, with extensive off-piste skiing and a vertical of 250 metres. This area is most suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers with 95% blue or red trails in a compact area that is perfect for families. Plus, the area offers numerous recreational activities such as cat skiing, ice climbing, or ski touring. The resort is a little off the beaten track, but mountainous accommodation offers a friendly atmosphere with all the food and facilities you’ll need for an enjoyable trip.
5. Snowplanet
Located in Silverdale, Auckland, Snowplanet offers a guaranteed snow resort for visitors to the North Island. Here you can enjoy 8,000 square meters of real snow, 365-days of the year. It’s built for great skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing. There’s also a terrain park that is transformed every four to six weeks with unique features and jumps to make the most of your experience. After exerting some energy on the slopes, relax in the restaurant where you can enjoy snow views in a cosy chalet setting complete with a roaring fire to complete the alpine ambience. The Seven Summits restaurant offers a range of mains and pizzas, plus kids meals and bar snacks.
