The terrain . . .

The terrain at Coronet peak is excellent, as it has terrific all round attributes. There are a whole range of slopes that are suited for beginners as well as more advanced skiers and snow boarders. There are a good number of long wide trails, for instance, the M1. The cruisers here, as well as the good standard of grooming have been felicitated by many excellent sources. The fall line here is also top notch.

Although there are ample slopes and trails that are suitable for novice and intermediate skiers, It is not to say that Coronet peak is only for beginners. Close to thirty five of the trials here are given the black rating. Also, apart from the trails, there are a good number of excellent runs that are off piste, and these generally go around the borders of the resort. There are a huge number of excellent moguls as well.

There are no trees at the terrain, and the snow and the ski area is generally exposed to the elements. As there are no trees here, there could be a few problems related to visibility when the weather is not kind. However, the weather at Coronet Peak is almost always kind, especially when compared to Mt Hutt. There are a good number of decent facilities, considering that the Coronet Peak is not very large in size at only two hundred and eighty hectares.

Ohau is the the least in size among three lakes that are almost parallel to each other, nad flowing from the north to the south. The lakes run along the north tip of the Mackenzie Basin. The lakes are Ohau, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. The Ohau Lake extends for sixty s q kilo meters.

The Ohau Ski field is in the vicinity of the south west shore of the lake Ohau. The lake is part of the conventional border that exists between the Canterbury and Otago regions. The most northern point of Otago is the head waters of the Hopkins River.

The Ohau Ski field is in the vicinity of the south west shore of the lake Ohau. The lake is part of the conventional border that exists between the Canterbury and Otago regions. The most northern point of Otago is the head waters of the Hopkins River. The lake is loacated in the North West portion of the Waitaki District, which is located in the southern part of the Canterbury region.

Lake Ohau is on the route of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. And this is being built now.

Lake Ohau Snow Fields is located just twenty minutes by car from the Lake Ohau Lodge. It is possible to drive this route by yourself, you can hire snow chains from the lodge, which is located at the bottom of the road, if needed. A bus leaves every morning for the Snow fields from the Lodge.

The bus leaves at 9 – 15 a m, and returns in the evening everyday. The access road is nine and a half kilo meters long, and the views that you get from the Valley that over looks the Lake Ohau are simply breath taking. The full panorama of the snow field can be seen as you arrive at the car park here.

The Snow field here is suitable for all difficulty levels, and for beginners, there is the snow mat.

Roundhill is primarily a ski field that is suitable for skill levels that range from beginner to novice to intermediate. The ski field has a difficulty distribution of 20%/80%/0%. There are two snow grooming machines that are used extensively to groom the pistes.

The main run areas can be reached by a one kilo meter and two hundred meter long T Bar. But since 2010, there has been a rope tow named “The Heritage Express”, that has been installed, and is one and a half kilo meters long.

The rope two rises six hundred and thirty meters to the Richmond Ridge, and gives an almost seven hundred and eighty meters of vertical drop overall to the Roundhill ski field, which is by the way, the highest in the whole of New Zealand.

This will make the ski field more accessible to skiers and snow boarders having higher levels of skill. The rope two that is used now has been installed for the 2010 skii season, and is reputed to the longest ski two rope ion the world.

The Roundhill resort is situated at an elevated point of one thousand six hundred and twenty meters and has a vertical drop that is close to two hundred and fifty five meters on the T Bar runs.

The gently undulating slopes at Roundhill make it an excellent and safe ski destination for all age groups, and skill levels. You can enjoy snowboarding and skiing here, regardless of your age and skill level, as long as you know what you are doing.

There is a poma lift for beginners at the lowest points of the hill. The gradients here are extremely gentle, and have a good degree of safety that is made sure for beginner skiers. Snow boards and skis can be sourced at the snowboard school here. You can also ask for guidance here. The snow tubing life its also popular.

A comfortable day lodge here is excellent for staying when you are at Roundhill.

Treble Cone is an expansive mountain that features the tallest vertical rise in Southern Lakes. It has far-reaching boundaries that are spread over two mammoth basins. The terrain is looked after by nature. Pulsating undulating runs and fun gullies have been sculpted here.

All snow lovers are welcomed at Treble Cone. The faces are friendly, and the service is top notch. Guests can take control and make their stay a memorable one. Treble Cone is a premier ski resort in New Zealand. It is famous for its stunning views of Wanaka Lake and diverse terrain. The powder days are legendary.

Treble Cone has a powerful local following. Guests have a passionate affair with Treble Cone. They often abbreviate the hill to TC. Once at Treble Cone, your skills at skiing and snowboarding will not matter. What will matter is your passion and enthusiasm.

Treble Cone lies in close proximity to the Southern Alps of New Zealand. The high altitude ensures great skiing conditions throughout the season. It also ensures a continuous supply of natural snow.

Two basins, which are differentiated by formation and aspect, comprise the skiing terrain at Treble Cone. Beginners at skiing can be assured of dedicated slopes. The groomed trails are wide and long. The exciting runs can challenge the most experienced riders and skiers.

Chutes, gullies, terrain features, natural half-pipes, and bowls ensure that the freeriding and off-piste skiing is legendary. There are many lodge facilities, including child care, accessory shop, snowboard and ski school, medical center, rental centre, and bar and café.

Accommodations are provided in Lake Wanaka’s picturesque town. Treble Cone can be reached by a 35-minute drive. Shuttle service is available daily from Wanaka and Queenstown.

Treble Cone makes large investments every year to improve its facilities. For the season of 2010, a Big Air Jump has been installed, which has an FIS specification. The unique Ski Achievement program has been extended to 9 weeks. Road barriers, too, have been installed. Frequent users will find the web cam system’s upgrading to high resolution great news.  A panning video is also included to depict the snow and weather conditions.

Turoa boasts of the largest vertical drop among all skiing regions of Australasia. The terrain is expansive. The long runs are ideal for boarding and skiing. Turoa features speedy, open slopes that lead to tricky chutes and winding trails. Turoa offers plenty of thrills for everyone. Adventure seekers should explore the mammoth area of untracked snow. It is situated off trail. This includes the glacier at Mangaehuehu. Visitors can also indulge in a walk to crater lake. This may take an hour to explore. The views are stunning to say the least. It is always advisable to check snow conditions and weather forecasts before you ski.

Turoa possesses nearly 1,000 acres of terrain suitable to skiing. A same amount of area is available for off-trail skiing. There are three predominant areas for off-trailing. The Bacardi T-bar provides access to each of these areas.

While utilizing the Bacardi T-bar, traverse west at the top. This region has the most stunning skiing facilities. The slopes are long and open. They are wide enough, which guarantees you to create your own tracks. Slider provides access to the first gully. Layback lies further beyond. Skiers can get to the bottom for catching the back up of Moro Race T-bar. The area has a splendid run-down, offering pure thrill for four kilometers.

Another good option is to go east at Bacardi T-bar’s top. Head toward the glacier entrance. Skiers can feel the best powder snow in this part of the country. Speedsters will find the Speedtrack full of action. The quad chairlift will remove skiers from the glacier’s bottom and land them to the Giant’s top. Herein lies the thrill of glacier skiing in Turoa. Alternatively, skiers can continue skiing till they reach the car parks, which lies at the base. This is an ideal end to the day.

Skiers with high energy levels should take the Bacardi T-bar. From here they can head toward crater lake, which is situated at Mount Ruapehu’s summit. Visitors may have to spend close to an hour here. However, the breathtaking views and splendid scenery are worth the effort. The back down of the glacier ski, which lasts for 20 minutes, will prove to be icing on top of the cake.

Since it joined with Turoa Ski Resort, Whakapapa has become the country’s largest area for skiing. The skiing region is an integral part of Tongariro National Park, which is the most ancient park of New Zealand. It is also a world heritage site. Whakapapa is run under a licence. The licence has been issued by the Department of Conservation. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Ltd owns and runs the skiing area.

Whakapapa has 43 trails, with a terrain available for each level, including an off-piste expert terrain. The ski area can be divided into three primary regions: Happy valley, the east side, and the west side. Happy valley is self-contained area for beginners. The east side has a predominance of lifts and services. The west side is highlighted by the backcountry terrain.

There are nearly 1,500 bunks present in the mountain. Hotels and motels are located in close proximity. There are umpteen facilities for backpackers. There is an abundance of ski shops and snow groomers. There is an exclusive ski school for children and adults. The open terrain is ideal for free riding.

Whakapapa is spread over 1,360 acres. It is the largest developed ski region in New Zealand. The ski area of Whakapapa is situated on Mount Ruapehu’s northwestern slopes. Turoa is its sister field. It is situated on the Mt Ruapehu southwestern slopes. Whakapapa and Turoa both utilize lift passes.

Whakapapa ski area is large in size. It has a wonderful terrain for skiing and snowboarding. The environment of Whakapapa is safe for beginners detached from the primary ski area. There are nearly 30 groomed trails for advanced and intermediate boarders and skiers. There is an abundance of off-piste areas.

The Moro Halfpipe keeps boarders entertained. The Terrain Park is ideal for beginners and intermediates.

A turn at Highway 47 allows you access to the Grande Chateau. From here, Bruce Road stretches for 8 km. It winds to Top o’ the Bruce, where there are car parks for 2,000 cars. The road is sealed throughout.

Craigieburn is much more than only a skiing paradise with its lazy slope side seasonal accommodation for the snow lovers who come from all over the globe to tell a lot of their experiences at the ski lounge and at night. The Craigieburn Valley Ski resort offers many ski lodges without any gear to hire and conducts ski touring expeditions. The resort is very close to one of the most famous skiing area called the Broken River whose ski pass system is shared. So, you can also expect skiing between the two with some skinning.

Craigieburn is a non-profit association dedicated to skiing and snowboarding without any commercial motive. It is world-renowned site due to its steep terrain of which more than 50 percent is ranked as advanced. Do not expect grooming here, but look for excellent hiking and ski touring choices such as the Middle Basin that is a 600 m bowl back to the access road often evaluated with the heli-skiing. Also, check out the Hamilton Peak that is quite famous that takes the skier to the upper Hamilton face and to the Broken River ski field lift system with no further sanction. The several backcountry and touring options via Middle Basin into North Middle, True North basins, and Mt Manson are also among the recommended options.

Season

July to October

Activities/Highlights

• Hike and Ski Tours:
  Snowgo is famous for its fully guided ski tours here and to other club fields for at least 4 days or 7 nights. If you are worries about the cost, do not be; as it is very much affordable. Its tours are ideal to explore multiple ski areas. One more popular one is the Black Diamond Safaris that offer ski tours to Craigieburn, Olympus, and Broken River club fields. Many hiking and ski-touring opportunities are beyond the tour area here such as Castle or North Middle Basin where you can ski out to the lodge or to the access road after a 15 minutes walk. Other options are beyond North Middle, in Allan’s Basin, or Broken River or a full day or overnight trip to the New Zealand Alpine Club. Note: Be in groups, recognize your Snow craft, be dressed in avalanche transceivers, and consult the Skifield manager or field staff before starting. Never DISOBEY the closures.

• Adventure Activities:
  These include ice-climbing in the area, but it is only for those who are experienced. Regardless of this, you can still try it out with a guided tour in other places such as the Fox Glacier.
• Cave Stream Scenic Reserve:
  Located at 5 minutes drive east of Flock Hill Lodge, this is flanked by the limestone rocks making an ideal perfect picnic spot and for walking. There is no guide here and that it takes about one hour to explore this. Do note that the water’s level in the cave is up to the waist, so be alert here if you go in. Tip: Carry a torch, wear warm attire, and be in durable footwear.
• Mountain Biking:
  Consider at Flock Hill Lodge around which this sport is undertaken by many tourists and locals alike. The farm is 14,000 hectares and on your bike, you can spot some sheep, cattle, deer, and geological features making your voyage interesting along many km of trails. Take a bike on hire and thoroughly understand the route of biking. If you wish, also know about the various spots to go for trekking too.

Facilities

• Eating on the Mountain in the day lodge above the base of the 3rd tow offering wonderful views, especially the deck where you can lie around in the sunshine. See what activities are available on the slope where food and drinks such as a great coffee and delicious hamburgers cooked on the BBQ are available. You will need to buy a bottle of water and also need to carry all rubbish with you as there are no rubbish bins.
• Ski School Group instruction at $22 per hour and private lessons at $45 per hour are offered.

Note: No ski or snowboard is there on hire.

Reaching the Craigieburn Valley

From Christchurch, Craigieburn is at 1.5 hr drive (110km) on highway 73. The road up to skifield is 6 km, which twists softly upwards via a scenic beech forest. You can drive this road with any motor vehicle, except for the camper vans that are parked at the base of the road. It is much recommended to have 2 wheel drives.

Accommodations

You can consider booking a basic on-mountain accommodation at Craigieburn Valley ski area where private and shared bunk rooms exist. If you aim is to explore several ski areas with a luxurious stay, then head to the Flock Hill Lodge which is a farm with motel and cottage-style accommodation located at a few miles down the road from the Craigieburn ski area.

Castlehill Village is at a distance of few km before the turn to the valley on Highway 73. Here, you are offered private houses and also there is a B&B. Stay options are motels, lodges, and backpacker lodgings.

Tip: Do carry a warm sleeping bag, towel, indoor footwear, and torch.

However, the secret here is that the ski slopes here are actually excellent for the intermediate skiers. However, for the advanced enthusiasts, there are some challenges drawing the national ski teams from the northern hemisphere for training. This ski destination is really unique in the sense that it boasts a few on-mountain accommodations as compared to the other commercial ski areas in the country. Feel the liberty of the roller coaster runs at the Captain’s basin, the untracked powder in Arcadia, or heli-skiing with back bowls. Explore its learner’s slopes, long runs for cruising, fast runs, and the Arcadia shafts for some memorable thrill. Expect ideal skiing and snowboarding at each level. So, from beginner to expert, Cardrona has some run to offer.

The base elevation is 1,670 m, while the peak elevation is 1,894 m. Despite the fact that its vertical drop is 390 m, its base elevation is unexpectedly high that indicates consistent and quality snow until the base area. On the ski field, the distribution allocation of the slopes is 25% for beginner, 55% for intermediate, and 20% for the experts. On its 320 ha of skiing area, there are 2 removable quad fixed chairlifts, 2 quad express chairlifts, 1 fixed-grip quad chairlift, 3 magic carpet learner lifts, and 1 platter lift for beginners. With the average snowfall being 104 inch, you can also see some snowmaking amenities too. For snowboarding, four half pipes and a terrain park is well maintained here.

Season

Late June to early October

Opening Hours

9 am – 4 pm daily

Facilities

• Snow shop
• Full rental services
• Alpine accommodation
• Snowfoto – mountain photography of your family
• Guest services
• Medical Centre offering medical facilities, equipment, 24-hours registered doctor, physiotherapist
• A trained patrol staff on the slope
• Lockers on rent for $4
• A card phone at the Base cafeteria
• Public email on the mountain (Wow!)
• Ski & Snowboard School (5 – 14 years) with indoor facilities in the Archway Building (Eastside & Westside)
• High Performance Centre for more advanced skiers and snow
• kids@cardrona
• Nursery & Kindy (3 months – 3 years)
• Ski Kindy (3 –4 years)
• Beginner’s lifts school
• Alpine development centre
• Cafes
• Restaurants

Attractions

For the advanced, real challenges on sites such as Arcadia Chutes, the Whitestar Express quad, and the close by runs such as White Star, Irish Pipes, and Powder Keg offer real steep, long, and narrow zones. The intermediates need not search at all for their own areas. One of the ways to find out is to be a part of the annual Cardrona Games.

The MacDougall’s quad has some easy terrain, especially the relaxed Skyline trail for the new skiers for some achievement by falling all the way down of the lift. While, make yourself a bit courageous and take you eyes up to have some breathtaking views towards Queenstown en route.

Reaching Cardrona

As it is nestled off the Cardrona Valley road linking Wanaka and Queenstown, it takes only 35 minutes to drive from Wanaka (34km) and 60 minutes from Queenstown (58 km). From Arrowtown, it is at a distance of 37 km, which takes 45 minutes to drive. Some closest airports are:

• Wanaka – 10 km – 10 minutes (Air NZ only)
• Queenstown – 60 km – 1 hour drive
• Dunedin – 280 km – 3 hours drive
• Christchurch – 420 km – 5 hours drive

Accommodations

The Whare Kea Lodge (‘House of the Kea’ in Maori) is located on the waterfront and 7 km from Wanaka. The Edgewater Resort Hotel Wanaka is a 4 star hotel located in a calm lake setting and accessible within a walk of few minutes from the centre of Wanaka. Here, all the rooms offer superb views of Lake Wanaka and the mountains.

The Riverrun Lodge, claiming to friendly rather than stylish, is situated on a 500 acre riverside land accessible via a six-minute drive from the Wanaka town. Each of its window offer beautiful views of the Southern Alps. Expect riverside walks, stillness, and lavish stay here.

The Wanaka Lodge, in the middle of the town, is where you can experience the B&B and cottage accommodation. It is situated at a walking distance from the lake and restaurants. The lavish Lakeside Apartments in central Wanaka with private balconies and lake and mountain views is also recommended.

Surrounding a large, open basin boasting five electrical ski tows of high capacity and a skiable range ranging from an altitude of 1420 to 1820 m, the terrain is an array of rolling bowls offering stunning runs for all levels of beginners to expert snowboarders and skiers. These rope tows make you access around 300 hectares without the need of unclipping your fixes, which make up for the total skiable area. In addition, the flanking basins boast some interesting ‘back country’ terrain for those who are more courageous. The difficulty allocation of the terrain is 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 50% advanced. So, one can expect all types of learner, intermediate, and advanced slopes. The vertical drop is 420 m and that the snow depth is 103 cm at an average.

A short amble takes you to the back basins and Craigieburn Valley where there are a few unbelievable terrains that are for advanced skiers and snowboarders. A BR lift pass lets you have a few runs at the valley. Also, there is no problem of less snow, as Broken River receives abundant snow and that the ski area is conserved from the prevailing winds. Therefore, there is no question of snowmaking unlike other ski fields. So, three basins, five tows, and no other distraction make the Broken River an attracting hill for experiencing many verticals.

Season

Late June to Early October

Activities/Highlights

• Skiing from morning 9 to evening 5

• Snowboarding

• Weekly night skiing, occasional with some night events
• A terrain park
• Grooming for beginner and intermediate

Note: More facilities on the ski area include a day lodge with the kitchen and dining facilities, canteen selling snack food, ski and snowboard instruction from the experts, and qualified ski patroller to deal with the first aid. You will not be able to hire ski and snowboard at Broken River.

Reaching Broken River

You need to drive for 1.5 hours to the west from Christchurch on State Highway 73, the landmark being the Arthur’s Pass Road at 8 km after Castle Hill Village. The Access road taking one to the ski area is seen to the left as you head away from Christchurch with its sign post. This road is of 6 km via the native beach forest to Hanomag car park dedicated to winter car parking.

At the parking, a free lift for goods, NEW passenger, will take off your equipment to the accommodation lodges. And you need to walk up on a cool graded track for 20-30 minutes. After being at your lodge, the ski area is just 5 minute walk away. Let me tell you that this walk is very rewarding, so if you wish to take a bit pain; it would not be meaningless to do so.

Accommodations

There are centrally heated lodges with bunk-style sleeping facility set in a stunning forest offering a breathtaking view over the below valley, which are just 5 minutes walk from the lifts. Even you can stay in these lodges throughout the summer, which are meant for offering the views of the surrounding mountains. There are total three lodges here – the fully operating Lyndon Lodge, the 28 bed Broken River Lodge, and the 14 bed White Star Chalet for hikers.

Lyndon Lodge, the most modern lodge, is where dinners and breakfasts are offered. This ‘fully serviced’ licensed lodge has smaller bunkrooms and small rooms where linen can be obtained on request for extra ($10 per night). There is no BYO alcohol and that the lunch meals need to be purchased from the canteen. This is where you can also grab the stunning chance to be ‘off the beaten track’ and be amidst the flora and fauna of the native forest. You are definitely in a sub-alpine region if you are planning to stay here.

White Star Chalet is where you will see self-catering and self-service with kitchen-living-bunkroom, separate bathroom, and toilet. You need to bring your food, sleeping bags, and pillow cases and that the cleaning duties must be shared.

Broken River Lodge seems more like a ‘club’ as its accommodation is such with shared stay – 12 guests in one room. There are also two large bunkrooms. You need to help in cooking and cleaning duties here. You stay is as per the dinner, bed, and breakfast.

Tip: For all lodges, you need to carry your own sleeping bag, pillowcase, towel, personal toiletries, lunch/snack food, and drink. Linen can be hired on request.

Regarded as the largest active volcano in the country, the mountain boasts the highest point in the North Island and has three peaks namely, Tahurangi (2,797 m), Te Heuheu (2,755 m), and Paretetaitonga (2,751 m) in between which the deep, active crater is filled with a crater lake. Mt Ruapehu is the largest volcano that is quite superb along with the other two to adorn the Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage Park boasting stunning natural beauty and cultural significance assuring a totally unique experience for skiing and snowboarding.

Mount Ruapehu is the home to New Zealand’s highest lift access at 2,322 m, largest ski area – 1800 hectares of lift-accessed terrain, and the longest vertical drop in Australasia at 722 m. The elevation point is at 2,797 m. It currently offers two commercial fields namely, Whakapapa to the north and Turoa on the south slope, regarded as the two largest ski fields in the country. But, between the two, the former is the larger one. The private Tukino ski field is to the east. All the ski fields are reachable by car and chairlifts, which offers beginners’ to advanced slopes. In short, it has something for each kind of adventurer – unbelievable learner support, terrain parks for snowboarders and free skiers of all levels, and the ideal spring skiing in the country.

Season

June to October, but subject to the availability of snow and weather conditions

Skiing Areas

The Whakapapa Ski Area, on the north western slopes, is famous for its spectacular views throughout the central North Island on a clear day and its ideal beginner facilities in the Happy Valley. Just drive for 6 km from the Bruce Road at Whakapapa Village to be at the base of Whakapapa Ski Area. Today, it is preferable for the first time ski and snowboarders – all thanks to its wide gentle slopes. The region itself offers separate ski hire facilities and a 120-seat cafeteria to maintain the energy all 24 hours. Right from the beginners to the advanced who are seeking some challenge, Whakapapa offers several steep faces, slopes, and gullies as its north faces the basin. It features 900 hectares of lift accessed skiable terrain, 5 on-mountain licensed cafes, more than 30 groomed trails, excellent beginner aid with a rental and teaching area, and ski/board lessons for all ages. For skiing, the highest point is at 2322 m above the sea level.

The Turoa Ski Area, on the south western slopes, offers some breathtaking views towards Mt Taranaki. To reach its base, you need to drive 17 km from the Mountain Road above Ohakune village. This area boasts the country’s best Terrain Park. It features 900 hectares of lift accessed skiable terrain, 3 on-mountain licensed cafes, more than 22 groomed trails, full time half pipe, and babysitting referral service. In addition, the highest point is at 2322 m above the sea level.

At both the areas, you can find latest rental equipment, workshop and ski/board tuning facilities, snow school lessons available for all ages and abilities, full time Terrain Park, and snowmaking amenities.
Flight and Train Services

By Air, Fly My Sky offers four engine aircraft accommodating nine people servicing between Auckland Airport and the Chateau airfield at the foot of Whakapapa. It is only one hour flight, which enabled you to be on the mountain by 9 am and return to Auckland by 6 pm.

Transcenic offers the Overlander passenger train service running between Wellington and Auckland. It has a halt in both National Park Village and Ohakune. In winter, it runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Distance/Time from Cities

Accommodations

Limited stay and refreshments can be found at Top o’ the Bruce atop the Bruce Road and at the Whakapapa entry. Alpine huts are also available for climbers.

• The Peaks Motor Inn between the fields – $95.00 – $199.00
• Snowy Waters Lodge – 30 minutes from Turoa and 45 minutes from Whakapapa – $30.00 – $35.00
• Oreti Village Resort – 45 minutes from Whakapapa – $190.00 – $280.00
• Turoa Ski Lodge – $35.00 – $430.00