Skiing in New Zealand

Plan a ski trip to New Zealand. 28 resorts across 8 ski regions, with live snow conditions, lift passes and chalets.

New Zealand Skiing at a Glance

8 ski regions, 28 ski resorts.

Travel Advisories for New Zealand

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

The best months to visit New Zealand are March, April, May, based on temperature, snowfall, weather conditions, and skiing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Skiing Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature -1.4°C, rainfall 99.8mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 72.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 0°C, rainfall 87.4mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 2.2°C, rainfall 134.2mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 4.8°C, rainfall 156.7mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • May: Great, temperature 8.6°C, rainfall 218.9mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 12.5°C, rainfall 274.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 14.1°C, rainfall 256.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 14.2°C, rainfall 217.4mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • September: Good, temperature 11.1°C, rainfall 170.5mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 79.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 7.3°C, rainfall 154.7mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 77.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 3°C, rainfall 109.8mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 74.8%
  • December: Great, temperature -0.3°C, rainfall 123.3mm, sunshine 6.5 hrs, humidity 73.7%

Recommended Packing List for New Zealand

Based on average temperature of 6.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 75%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 6°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & ski gloves - critical for cold mountain conditions
  • Ski goggles - essential for visibility on the slopes
  • Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF - protection from mountain UV at altitude
  • Waterproof ski boots - well-fitted for comfort on long ski days
  • Layered ski clothing - moisture-wicking base, insulating mid, waterproof outer
  • Ski helmet - essential for safety on all pistes
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Hand warmers - useful for cold chairlift rides
  • Camera or GoPro - capture your skiing memories on the slopes

Ski Regions

Plan Your Trip