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, 62 wildlife species recorded.

Travel Advisories for New Zealand

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

US State Department: Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions.

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

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

Month-by-Month Skiing Conditions

  • January: Poor, 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: Poor, temperature 2.2°C, rainfall 134.2mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • April: Poor, temperature 4.8°C, rainfall 156.7mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • May: Poor, temperature 8.6°C, rainfall 218.9mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • June: Poor, temperature 12.5°C, rainfall 274.5mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • July: Poor, temperature 14.1°C, rainfall 256.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • August: Poor, temperature 14.2°C, rainfall 217.4mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • September: Poor, temperature 11.1°C, rainfall 170.5mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 79.2%
  • October: Poor, temperature 7.3°C, rainfall 154.7mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 77.5%
  • November: Poor, temperature 3°C, rainfall 109.8mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 74.8%
  • December: Poor, 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