Are you looking for a fun winter holiday the whole family can enjoy? New Zealand is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, and many of them have great facilities and activities to keep the kids amused while you hit the slopes.
From breezy beginner hills to treacherous double black diamond runs, New Zealand’s ski resorts have something for every kind of skier. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best family-friendly ski resorts in New Zealand:
Whakapapa Ski Area
Situated on the north side of Mt. Ruapehu, Whakapapa Ski Area is one of the best ski spots in New Zealand. It’s known for its stunning panoramic views of the Central Plateau, and its terrain is varied enough to keep everyone in the family happy.
Whakapapa is well-equipped with facilities, including a ski school, rental shop, and cafes. For the little ones, the Kids’ Zone offers fun activities, mini snowmobiles, and tobogganing.
Pros:
- Varied terrain – With 43 runs, there’s something to suit everyone.
- Fun activities – The Kids’ Zone offers plenty of fun child-friendly activities.
- Spectacular views – The views from the top of Whakapapa Ski Area are simply stunning.
Cons:
- Long drive from main cities – From Auckland, it takes almost 5 hours to drive to the ski area.
- Lack of night skiing – Whakapapa only offers night skiing on select dates.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona Alpine Resort is another great family-friendly ski spot. Located in the Cardrona Valley, this resort offers lots of terrain suitable for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experienced pros.
The resort has a fantastic Kids’ Centre, where kids and teens can learn skiing and snowboarding in a safe and fun environment. Parents can sit back and relax while the kids are being taken care of. In addition, there are plenty of other family-friendly activities, such as tubing and sledging.
Pros:
- Great for all levels – From beginners to experts, Cardrona Alpine Resort has something for everyone.
- Kids’ Centre – With a dedicated Kids’ Centre and ski school, kids can learn and improve their skills in a fun environment.
- Fun activities – There are plenty of other activities, such as tubing, for the whole family to enjoy.
Cons:
- Long drive – Cardrona Alpine Resort is a long drive from the main cities.
- Expensive – It can be on the pricier side compared to other ski resorts.
The Remarkables
The Remarkables is one of the most popular family-friendly ski resorts in New Zealand. In addition to its top-notch skiing and snowboarding, it also offers plenty of activities for non-skiers, such as tubing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
The Remarkables also has a Kids’ Club, where kids can learn about skiing and snowboarding, and The Snowsports School, which offers ski and snowboard lessons for kids of all ages.
Pros:
- Plenty of activities – The Remarkables has something for everyone, from skiing and snowboarding to tubing and snowshoeing.
- Family-friendly facilities – The Remarkables has a Kids’ Club and The Snowsports School to teach kids all about skiing and snowboarding.
- Spectacular views – With breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, The Remarkables is one of the most scenic ski resorts in New Zealand.
Cons:
- Long drive – It takes 3.5 hours to drive from Queenstown to The Remarkables.
- Limited terrain – The Remarkables is best suited for intermediates and advanced skiers.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s ski resorts offer something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier. With plenty of family-friendly activities and great facilities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whakapapa Ski Area, Cardrona Alpine Resort, and The Remarkables are some of the best family-friendly ski resorts in New Zealand. Each resort offers something different, so it’s worth doing your research to find the one that’s right for you and your family.
No matter which ski resort you choose, you can be sure that your family will have a fun and unique winter holiday experience in New Zealand.