Keen to strap on your skis and hit the slopes this winter? A campervan road trip is a great way to stretch your holiday budget and make the most of the ski season. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best New Zealand ski resorts to add to your motorhome travel itinerary. But first …
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Where can you ski in New Zealand
New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With breathtaking landscapes and world-class ski resorts on offer, skiing and snowboarding is a popular pastime during winter. Both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand have fantastic ski fields.
What month is the best to ski in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, winter runs between June and August, with the ski season generally kicking off in June and finishing in October. The slopes tend to be busiest during the school holidays. So, if you’re looking for good snow but want to avoid the crowds, consider planning your trip between late July and early September.
Driving during winter in New Zealand
While New Zealand’s alpine roads are regularly cleared of snow, it’s still a good idea to have snow chains on hand. Make sure you’re familiar with how to attach snow chains to your camper before you hit the road.
It also pays to note that during winter, black ice can be problematic on New Zealand roads. The ice is transparent and almost impossible to spot. Black ice forms overnight or early in the morning when temperatures are at their lowest. Take extra care in winter when travelling in shaded areas or gullies. To stay safe, it’s a good idea to travel in daylight hours whenever possible.
Note that campervans can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads or well-maintained roads. Find out about road restrictions for campervans in New Zealand.
The top 5 budget-friendly ski spots in New Zealand
Ready to hit the slopes? Let’s take a look at some of the best skiing in New Zealand.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Whakapapa, Mount Ruapehu
Located on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu in the North Island, the Whakapapa ski area offers a range of ski fields from novices to seasoned pros. Spanning 550 hectares of terrain, Whakapapa is one of New Zealand’s largest ski areas. Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano with terrain formed by solidified lava. That makes for some of the most exhilarating skiing New Zealand has on offer. Need rental gear? No problem, you can order everything you need ahead of time and pick it up on the mountain.
For unbeatable views, take a ride on the Sky Waka gondola. Translated to mean ‘voyaging canoe’ in Te Reo Māori, the gondola begins at the base station of Whakapapa ski area. The 1.8 km ride takes about 12 minutes, each way.
Voted as New Zealand’s best ski resort for eight years running, Mt Hutt offers an unbeatable big mountain experience for skiers, snowboarders and sightseers. Located in the heart of the South Island’s Canterbury region, Mt Hutt has something for all ages and abilities. There is a good variety of terrain from mellow slopes and magic carpets for beginners, pristine groomers for intermediates, and ungroomed chutes for experts. The summit six-seat high-speed chairlift takes you to the highest point of any ski area in the South Island. Glide down the legendary ‘Broadway’ or tackle the chutes and steeps of ‘The Towers’.
Where to stay: Drive 35 minutes into Methven and stay at Methven Camping Ground. The campground also offers a bus to the ski field, so you don’t have to take the camper if you’d prefer to let someone else do the driving.
Ōhau
Nestled within the South Island’s stunning Mackenzie region, Ōhau Snow Field is a hidden gem. With a range of slopes for all ski levels, you can soak in the breathtaking alpine scenery while carving down the pristine runs. The ‘Boulevard’ offers learners and intermediates an easy, fun skiing or snowboarding experience from the top of the chairlift down to the base facilities. There is some great hiking around the top of the mountain for the more adventurous wanting to access the best powder and views.
Where to stay: Drive 30 minutes to Lake Middleton Campsite, and experience camping immersed in nature.
Cardrona
Planning a Queenstown ski holiday? Taking prime position in the stunning Southern Alps, Cardrona offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and top-notch facilities. This popular ski field is just an hour’s drive from Queenstown or around 40 minutes from Wānaka. Cardrona offers the Southern Hemisphere’s most extensive terrain park facilities and the most reliable snow in the region. Plan your ski holiday around the Queenstown Winter Festival and make the most of the festivities both on and off the ski fields.
Because campervans are not permitted to be driven on the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Cardrona, we suggest booking into the Cardrona bus service from Queenstown to transport you safely to the slopes.
Where to stay: Drive 40 minutes to Wānaka after a big day of skiing and stay at Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park. If you’re staying in Queenstown, escape to the peace and quiet of the Creeksyde Holiday Park.
Treble Cone
Just 30 minutes’ drive from Wānaka, Treble Cone is the South Island’s largest ski area. This fabulous ski field is famous for its long, uncrowded groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain, and jaw-dropping views over the Southern Alps and Lake Wānaka. With the longest vertical rise in the South Island – 2296 m – it offers exhilarating runs for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Prefer to leave the campervan parked up? Take advantage of the free shuttles (from Wānaka and the bottom of the mountain) or the paid bus service (from Queenstown).
Where to stay: Drive 25 minutes to the small township of Glendhu Bay and stay at the iconicGlendhu Bay Motor Camp.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Tips for enjoying a ski trip on a budget
Now that you’ve got a list of the best New Zealand ski fields, here are a few tips on how to make the most of them without breaking the budget.
Hire a campervan
Travelling New Zealand by campervan is not only fantastic fun, it’s also very affordable. There’s no better way to travel New Zealand on a budget. The expense of motels and hotels soon add up, especially on top of a car rental. A campervan is your accommodation and transport all in one. Park up in a nearby campground or try freedom camping for some serious savings.
Take advantage of your kitchen on wheels
Depending on the type of campervan hire you choose, your camper will include an onboard kitchen with cooking facilities and fridge. This means you can save money on eating out by cooking your favourite home-cooked meals.
Stock up on fruit, veges, cheeses, and artisan treats and goodies at local farmers markets as you travel. They’re affordable, fresh, and a great way to try out local flavours.
Look out for deals
When planning your campervan road trip, keep an eye out for special deals and try to book in early. Some New Zealand ski fields offer an early bird discount, so it’s worth checking out. Don’t forget to check out Mighty’s latest rental deals.
Download the thl Roadtrip app
To help you plan your New Zealand skiing road trip, download the thl Roadtrip app. This handy app is a campervan traveller’s best friend. Use it to find nearby campgrounds, petrol stations, dump stations and pretty much everything else you need as you explore New Zealand.
How to choose the right camper for your ski trip
Mighty’s campers offer a welcoming home-away-from-home as you travel. And there’s one for every type of traveller. Some of the considerations you may need to factor in when choosing the right campervan for you include:
Storage space: Will you be hiring your ski gear on the mountain, or bringing your own? If you plan to bring your own, you’ll want to choose a camper that offers plenty of external storage.
Travellers: If you’re travelling alone or with one other, you may prefer a smaller campervan. For couples, the 2-berth Deuce has everything needed for a cosy getaway including a fridge and microwave. For those travelling in larger groups, the 4-berth Double Up or 6-Berth Big Six have plenty of space and all the must-haves.
Facilities: Do you plan to stay in a campground, or make use of freedom camping? If it’s the latter, you’ll need a campervan with bathroom facilities. All Mighty campervans are certified self-contained and come equipped with a toilet, so freedom camping is a breeze.
Heating: When travelling in winter, it’s a good idea to check whether your campervan runs on electric, gas or diesel power. If your campervan heater uses electric power, you’ll need to be plugged into a mains power source.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Ready for a winter adventure?
Whether you’re heading off on a skiing holiday with friends, a loved one, or by yourself, a Mighty camper is the way to go. Spend the day on the slopes then head back to the warm comfort of your camper. Cook up your favourite meal, relax with a glass of wine, and plan your next day’s adventure.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Image: Tourism New Zealand