Try our Family Ski Holidays in New Zealand

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If you are looking for something above and beyond for your next family escape, then one of our New Zealand Family ski holidays could be just what you are after! It goes without saying that NZ has a plethora of fantastic world class ski fields for you all to enjoy. Many of them also offer handy kids club options to look after and help your little ones develop their downhill skills. That means you can hit the slopes (alone for a change) and savour the peace and serenity of the landscape and work on your skills at the same time!

But when it comes to off the snow entertainment, it is hard to go past a country that offers a crazy array of extra ‘experiences’ for your family to enjoy, so you can have a blast doing some jetboating, luging, nature cruises, cultural experiences, quad biking, thermal pool relaxation and so the list goes on. To help you work out your next family ski holiday, here is a bit of extra information that we hope you find useful!

Things to consider for a family ski holiday

Season Dates for each Ski Field

These dates are a guide to when the fields will open. Mother nature will ultimately decide if the season is a bit longer!

Coronet Peak
Open Date: 17 June ~ Close Date 01 October

The Remarkables
Open Date: 10 June ~ Close Date 08 October

Mt Hutt
Open Date: 10 June ~ Close Date 08 October

Treble Cone
Open Date: 22 June ~ Close Date 01 October

Cardrona
Open Date: 10 June ~ Close Date 15 October

Turoa
Open Date: 10 July ~ Close Date 23 October

Whakapapa
Open Date: 10 June ~ Close Date 23 October
School Holiday Dates

If your kids are in school and you don’t want to deviate from the allotted holiday periods then here are some date ranges for you to consider:

NZ, SA and TAS School Holiday Dates 2017
Winter School Holidays: 08 July – 23 July
Spring School Holidays: 29 Sept – 16 Oct

Queensland Dates 2017
Winter School Holidays: 24 June – 09 July
Spring School Holidays: 18 Sept – 02 October

NSW, VIC, WA, and ACT School Holiday Dates 2017
Winter School Holidays: 01 July – 16 July
Spring School Holidays: 25 Sept – 06 Oct

Other Key Dates
Winter Festival: 22 June – 25 Jun
Winter Games NZ: 25 Aug – 10 Sept
How old is a Child?

The applicable age for child freebie offers varies a little from ski field to ski field. Youth prices will usually apply for older children. Below is an indication of the age breakdowns at each ski field:

Mt Ruapehu – Turoa
Child Age: 4 years and under
Youth Age: 5 ~ 18 years

Mt Ruapehu – Whakapapa
Child Age: 4 years and under
Youth Age: 5 ~ 18 years

Mt Hutt
Child Age: 10 years and under
Youth Age: 11 ~ 17 years
Offers: FREE Lift passes for kids 10 years and under.

Roundhill
Child Age: 12 years and under
Youth Age: 13 ~ 18 years
Offers: FREE Lift passes for kids 5 years and under.

Treble Cone
Child Age: 6 ~ 17 years
Offers: FREE Lift passes for kids 5 years and under ($5 card and admin fee applies).

Cardrona
Child Age: 6 ~ 17 years
Offers: FREE Lift passes for kids 5 years and under ($5 card and admin fee applies).

Coronet Peak
Child Age: 5 years and under
Youth Age: 6 ~ 17 years
Offers: FREE Lift passes for kids 5 years and under.

The Remarkables
Child Age: 5 years and under
Youth Age: 6 ~ 17 years
Offers: FREE Lift passes for kids 5 years and under.
How close is accommodation to the Ski Field?

Turoa – Mt Ruapehu
Closest 2 Bedroom Accommodation Available: Ohakune
Driving Time: 20 mins
Comments: Ohakune isn’t a huge town but it does have a few two bedroom options. Getting accommodation on weekends can be difficult though.

Whakapapa – Mt Ruapehu
Closest 2 Bedroom Accommodation Available: National Park
Driving Time: 20 mins
Comments: Multi room accommodation can be obtained only 10 mins drive at Whakapapa Village. Accommodation on weekends can be difficult to find as well!

Mt Hutt
Closest 2 Bedroom Accommodation Available: Methven
Driving Time: 35 mins
Comments: Methven is a small town but it does have a good mix of two bedroom accommodation options from lower budget to 4 star.

Roundhill
Closest 2 Bedroom Accommodation Available: Lake Tekapo
Driving Time: 35 mins
Comments: Lake Tekapo is a small town/village so there are limited two bedroom options available. Most options will be a couple of hundred dollars per night or more!

Treble Cone
Closest 2 Bedroom Accommodation Available: Wanaka
Driving Time: 30 mins
Comments: Wanaka is a bit smaller than Queenstown but still has quite decent supply of two bedroom options from lower budget to 4 star+. Book early to avoid missing out in peak periods like school holidays.

Cardrona
Closest 2 Bedroom Accommodation Available: Wanaka
Driving Time: 35 mins
Comments: Queenstown is only 50 mins drive via Crown Range Road but it can get a bit hairy in snowy weather!

Coronet Peak
Closest 2 Bedroom Accommodation Available: Queenstown
Driving Time: 20 mins
Comments: Queenstown has heaps of two bedroom options but it still does book out, especially in school holiday periods!

The Remarkables
Closest 2 Bedroom Accommodation Available: Queenstown
Driving Time: 35 mins
Comments: Queenstown has heaps of two bedroom options but it still does book out, especially in school holiday periods!
What are my options for off-the-snow entertainment?

Turoa (Mt Ruapehu)
Closest Town: Ohakune
Slightly larger than other towns in the area, Ohakune has a few off snow options. Mountain biking, horse trekking, walks, indoor rock climbing, rafting, fishing, scenic flights, museums and golf are close by for down time.

Whakapapa (Mt Ruapehu)
Closest Town: National Park / Whakapapa Village
Whakapapa Village – if you stay at the Chateau it has pool, movie theatre and small golf course to help occupy down time.
National Park is a small village also with limited off the snow activity. Walks, Rafting, quad biking and an indoor climbing wall are available.

Mt Hutt
Closest Town: Methven
Methven itself has limited off snow options. Mountain biking, jet boating, fishing, golf, scenic flights and Lord of the Rings tours are some options. Christchurch is only an hour away providing a few additional sightseeing options for those prepared to drive.

Roundhill
Closest Town: Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a small village but it still offers world class hot pools, star gazing, ice skating, tubing, golf and golf cross (rugby crossed with golf), horse treks, walks, lake cruises and scenic flights.

Treble Cone
Closest Town: Wanaka
For its size Wanaka has a nice little mix of off snow activities. Puzzling World, museums, a unique cinema, golf, mini golf, walks, jetboating, biking, Frisbee golf, fishing, lake cruises and even a lavender farm.

Cardrona
Closest Town: Wanaka(view Treble Cone) / Queenstown(view Coronet Peak and The Remarkables)

Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
Closest Town: Queenstown
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand so off the snow options are everywhere. Options range from sedate to hard to handle! It is also a great gateway to Fiordland, home to Milford and Doubtful Sounds. These are ideal family nature experiences but they are long days! 6am to 6pm sort of days!

Kids Clubs and Programs @ Queenstown/Mt Hutt (South Island)

Queenstown and Mt Hutt ski fields offer several options of Kids Clubs and Programs. For inclusions and age restrictions, refer to the table below.

Kids skiing - Skiwiland — Kids skiing – Skiwiland

Mini Kids – Skiwiland^ @ Queenstown/Mt Hutt
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Coronet Peak Mt Hutt	3 months ~ 1 year
Operates Daily(no skiing). Mini Kids provides safe and fun activity based child care on the mountain, including play time in the snow with qualified childcare teachers. Lunch is NOT provided, so you will have to bring your own.
Kiwi Kids – Skiwiland^ @ Queenstown/Mt Hutt
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Coronet Peak Mt Hutt	2 ~ 5 years
Operates Daily(no skiing). Kiwi Kids provides safe and fun activity based child care on the mountain, including play time in the snow with qualified childcare teachers, no skiing is involved. Lunch is provided on request so please advise NZSKI to add it when you book.
Skiwi Kids – Skiwiland^ @ Queenstown/Mt Hutt
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Coronet Peak Mt Hutt	3 ~ 5 years
Operates Daily(ski lesson + child care). Skiwi Kids provides a ski lesson in a small group in addition to lots of fun indoor and outdoor activities. The lesson includes ski and boot rental and the full day option includes lunch at all mountains. Spaces in Skiwiland are strictly limited so booking in advance with the Snowsports School is essential.
Mini Kea – Skiwiland^ @ Queenstown
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
The Remarkables	4 ~ 5 years
Mini Kea includes lift pass, lesson and ski hire and the all-day program includes lunch providing awesome value for your children. Participating in the Mini Kea is an excellent way for children to improve their skills, make new friends and have a great day on the mountain allowing Mum and Dad to get out on the snow. Only available at The Remarkables you can bring your children in to our secure area from 9am. They will be supervised by our staff who will also assist the kids in preparing to go on the snow. The program runs from 10am to 4pm. Package Includes: Morning and afternoon lessons and lunch Open to all ability levels.
Kea Club – Skiwiland^ @ Queenstown/Mt Hutt
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Coronet Peak The Remarkables Mt Hutt	5 ~ 15 years (skiing) 8 ~ 15 years (snowboarding)
Is NZ SKI’s childrens Snowsports School, operating daily with FULL day activities only. (no part day options) Children will ski and snowboard with other children of similar ability in a fun, safe and supporting group environment. Kea Club Ski is for children aged 5-15 years. Kea Club Snowboard is restricted to children 8 – 15 years. Full mountain lift pass, equipment hire and lunch included. Clothing Hire can be added at additional cost.
Mountain Holiday Program – Skiwiland^ @ Queenstown/Mt Hutt
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Coronet Peak Mt Hutt	5 ~ 15 years (skiing) 8 ~ 15 years (snowboarding)
The Mountain Holiday Program is a date specific multi-day school holiday program with an emphasis on FUN and learning. Suitable for all ability levels, including beginners and kids who want to try skiing off‐piste or learn new tricks in the terrain park. This program runs over five consecutive days at Coronet Peak or three consecutive days at Mt Hutt. Package Includes: Full Mountain lift access Recreational equipment hire 2 x 2hr 30min lessons daily Supervised lunch with the instructor Start time 10.00am – 16.00pm View 2017 dates below.

(^) Must be booked with NZSki.

Coronet Peak Mountain Holiday Program 2017 Dates

Coronet Peak (5 Days) – Winter School Holidays
26th ~ 30th June 2017
3rd ~ 7th July 2017
10th ~ 14th July 2017
17th ~ 21st July 2017

Coronet Peak (5 Days) – Spring Holiday Program
18th ~ 22nd September 2017
25th ~ 29th September 2017
Mt Hutt Mountain Holiday Program 2017 Dates

Mt Hutt (3 Days) – Winter School Holidays
26th ~ 28th June 2017
29th June ~ 1st July 2017
3rd ~ 5th July 2017
6th ~ 8th July 2017
10th ~ 12th July 2017
13th ~ 15th July 2017
17th ~ 19th July 2017
20th ~ 22nd July 2017

Mt Hutt (3 Days) – Spring Holiday Program
18th ~ 20th September 2017
21st ~ 23rd September 2017
25th ~ 27th September 2017
28th ~ 30th September 2017
2nd ~ 4th October 2017

Kids Clubs and Programs @ Wanaka (South Island)

Wanaka ski fields offer several options of Kids Clubs and Programs. For inclusions and age restrictions, refer to the table below.

Kitty Cat Priv. Lessons – Cat Club Lessons @ Treble Cone
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Treble Cone	2 ~ 4 years
2 hour one-on-one Private lessons including ski boots and helmet.
Kids Group Lessons – Cat Club Lessons @ Treble Cone
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Treble Cone	4 ~ 17 years (skiing) 6 ~ 17 years (snowboarding)
About Kids Group Lessons: Level Beginner to Advanced Skiers and Boarders Full Day Programme (includes lunch) 10:20am – 3:30pm Half Day Programme 10:20am – 12:30pm / 1:20pm – 3:30pm Beginner Lessons capped at 5 per class All other Group Lessons capped at 8 students per class Group Lessons at Treble Cone are all about kids having fun while learning to ski or snowboard in a safe environment. Designed for first time skiers right through to expert skiers and snowboarders, kids groups are sorted by age and ability. Please note – You will need to add equipment rental and lift passes to the lessons if required for children 4 – 17 years.
School Holiday Camps** @ Treble Cone
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Treble Cone	6 ~ 17 years
Running over the July and September School Holidays, Treble Cone offers freeride and race specific camps catering to kids 6 – 17 y/o, skiing at a level 5+ (strong intermediate). Groups will be split via level (and age as group sizes permit) and teamed up with a Team TC coach for a week of fun, progression and camaraderie. Scroll down the page for 2017 dates.
Cardrona Nursery @ Cardrona
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Cardrona	3 months ~ 1 year
Inclusions: Fully licensed Early Childhood Centre Full day care from 8.30am until 4.15pm daily Nursery does NOT include lunch Morning tea and afternoon tea are included Lift pass is complimentary
Ski Kindy @ Cardrona
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Cardrona	2 ~ 5 years
Inclusions: Fully licensed Early Childhood Centre Full day care from 8.30am until 4.15pm daily Options available with or without Ski lessons Ski lessons only (no snowboard) – private or group options Includes lunch Morning tea and afternoon tea are included Rental equipment is included for the duration of the lesson Lift pass is complimentary
Kids Club @ Cardrona
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Cardrona	5 ~ 14 years
Kids Club is open from 8.30am until 4pm daily and offers either half day or full day options. Choose from either half day with no lunch, half day including lunch or full day options which always include lunch. Half day can be either a morning session or afternoon session. Kids Club full day package includes full day lift pass, rental equipment, 2 x 2hr group lessons and Kids Club. Morning drop off – 8.30am – 12.30pm Afternoon drop off – 1pm – 4pm
4 Days Camp (Skiing) – Skiwees @ Cardrona
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Cardrona	5 ~ 14 years
Inclusions: Programme operates every Monday for 4 days inclusive Drop off at the Skiwees Club from 8.30am daily, pickup at 4pm Children grouped by age and ability with same Instructor and group for entire programme 5 hours on snow lesson instruction each day Lunch and snacks included in the Skiwees Club Children presented with Certificate, neck gater and photo at end of programme Treasure Hunt and Parade on last day Equipment fitting by dedicated staff located inside Skiwees Club Operates Monday to Thursday every week of the season.
4 Days Camp (Snowboarding) – Lowriders @ Cardrona
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Cardrona	7 ~ 14 years
Inclusions: Programme operates every Monday for 4 days inclusive Drop off at the Skiwees Club from 8.30am daily, pickup at 4pm Children grouped by age and ability with same Instructor and group for entire programme 5 hours on snow lesson instruction each day Lunch and snacks included in the Skiwees Club Children presented with Certificate, neck gater and photo at end of programme Treasure Hunt and Parade on last day Equipment fitting by dedicated staff located inside Skiwees Club Operates Monday to Thursday every week of the season.

(**) Must be booked directly with Treble Cone ski field.

School Holiday Camps 2017 Dates

Race Camp #1
11th ~ 15th July 2017 (ski only)

Race Camp #2
18th ~ 22nd July 2017 (ski only)

Spring Race Camp #3
26th ~ 30th September 2017 (ski only)

Freeride Camp #1
11th ~ 15th July 2017 (ski only)

Freeride Camp #2
18th ~ 22nd July 2017 (ski only)

Spring Freeride Camp #3
26th ~ 30th September 2017 (ski only)

Kids Clubs and Programs @ Mt Ruapehu (North Island)

Mt Ruapehu ski fields offer several options of Kids Clubs and Programs. For inclusions and age restrictions, refer to the table below.

Yeti Cubs – Yeti Childcare* @ Mt Ruapehu
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Turoa	2 ~ 5 years
About Yeti Cubs: Open 7 days a week from 9.00am – 4.00pm through to Sunday 22nd October 2017 Childcare Only Predominantly Indoors Some snow play time Lunch options available
Yeti Skiwee – Yeti Childcare* @ Mt Ruapehu
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Turoa	3 ~ 5 years
About Yeti Skiwee: Open 7 days a week from 9.00am – 4.00pm through to Sunday 22nd October 2017 Childcare plus an introduction to snow Predominantly indoors plus 2 x 1 hr introduction to snow lessons Includes rental skis Lunch options available
Yeti Skiwee + – Yeti Childcare* @ Mt Ruapehu
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Turoa	3 ~ 5 years
About Yeti Skiwee + : Open 7 days a week from 9.00am – 4.00pm through to Sunday 22nd October 2017 Childcare plus snow time Predominantly indoors plus 2 x 1 hr intermediate lessons on the snow Includes rental skis Lunch options available
Turoa Holiday Crew* @ Mt Ruapehu
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Turoa	4 ~ 15 years (skiing) 8 ~ 15 years (snowboarding)
Spend an amazing five days upgrading your skills with the Turoa Holiday Crew. Whether it’s your first time on snow or you’re already a seasoned professional, there is something for you. Even when the mountain isn’t playing ball and is closed, Turoa Holiday Crew still offer “indoor activities” to keep everyone enthused and pumped for when it’s time to hit snow again. These activities change depending on numbers, downtown weather and will last for 3 hours on any closed day. Full and half day options for beginners through to experts Consistency of Instructor over the week Access to race courses Personalised feedback Lift line priority Scroll down the page for 2017 dates.
Kids Holiday Programme @ Mt Ruapehu
Ski Fields	Age Restrictions
Whakapapa	4 ~ 15 years (skiing) 8 ~ 15 years (snowboarding)
What better way to spend five days of the school holidays than having an amazing adventure up on the mountain at Whakapapa Ski Area! This is the perfect option if you’re planning on being here for the full week with groups for beginners right up to intermediate and advanced skiers. Learn new skills with experienced kids’ instructors, meet new friends and have an awesome time on the snow. Enjoy the benefits of being with the same group and same instructor throughout the programme. All Snowsports Centre Programmes also enjoy lift line priority. They offer the options of either two hours or four hours of instruction per day. View 2017 dates below.

(*) All Yeti and Holiday Crew options must be booked directly with Turoa ski field.

Turoa Holiday Crew 2017 Dates

Winter Holidays (July)
10th ~ 14th July 2017
17th ~ 21st July 2017

Spring Holidays (October)
2nd ~ 6th October 2017
9th ~ 13th October 2017
Kids Holiday Programme 2017 Dates

Winter Holidays (July)
10th ~ 14th July 2017 (inclusive)
17th ~ 21st July 2017 (inclusive)

Spring Holidays (October)
2nd ~ 6th October 2017 (inclusive)
9th ~ 13th October 2017 (inclusive)