Top Places to Visit in New Zealand During Snowfall
Experience New Zealand’s stunning winter landscapes, with dramatic snow-capped mountains, pristine glaciers, and alpine lakes with New Zealand tour packages from Thrillophilia. Snowfall occurs during the months of June to October, primarily in the South Island around the Southern Alps. Meanwhile, the North Island experiences a temperate climate where snowfall is less common.Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt. Hutt and Craigieburn Valley are some places to visit in the New Zealand Southern Alps. These regions receive heavy snow, creating perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and other alpine activities. Queenstown is renowned for its ski resorts, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, which offer reliable snow conditions and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Wanaka, with its nearby Treble Cone and Cardrona ski fields, offers equally impressive snowfall and stunning scenery. For those seeking a quieter, more serene snow experience, Lake Tekapo and Arrowtown provide breathtaking vistas of snow-covered peaks and glaciers.
For those looking to witness snowfall in the North Island, Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Taranaki are the best spots. The Turoa and Whakapapa ski fields on the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu are among New Zealand’s largest ski fields, offering a wide range of ski trails and terrain suitable for all skill levels. Whether you are looking for scenic winter landscapes or thrilling snow sports, New Zealand offers several options for enjoying snowfall.
Best Places to See Snowfall in New Zealand (South Island)
- Queenstown – Heavy snowfall, Coronet Peak & The Remarkables ski resorts, panoramic alpine views
- Wanaka – Treble Cone & Cardrona ski fields, stunning winter scenery, and peaceful snowy landscapes
- Mt. Hutt – Reliable snow, wide ski terrain, and one of the top alpine ski areas in the South Island
- Craigieburn Valley – Deep powder snow, backcountry terrain, and thrilling ski slopes
- Lake Tekapo – Snow-covered peaks, blue alpine lake views, and serene winter charm
- Arrowtown – Quiet winter town with snowy mountains, historic streets, and scenic walks
Top North Island Snowfall Destinations
- Tongariro National Park – Snow-capped volcanic peaks, winter hikes, and dramatic landscapes
- Mount Ruapehu – Turoa & Whakapapa ski fields, New Zealand’s largest ski areas, and varied snow terrain
- Mount Taranaki – Snowy summit views, alpine trails, and picturesque winter scenery
- Coronet Peak (Queenstown) – Night skiing, beginner-friendly slopes, and reliable winter snow
- The Remarkables (Queenstown) – Terrain parks, family zones, and panoramic snowy views
- Cardrona (Wanaka) – Wide slopes, modern facilities, and ideal for families and beginners
- Treble Cone (Wanaka) – Challenging runs, advanced terrain, and high-quality powder
- Turoa (Mount Ruapehu) – Long ski trails, natural half-pipe, and incredible volcanic snow landscapes
- Whakapapa (Mount Ruapehu) – Kids’ snow play areas, beginner slopes, and vast ski terrain
