South Island Skiing

Skiing our way round the country

The aim - to ski as many mountains as we can

South Island here we come!

It is time to go skiing!

Time to ski until we cannot ski any more, visit as many mountains as we can, and soak up the views of the beautiful South Island of New Zealand.

Rainbow, Nelson Lakes

Rainbow is a hidden gem of a ski field nestled in the mountains around Nelson Lakes district at the top of the South Island. I absolutely love this mountain as it is mostly locals that ski here. There is one T-Bar lift and one rope tow, but heaps of terrain to explore if you are willing to hike a bit. It is a well maintained mountain and on a good season you can ski across lakes and down to the road to meet your car.

Rainbow statistics:

You cannot stay on the mountain but instead stay in St Arnaud, a 20km drive away. We stay at the Alpine Lodge. I highly recommend it, there are options of self-contained units or bunk rooms, the staff are extremely helpful and friendly and the restaurant is good. The Lodge is also a short walk from the end of Lake Rotoiti and one of the most iconic views in NZ.

Mt Robert, Nelson Lakes

The old Rainbow Ski Field, Mt Robert is now the perfect spot for Ski Touring in the South Island. The ski field was moved in 2003 after it was decided that the snow fall was better on the other side of the lake.

The old lodge is maintained by a local club and provides and excellent base for the weekend to go and earn some turns (and some lunch). The mountain is on the other side of Lake Rotoiti and provides stunning views.

To access the field it is a 2-3 hour hike up the mountain with all your gear before hitting the tree line where you swap hiking boots for ski boots and skin up to the top of the mountain. A very wobbly ski down to the hut and you have arrived at your destination, time to enjoy a drink and dinner before a big weekend of ski touring.

Mt Lyford, Kaikoura

Just in from the coast of Kaikoura is the Mt Lyford Ski Field.

Mt Lyford statistics:

The resort is close to Hammer Springs, at 40 mins and Kaikoura at 45 min travel time. There are log houses through the native bush and a Lodge at the bottom servicing the village and Inland Road.

Mt Cheeseman, Canterbury

Mt Cheeseman in Canterbury is a super old school country ski field with only two T-Bars. That being said it is a super cool spot to stay. There is an old military style bunk house to stay at on the mountain. It is a communal type set up with a main living area where both Staff and Guests spend their time when not on the Mountain. If you are staying at the lodge then all meals are provided in the cost of staying there. The views across the Canterbury plains are amazing and well worth the drive up the hill.

Mt Cheeseman statistics:

Treble Cone and Cardrona, Wanaka

The two mountains in Wanaka, Treble Cone and Cardrona, are both very good ski fields. I much prefer them to the ski fields in Queenstown. Wanaka is also a bit quieter to stay in that Queenstown as there is less partying and more of a chilled out vibe. Treble Cone is definitely the mountain for the more experienced skier, with only two chair lifts that are both very long and access each side of the mountain there are less green slopes available. Cardrona has many lifts and many sections of the mountain for all abilities, and a very good terrain park.

Treble Cone Statistics:

Cardrona Statistics:

Now it is time to head back to real life.