Whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder or you’re ready to hit the slopes for the very first time, you need a great ski field to do it. New Zealand’s South Island is well-known for having stunning ski slopes in Queenstown and the like, but those aren’t the only slopes worth a trip! There are plenty of great North Island ski fields to choose from!
As your trusted, affordable provider of campervan hire in New Zealand, we’ll review all the best places on the North Island for snowboarding and skiing. No matter your skill level, there’s a place for you! So, let’s dive in.
What Makes the North Island’s Ski Fields So Good?
The majority of the North Island’s ski fields are centred around Mt Ruapehu. It houses two of the largest ski fields in the country, connecting North Island residents to more accessible ski fields than those at the bottom of the South Island.
The other spot for great skiing is Mt Taranaki, the second-highest mountain on the island after Ruapehu. What do these spots have in common? They operate on the slopes of a volcanic mountain range. That means you can enjoy a unique experience boarding down these slopes, thanks to all the natural features formed from ancient volcanic activity.
Whether you’re hopping in a caravan with your family or taking a solo trip to brush up on your shredding skills, these fields are incredibly accessible. Not to mention, there’s so much stunning scenery to enjoy on the way!
So, it’s clear that these fields are worth a trip. But which specific ski fields should you drop into your GPS?
The Best Ski Fields in the North Island
Whakapapa Ski Area
First, let’s stop off on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ruapehu. Whakapapa takes our top spot as it’s the largest ski area in the country, which means there are plenty of different runs for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a gentle beginner slope or a challenging black-diamond run, you can find it here.
Thanks to its size, Whakapapa also has plenty of great facilities to turn your ski trip into a full day out. Multiple cafes, an on-site rental shop, and a super safe gondola are all ready for you to enjoy.
If you’re hopping on a road trip with your family for some North Island snowboarding or skiing, Whakapapa’s Happy Valley area is a great stop. It’s well-known as one of the best beginner areas in the country!
Tūroa Ski Area
Take it to the other side of the mountain for another stunning Mount Ruapehu ski field: Tūroa. While this isn’t as beginner-friendly, it’s a great spot for a trip with your friends who are more comfortable skiing and snowboarding. Tūroa is where you can access some of the highest ski slopes in the country (at least with a ski lift), tailored for an intermediate to advanced crowd.
The modern facilities of Tūroa ski field make it a must-visit, especially when you consider the quality of the terrain park, with jumps, rails, and boxes perfect for experienced boarders!
Tukino Ski Area
The third and final ski area on Mt Ruapehu is the Tukino ski area, a club-operated field on the mountain’s eastern side. This spot is ideal for intermediate or advanced skiers seeking a challenge. It offers a mixture of groomed trails and off-piste areas, all with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Not to mention, this is a far less crowded ski field compared to the other two fields on Ruapehu!
We’re talking 300 metres of vertical drop, 170 hectares of uncrowded snow, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a more intimate, relaxed experience.
Manganui Ski Area
Finally, we can’t talk about North Island ski fields without mentioning the Manganui Ski Area on Mt Taranaki. This isn’t the built-out complex you might expect from the two major fields on Ruapehu, but that can count in its favour. The lack of comprehensive facilities makes this a smaller, more intimate field with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Manganui Ski Area is a hidden gem of North Island snowboarding and skiing, and well worth a trip if you’re in the area.
Explore North Island’s best ski fields your way with Kia Ora Campers.
Looking for your next campervan hire in the North Island of New Zealand? Kia Ora Campers has an affordable, high-quality range of 2, 3, and 4-berth motorhomes for you to take on the ski trip of a lifetime. Browse our range or reach out to us today!