Skiing in Wanaka

About Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka has always been a magnet for visitors because of its spectacular alpine location and fabulous climate - hot and dry in summer, crisp and sunny in winter. Adjacent to the Mount Aspiring National Park World Heritage area, the region is renowned for its diverse landforms - mountains, glacier-caved lakes, snowfields, rock bluffs, alpine meadows, forests and river flats.

Main snow sport venues

Treble Cone
Spread over three basins, Treble Cone has terrain to suit all skill levels, including a purpose-built learners' area. Its vertical drop (705 metres) is nearly double that of nearby fields, consequently the field has vast amounts of advanced terrain. Having said that, a recent trail enhancement programme has resulted in additional beginner and intermediate groomed trails. It seems that everyone can have fun here.

Lessons are just one of the services offered at Cardrona

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Cardrona
Known as a great place for families, 80% of the terrain at Cardrona Alpine Resort is ideal for beginners and intermediates. The field also has three Magic Carpet learner lifts, four childcare centres and specialised kids' lessons. But it’s not all easy going - Cardrona turns it on for freestyle skiers and boarders with three terrain parks, a wide range of rails and jumps, up to four halfpipes and a Gravity Cross course.

Snow Park
The southern hemisphere's first specialised freestyle resort, Snow Park is situated high above the Cardrona Valley. The park has a veritable smorgasbord of terrain features: a super pipe of international standard, beginner pipe, ride wall, quarter pipe, 40+ rails, boxes and hits of varying sizes, two giant hips, a snow skate area and extensive terrain for learners. A 5000 watt sound system is the icing on the cake.

Other things to do

When you're not on the slopes, there's always plenty to do. Fill your time with flightseeing from the local airport, hiking, wine and beer tasting, horse trekking and museum browsing. Adventurous souls can try skydiving, canyoning, rock climbing, whitewater rafting and back country helicopter deer hunting safaris.

Places to stay

The town of Wanaka knows how to look after its guests - accommodation ranges from upmarket serviced apartments and boutique hotels to motels and budget backpacker lodges. Restaurants and bars line the lakeside.

A ride on Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola is an excellent way to enjoy Queenstown’s stunning scenery.

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Getting there

Nearby Queenstown airport receives international flights from Australia and domestic flights from Auckland and Christchurch. There are several coach services providing a link between Queenstown and Lake Wanaka. Lake Wanaka's domestic airport receives daily flights to and from Queenstown and Christchurch. Shuttle services from the airport into town are available.

Key tips

Daily shuttles to Treble Cone, Cardrona and Snow Park run from Wanaka and Queenstown.
Lake Wanaka snow areas are generally open from late June until early October.
Access roads are unsealed.
Snow Park and Cardrona have 'on hill' accommodation; Cardrona also has childcare facilities for children as young as three months old.
Heli-skiing experiences are available.