Ice skating

New Zealand offers plenty of ice skating options indoors and out, some set in jaw-dropping locations. Go for the disco nights, lessons, curling, or ice hockey games. 

Outdoor seasonal ice-skating rinks 

Outdoor ice-skating rinks are popping up in winter with some offering spectacular views over stunning landscapes such as pristine lakes, snow or ice-coated trees and majestic snowcapped mountains.  

Many outdoor ice rinks are only found in winter: 

• Wellington Ice Skating Rink on Queen’s Wharf can be found in July. Enjoy city and harbour views while gliding through. Check dates(opens in new window).
• Aotea Square Ice Rink in Auckland is a hit from the end of June to the end of July (changes may occur each year). Check dates(opens in new window).
• Wairakei Estate Ice Rink is a drawcard during the Taupō Winter Festival. Check dates(opens in new window).
• Tekapo Springs Ice Rink(opens in new window) is an international-size rink, offering incredible views of the pristine lake and imposing mountains. You can choose between an ice-skating all day/multiple entry pass or a soak-and-skate combo.  
• Iceinline(opens in new window) in Alexandra has the Southern Hemisphere's largest outdoor ice skating rink, where  you can skate, curl, and play ice hockey all day long.

Indoor ice-skating rinks 

For those who'd rather a somewhat warmer indoor session, permanent ice-skating rinks can be found across the country. Many rinks offer ice skate rentals, as well as bumper cars options. Some even have ice-skating events such as night skating. 

Permanent indoor ice-skating rinks around New Zealand include: 

• Paradice Ice Skating in Botany(opens in new window) and Avondale(opens in new window) ice rinks in Auckland. Both have daytime sessions, as well as night-time sessions a few days a week.  
• Daytona Adventure Park ice skating’s rink(opens in new window) in Upper Hutt is a 30-minute drive from Wellington central or an hour by train. They also have disco nights from 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 
• Christchurch's Alpine Ice(opens in new window) in Christchurch is open every day for public sessions. Beginner lessons are also available, as well as occasional events.  
• The Queenstown Ice Arena(opens in new window) in Queenstown with night skating, ice bumper cars and family pass options.
• Dunedin Ice Skating Stadium(opens in new window) offers day and night skating, curling and lessons, as well as disco lights, music and bumper cars.