Top Skiing in New Zealand

For the best views, hike up a bit before hitting the slopes. I found a quiet spot that nearly no one else knew about. Just take some snacks and enjoy the scenery off-piste!

Be prepared for rapid weather changes. I packed a waterproof jacket and was so glad I did. My advice is to layer your clothing, it really helps.

Definitely try the local cafés in Whakapapa village for lunch. I got a hearty burger that wasn’t too expense and it fueled me up for the afternoon. Also I recommend avoiding the ones by the slopes they're pricier.

If you're renting gear, do it in town before heading up to Whakapapa. It saved me a ton of time and I got better prices than at the resort! I suggest checking out local shops.

I think you should bring your own lunch and snacks. The food prices at the lodge were a bit steep, so packing some grub saved me a good chunk of cash.

I think renting gear in advance can save you some time and hassle. We decided to rent on-site, which resulted in long lines. Next time, I’ll book everything ahead of time!

My advice is to get there right at 8:00 AM when they open. You’ll beat the rush and have the slopes pretty much to yourself for a couple of hours. It's an epic way to start your day!

I recommend checking the snow conditions online before you go. We went on a day when it was really icy, and it wasn't the best experience. Good conditions make a huge difference!

If you're hitting the slopes in the morning, be sure to arrive around 8:30 AM. That's when you can catch the first gondola, which means less crowd and more fresh powder!

I recommend hitting the slopes early around 8:30 AM. The lines are way shorter and you can enjoy the fresh powder before it gets tracked out. Trust me it's totally worth it!