Top Snowboarding Spots in New Zealand

Grab an early lift pass, like around 8:30 AM. The lines get crazy after that. I managed to hit some fresh powder first thing and it was so worth it!

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 can, buy your lift passes online in advance. I saved quite a bit by avoiding those ticket lines at the resort

I recommend starting your day at around 8:30 AM so you can snag good parking and hit the slopes before the crowds arrive. It makes a huge difference!

I recommend checking out the beginner slopes early in the day, around 9 AM. They get way busier by noon and it's tougher to learn with crowds around.

My advice is to rent your gear in Ohakune instead of at the resort. It’s cheaper and you're not rushing on the morning of your ski day to get fitted

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.

Check out the ski rental options in town instead of at the mountain. It saved me a good chunk of cash and the quality was just as good!

Grab a coffee at the cafe by the base before hitting the slopes. It's a bit pricey, but the view while warming up is totally worth it.

If you want to avoid long lines for the lifts, I suggest showing up by 8:30 AM. The morning rush can get pretty hectic!

I recommend taking a ski lesson, even if you’re experienced. I did, and it helped me find some hidden gems on the slopes I wouldn’t have discovered alone.

I think it's best to take a lesson if you're just starting out. The instructors are awesome and really helped me get more comfortable on my board. You get your money's worth for sure!

I recommend getting your lift passes online before you go... It saved me a good chunk of change and made it super easy to skip the lines! Don't forget to keep an eye out for package deals including rentals too

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!

My advice is to rent your gear in town before heading to Roundhill. The rental place near Lake Tekapo is cheaper than what you'll find up the mountain. Plus, it saves time and you can avoid the rental rush.

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!