Top Snowboarding 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.

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!