Ohau
125 hectares, 400m vertical, 15 runs. Family-run field above Lake Ohau in New Zealand's South Island Mackenzie Basin.
Season 2026
Opens
20 June 2026
Closes
27 Sept 2026
Days open
99
Annual snow
2m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Ohau operates between 1425 and 1825 metres with 400 vertical metres across 125 hectares of skiable terrain. The field comprises 15 marked runs split 20 per cent beginner, 50 per cent intermediate and 30 per cent advanced, with no designated expert terrain. A 23-gun Techno Alpin snowmaking system covers the main Boulevard run, ensuring coverage from the June opening. The family-run operation has been managed by Mike and Louise Neilson since the mid-1980s, set in the Ohau Range between the Mackenzie Basin and the Main Divide.
The valley-contained layout favours off-piste riding over grooming, with only a handful of prepared runs. The Boulevard provides wide cruising from the chairlift summit to base, whilst Ridge Run demands a bootpack above the lift line to access untracked bowls. Advanced riders traverse to Escalator and the High Traverse for steeper pitches, or hike to the ridgeline for views across to Aoraki Mount Cook. Two small terrain parks service beginners and intermediates near the base and mid-mountain.
The day lodge sits steps from the car park, built from Oregon timber with a log burner, sun deck and the Avalunch Cafe. Lift queues rarely form and the skiable hectare-to-skier ratio keeps fresh snow accessible well into the afternoon. Lake Ohau Lodge, 20 minutes down the 9.6-kilometre access road, anchors the operation with 72 rooms, hot tubs, a bar and restaurant. The field's Māori name translates to windy place, though the turquoise lake views and Southern Alps panorama define the experience more than weather.
Ohau operates independently without pass affiliations, pricing adult day tickets from 135 to 160 New Zealand dollars depending on season. Lodge guests receive discounted rates and children under six ski free. The 2026 season runs 20 June to 27 September across 14 weeks. This suits families seeking uncrowded slopes, intermediates chasing consistent fall-line terrain, and advanced riders willing to hike for powder stashes beyond the single chairlift's reach.
400m
Vertical
15
Runs
309 acres
Skiable
2m
Annual snow
The Terrain
15 runs across 309 acres skiable
Ohau spreads 15 runs across 309 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 50%, with 3 beginner runs to find your feet and 5 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
15
runs
15 runs across 4 grades
Beginner3 runs · 20%
Intermediate8 runs · 50%
Advanced5 runs · 30%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Ohau
The 2026 season opens 20 June and closes 27 September, spanning 14 weeks of operation. Most South Island fields target late June openings, though Ohau's elevation and snowmaking allow earlier access when natural cover permits. Historical seasons have run from late June through early October, with closures dependent on spring snow retention. The field typically operates daily once open, with occasional wind holds affecting the exposed upper mountain.
Ohau receives approximately 2.3 metres of natural snowfall annually, modest by New Zealand standards but augmented by reliable Main Divide weather systems. The 23-gun automated snowmaking system covers the Boulevard and main descents, crucial for June and early July when base depths build. The southeast-facing aspect preserves snow quality through midday sun, and the 1425-metre base elevation sits high enough to maintain coverage into September. Early season off-piste requires caution due to rock coverage until sufficient base accumulates.
July and August deliver peak powder conditions with the most consistent natural snowfall and coldest temperatures. September offers spring corn snow, longer daylight and fewer crowds as families return to school. Midweek visits from late June through early August provide the quietest slopes, whilst weekends draw day-trippers from Christchurch and Queenstown. The field rarely reaches capacity, making powder day timing less critical than at commercial resorts further south.
The events calendar remains low-key compared to larger fields, with occasional races and community days. No night skiing operates. Lodge guests can access the daily 9.15am shuttle up the access road, returning at day's end. The season pass program offers family and loyalty discounts for those buying before early June, and Lake Ohau Lodge accommodation packages bundle lift tickets at reduced rates throughout winter.
Season 2026
20 June 2026
Opens
27 Sept 2026
Closes
99
Days open
2 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Ohau, and where to stay
Ohau sits in the Mackenzie High Country on the Ohau Range's eastern slopes, part of the Main Divide separating Canterbury and Otago. The field overlooks Lake Ohau's southwestern shore at 1425 metres base elevation, cradled between the Ohau Range west and Ben Ohau Range east. The glacial lake stretches below in vivid turquoise, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. Aoraki Mount Cook rises 99 kilometres northwest, visible from the ridgeline on clear days.
Twizel lies 42 kilometres north and Omarama 42 kilometres south, both 30 minutes from the Highway 8 turnoff to Lake Ohau Road. The sealed 23-kilometre approach road hugs the lakeshore before reaching Lake Ohau Lodge. From the lodge, a 9.6-kilometre unsealed alpine road climbs 15 minutes to the ski field car park, steep and narrow with no barriers but maintained throughout winter. The Mackenzie Basin's stark tussock landscape and International Dark Sky Reserve designation define the broader region.
Christchurch Airport sits 320 kilometres northeast, a 3.5 to 4-hour drive via State Highway 1 through Ashburton, then west on Highway 8 past Lake Tekapo. Queenstown Airport lies 220 kilometres southwest, roughly 3 hours via Highway 6 and 8 through Cromwell and the Lindis Pass. Dunedin Airport is 275 kilometres southeast, a 3-hour drive. No commercial airports operate closer than 90 minutes, making self-drive the primary access method.
InterCity operates one daily bus from Christchurch to the Lake Ohau turnoff on Highway 8, requiring pre-arranged pickup for the final 23 kilometres. No public transport serves the field directly. Most visitors drive rental vehicles or stay at Lake Ohau Lodge, which runs a morning shuttle to the field. Chains or four-wheel-drive capability may be required on the access road during storms, available for hire at the lodge.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Ohau, powered by Stay22.
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Ohau Lift Tickets
Ohau lift tickets & passes
The 2026 season at Ohau closed on Sept 27, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from NZ$32, with peak rates up to NZ$230.
12 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 18–64
Adult All Day Lift Pass
NZ$135up to NZ$160 peak
Full day access to Ohau Snow Fields, the genuine Kiwi ski experience high above beautiful Lake Ohau. Features chairlift access to wide slopes, uncrowded terrain, and spectacular mountain views. Includes guaranteed conditions policy - return pass within 30 minutes for full refund if unsatisfied.
Buy passYouth 18–25
Student All Day Lift Pass
NZ$92up to NZ$110 peak
Student daily pass for Ohau Snow Fields with valid student ID required. Experience genuine Kiwi skiing with chairlift access, wide comfortable slopes, and relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for student groups exploring South Island skiing.
Buy passYouth 6–17
Youth/Child All Day Lift Pass
NZ$55up to NZ$70 peak
Youth and child daily pass for Ohau Snow Fields providing excellent value family skiing. Young skiers enjoy wide gentle slopes perfect for skill development, chairlift access, and stunning Lake Ohau views.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Lake Ohau Lodge Guest Special Rate
NZ$105up to NZ$120 peak
Special discounted lift pass rates for guests staying at Lake Ohau Lodge. Enjoy the convenience of skiing just 20 minutes from your accommodation with discounted mountain access and genuine Kiwi hospitality.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Beginners Lifts Only
NZ$60up to NZ$75 peak
Beginner-focused pass for Ohau's learning lifts and gentle terrain only. Perfect for first-time skiers and snowboarders to build confidence on the snow mat and platter slope before progressing to the chairlift.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Beginners to All Lifts Upgrade
NZ$54up to NZ$65 peak
Upgrade from beginners lifts to full mountain access at Ohau, available from 12:30pm. Perfect for progressing skiers who start on learning terrain and want to explore the chairlift and Boulevard run.
Buy passAdult 6–64
Chairlift Single Ride
NZ$32up to NZ$40 peak
Single chairlift ride to the top of Ohau for sightseeing or one-time mountain access. Perfect for non-skiers wanting to experience the spectacular alpine views and mountain atmosphere.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Never Ever Beginner Package
NZ$132up to NZ$150 peak
Complete beginner package at Ohau including beginners lift access, ski or snowboard hire, and lesson. Perfect introduction to skiing or snowboarding with professional instruction and equipment in a relaxed environment.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Development Package
NZ$200up to NZ$230 peak
Development package at Ohau including all lifts access, ski or snowboard hire, and lesson. Perfect for progressing skiers wanting to advance their skills with professional guidance and full mountain access.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 18–64
Afternoon Pass (From 12:30pm)
NZ$94up to NZ$110 peak
Afternoon lift pass for Ohau Snow Fields from 12:30pm onwards. Perfect for late starts or combining with morning activities around Lake Ohau. Experience the afternoon light on uncrowded slopes.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Morning 3-Hour Pass
NZ$94up to NZ$110 peak
Morning 3-hour lift pass for Ohau Snow Fields, must be purchased before 10am. Perfect for early birds wanting to experience the best morning conditions on uncrowded slopes with spectacular Lake Ohau views.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 18–64
Multi-Day Pass (5 of 7 Days)
NZ$500up to NZ$600 peak
Flexible 5-day pass for use within 7 days at Ohau Snow Fields, plus 10% discount on 2 additional days. Perfect for extended stays around Lake Ohau with maximum skiing flexibility and value.
Buy passLift tickets FAQ
How much does a Ohau day pass cost?
Ohau day passes range from NZ$32 to NZ$230 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Ohau lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Ohau lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Ohau, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Ohau lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Ohau - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Ohau lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Ohau offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Ohau directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Ohau.
More Ohau intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.