Latest articles about South Island

New Zealand's 2026 Ski Season Opens Early as Hanmer Springs Surprises with April Turns

Michael Fulton

April 23, 2026

New Zealand's 2026 Ski Season Opens Early as Hanmer Springs Surprises with April Turns

New Zealand's 2026 ski season has kicked off weeks ahead of schedule, with Hanmer Springs Ski Area confirming it will open its lifts on Friday 24 April following an unusually heavy autumn snowfall. The announcement came via a characteristically low-key social media post from the volunteer-run club field, which has a quiet habit of beating the rest of the country to opening day.

New Zealand

South Island

Michael Fulton

April 20, 2026

South Island New Zealand Storm to Deliver 50-80 cm Through Thursday

Canterbury ski areas are tracking up to 80 cm through Thursday morning as a multi-day storm system moves through New Zealand's South Island. Mt. Hutt and Porters sit in the bullseye, while the North Island faces stronger wind than snow and Queenstown-area resorts remain on the periphery.

Mt. Hutt

New Zealand

South Island

North Island

10 Best Ski Resorts in New Zealand, 2024/25

Michael Fulton

May 26, 2025

Top 10 Ski Resorts in New Zealand for 2025 Season

Discover New Zealand's best ski resorts for the upcoming 2025 season. From family-friendly slopes to challenging terrain for experts, find the perfect destination for your next ski holiday.

Treble Cone

Queenstown

Cardrona

The Remarkables

South Island

North Island