Wanaka Ski Fields

Wanaka Ski Experiences

Mahu Whenua is positioned perfectly to enjoy easy vehicle access to Wanaka’s three commercial ski fields: Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Farm. We’ve also got a helicopter landing pad on site, and world class heliski terrain on our doorstep, making us a great heli ski lodge option.

We have put together a little more information about our top recommendations for making the most out of your luxury ski holiday in Wanaka and choosing the right snow experience for you.

Cardrona

55-minutes drive from Mahu Whenua

Perfect for: Beginner / Intermediate / Families

Big wide open trails to suit the whole family make Cardrona the best choice of all the Wanaka ski fields for beginner to intermediate skiers and snowboarders and families.

One of the great features of this ski field is a lovely gentle ‘green’ run (the easiest grade run) which takes you over the ridgeline of the mountain and enjoys spectacular views back towards Queenstown – it is not often that beginners get to enjoy such special views, as often beginner lifts are lower on the mountain! Cardrona also offers a gondola style chair lift which means no awkward falling off the lift for first timers.

That being said, the terrain here is very varied and there are plenty of runs and features for advanced skiers to enjoy, so don’t rule it out if you are an experienced skier. You can also see some world class athletes training on the jumps of Cardrona’s big park features during the southern hemispheres winter, which is wildly entertaining!

We suggest: Get in early, this is the most popular of Wanaka’s ski fields. Pre-book lessons if required. The noodle bar upstairs from the main base building cafe is a great lunch time option if you’re seeking something a little more enticing that burgers and chips (although your Mahu Whenua host will gladly pack you a picnic to take with you if you are skiing for the day!)

Treble Cone

25-minutes drive from Mahu Whenua

Perfect for: Intermediate / Advanced skiers / snowboarders

Loved by Wanaka locals, Treble Cone is one of the South Island’s largest ski fields. The terrain is better suited to intermediate or advanced skiers, due to its steeper gradient and often narrower runs, but if you are confident on snow, we can’t recommend this mountain enough, with some fantastic long runs, fun chutes, natural half pipes and back country terrain accessible via gates off piste. Treble Cone (aka ‘TC’) is often uncrowded and despite having only 2 lifts, you will find yourself lapping different runs each time.

Treble Cone also offer a whole range of very exciting luxury packages to take your experience with them to the next level, including heli access for first tracks, and day trips which combine a morning of skiing with an afternoon of golf in Queenstown.

We suggest: Do be sure to check the forecast and ensure that both lifts are running, as the terrain is split between Home basin and Saddle Basin, with the latter occasionally closing due to weather restrictions or too much snow which can disrupt access to some of the best runs.

Snow Farm

55-minutes drive from Mahu Whenua

Perfect for: Cross country Skiing

If you prefer your ski fields experience to be a little less vertical and at a slightly slower pace, the Snow Farm in Cardrona Valley Wanaka offers cross-country skiing experiences on site. If you are a beginner, they also offer all equipment and a one hour lesson to start the day off. The extensive trails offer beautiful views.

We suggest: Snow farm is home to a whole range of unique snow activities – if you are heading there to go cross country skiing, why not partner it with a dogsledding ride, or some snow shoeing. Book all activities in advance of your arrival.

Heli Ski

Pick up directly from the lodge for private trips or 20-minutes drive for group trips (helipad location can vary based on daily conditions and the most suitable terrain.

Wanaka is a heli-ski hot spot, and much of NZ’s best heliski terrain is directly on our doorstep (Harris Mountain ranges, Mount Aspiring and The Buchanans) which makes us a prime choice if you are looking for luxury accommodation for your heliski holiday. We’ve even got some heliski terrain within the grounds of Mahu Whenua! With a heliski day you can enjoy the thrill of the helicopter, the peaceful backcountry environment, untouched snow, and empty runs in one very special day.

There are multiple options for heliski packages, ranging from an introductory 3-run day to private charters where you can squeeze in as many runs as your legs can handle. If you charter a private excursion, the helicopter will collect you directly from the lodge to whisk you away for this amazing experience. If you are joining a larger group of skiers, the closest helipad is only 20-minutes drive away.

We suggest: Heli-skiing is suitable for anybody who is an intermediate or above skier, and a fantastic unique experience that you should consider if you enjoy the snow and are confident in your abilities. This experience is most enjoyable if everyone is of a similar ability.