Ski Dobson, ski Ohau, heli ski New Zealand                              
Mackenzie Country

Page updated: 23 July 2010



Fairy tale land

It's a fairly tale land at Lake Tekapo where stunning scenery makes you feel you are a character in some story book. For an awesome panorama looking up the lake click here. Just a spiritual place.

This is the view from our accommodation.


It's an awesome place that a camera struggles to convey you have to try it in winter


Up at Roundhill the snow on the trails is superb as is the cover.


Looking up at the Terrain park

It ain't a bad view back to the lake either!


The pics just don't do it justice but you get the idea

An Inner Peace of Powder

Mackenzie country powder day! - July 09
The Powderhound blogger headed south earlier this week for some fun in the Mackenzie country. Rumours across the industry were abound that the best conditions in New Zealand at the moment were at the lesser known Mackenzie ski areas; Roundhill, Ohau, Mount Dobson and Fox Peak. I was a little skeptical as these areas are small by a north island skier’s standards. For example Roundhill only features a single Tbar and a pomma for the beginners. However having ridden the snow in most places in New Zealand the Mackenzie was a glaring gap in my portfolio and it was clearly time it was filled......Readmore>

Local ski areas status 2010 season, snow conditions. All areas have good bases and great trails. Off piste is a little hard now but in places its good. Ohau 3.5 hours drive from Christchurch.  3 hours drive from Dunedin Status: Open for season Snowbase:45 - 95cm ski vote & profile Snow report Roundhill 3 hour drive from Christchurch. 3 hour drive from Queenstown. Status: Open for season Snowbase: 100 - 140cm ski vote & profile Snow report Dobson 2 ¼ hours drive from Christchurch. Status: Open for season Snowbase:170cm ski vote & profile Snow report Fox Peak (club ski field) 29km from Fairlie Status: Open for season Snowbase: 50-200cm ski vote & profile Snow report Snow Tubing Check it out at: alpinesprings.co.nz Heli and back country big mountain options Here are the links to some huge stuff! Mount Cook 200 runs over 802 km Highest landings 2,800m Highest vertical drop 1,300m Longest run 4km over a 1,100m descent. Follow these links for more info wilderness heli ski Ski the tasman Alpure Peaks Cat skiing Total Area 2,600ha Highest peak 2,220m Follow this link for more Cat skiing Going big at Fox Peak!

Big Mountain options
Serious powderhounds can enjoy the ultimate in backcountry skiing and boarding with unique Southern Alps adventures including catskiing, glacier skiing and heliskiing. (we have added the links to these back country options at the bottom of this page)

Alpine Guides is the ‘big mountain’ skiing and boarding specialist. The only company with a concession to heliski within the spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and World Heritage Area, it offers exclusive access to the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Operations are scheduled to start on 1 July but are likely to be earlier due to fantastic snow conditions – in May alone the Main Divide received an estimated 15m of new snow.

Small groups of intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders can also take an unforgettable journey down New Zealand's longest glacier with Southern Alps Guiding or Alpine Guides. At 27km long, the Tasman Glacier offers up plenty of opportunities to explore ice caves and seracs, amazing ice features sculpted by the elements.

For guaranteed fresh tracks, deep powder and no queues, Alpure Peaks has more than 2,600 hectares of private land near Fox Peak ski field. Opening from 1 July, the terrain boasts spectacular views of the Southern Alps, and huge untouched bowls between Fox and Butlers Saddle, a 2,220m peak with vertical 650m run and a huge area in which to ski, board, snowshoe and telemark.

In essence, catskiing offers access to terrain similar to heliskiing but is with a cheaper price tag and unusual transportation. Alpure Peaks offers an exhilarating ride on a Hagglund and Snowcat all-terrain vehicles and non-skiers are also welcome to come for a joyride.

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie General Manager Phil Brownie believes the variety of snow options is a great drawcard for visitors.

“We’re fast becoming one of New Zealand’s most popular winter holiday destinations because people love the range of affordable on and off-the-snow fun as well as the stunning scenery and our laidback, friendly high country hospitality.

“I’m delighted we’ll be able to offer snow tubing as well this year because it will add another dimension to our on-snow activities, particularly for families.

“Hopefully we’re on track for a bumper winter season.”

Mackenzie Country New Zealand One of the most scenic places to ski and snowboard in New Zealand is the Mackenzie country. It is spectacularly beautiful and offers a variety of smaller ski areas and some superb heli and plane skiing. If you like small fields that are family friendly but can offer some great conditions think about a ski Dobson or Roundhill trip. If you are looking for a hidden powder stash and some wicked terrain go to Ohau or the club field Fox Peak. If you want to Heli ski New Zealand head up to Mount Cook and you can either find the steeps or cruise the 17km long Tasman glacier. Powderhound loves the Mackenzie country and we think you will too.

Ripping it up at scenic Roundhill ski area.