If you're looking for the perfect winter road trip, this 10-day adventure through New Zealand’s South Island has it all: skiing, stunning scenery, and the freedom to go at your own pace. It’s designed for those who love snow and skiing but also want to enjoy the landscapes and flexibility of a campervan. You’ll hit three of the most famous ski resorts, but you won’t have to ski every day. Instead, take your time and soak in everything the South Island has to offer. If you're looking to rent a campervan, you can book a van here in New Zealand.

Ski Rentals:

• Rent Ahead of Time: Many ski resorts, including Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables, have rental shops, but I recommend renting your gear in advance. Not only does this guarantee availability, but it also saves time on the day of skiing.
• Tip: If you're driving between multiple ski resorts, make sure to double-check that the rental shop allows you to swap gear at other locations. That way, you don’t have to drive with everything in the van.

Ski Passes:

Go for Multi-Resort Passes: Rather than buying a single pass for each resort, consider purchasing the NZSki Super Pass or Epic Pass (depending on the time of year), which will give you access to Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak, and The Remarkables. This pass can save you money and time.

• NZSki Super Pass allows flexibility for up to 4 days across these mountains, and they’re often bundled with discounts for ski rentals and ski lessons. It’s a solid option if you're sticking to the main resorts.
• If conditions are good and you want to add Cardrona or Treble Cone, you can buy an extra day pass at one of the local rental shops in Wānaka. Just make sure to check conditions before purchasing.
• Flexible Days: Since you’ll be on a road trip, keep in mind that not every day will be ideal for skiing. Having the flexibility of a multi-day pass lets you take days off without losing out. If the weather’s bad, you can switch your ski days around.

Campervan Tips for Ski Road Trip:

• Powered Sites: Always book a powered site at holiday parks when you’re in colder climates. Winter nights can get really chilly, and having access to power ensures you can run your heater without draining the van’s battery. It also lets you charge everything—phones, laptops, etc. Plus, it’s easier to dry out any wet ski gear.
• Snow Chains: Always carry snow chains—it’s mandatory in some areas during winter, and you’ll need them to access the ski resorts. Even if you think the roads are clear, conditions can change rapidly, and you'll need chains to be safe. With Indie Campers you can book them as an extra during your booking process.

First things first: pick up your campervan, do some grocery shopping, and check the snow and road reports before heading out.

Drive: 2h 55min | 198 km

Why Start Here?

Reliable Snow: Mt Hutt is known for its solid snow record and great terrain.

Perfect for Warming Up: It’s a big mountain, but it’s also a great spot to get your legs under you if you’ve just arrived.

Drive: Approx 3 hours (no skiing today)

Why Include Tekapo?

Stargazing: Lake Tekapo is part of the world-renowned Dark Sky Reserve. If you’ve never seen the Milky Way like this before, you’re in for a treat.

Hot Pools: After a long drive, the Tekapo Springs hot pools are the perfect way to relax.

Scenic Beauty: The lake's turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains are postcard-perfect, especially in winter.

Drive: 2.5-3 hours via Lindis Pass

Why Wānaka?

Lakefront Views: Wānaka is set on the shores of Lake Wānaka, with gorgeous views of the Southern Alps. It’s a peaceful town where you can recharge before hitting the slopes again.

Relaxed Atmosphere: It’s not as busy as Queenstown, so you can unwind and enjoy the slower pace.

Drive: 1h 15min via Crown Range (check conditions)

Why Queenstown?

Adventure Hub: Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, offering everything from bungee jumping to jet boating.

Scenic Beauty: With Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps as a backdrop, the views here are breathtaking.

Drive: 20-25 minutes from Queenstown

Why Ski Coronet Peak?

Closest to Queenstown: Just a short drive away, making it perfect for a morning or afternoon session.

Drive: 35-40 minutes from Queenstown

Why Ski Here?

Higher Alpine Terrain: If you're after more challenging terrain, The Remarkables has it.

Great for Progression: With wide learner areas and varied slopes, it's perfect for all skill levels.

This 10-day road trip is the ultimate winter adventure in New Zealand. From the thrilling ski slopes to the peaceful lakes and mountains, there’s something for everyone. You can enjoy skiing, stargazing, and taking in the incredible scenery, all while traveling in the freedom of a campervan. If you're ready to explore more of New Zealand's beautiful South Island, check out the South Island campervan rentals.