Best Places to Snowshoe in New Zealand
Posted by Crescent Moon on Nov 19th 2022
If you're looking for a winter activity that's not only fun and exciting, then snowshoeing is a perfect choice. And if you're in New Zealand during the winter, you'll have no shortage of options for epic landscapes and views as far as your eyes can see. The best part? All you need are a pair of snowshoes and excitement for adventure!
Best Places to Snowshoe in New Zealand
Arguably one of the favorite spots to hit up for active snowshoers, New Zealand has endless trails to venture whether you're a first timers or long-time expert. Here are the five best places to go snowshoeing in New Zealand:
Waiorau Snow Farm
If you're looking for winter wonderland fun, check out Waiorau Snow Farm. It's a great place to snowshoe in New Zealand and has many activities for all ages.
The center is about 1,530 meters or 5,020 feet, making it easy to reach the surrounding mountainous landscape and high alpine plateaus characterized by schist tors. You'll find rental facilities for snowshoe equipment and a dedicated snow play area called the Snow Fun Zone, where you can build a snowman, make snow angels, throw snowballs, and much more! The extended alpine treks are open to explorers thanks to a system of backcountry cabins.
Take the kids to Waiorau Snow Farm in Wanaka if you want to introduce them to snowshoeing. It's ideal for getting your feet wet because of its mild terrain and simple access. Remember to invest in a good-quality pair of snowshoes from a top-rated retailer like Crescent Moon for your kids snowshoes and your own snowshoes.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is known for its stunning views, and snow turns these tussock plains into a playground for skiers and snowshoers. This is a great place to experience the raw beauty of the snowy alps.
Hike for 3 hours to the mountain lodge at the snowline, where you can rest and recover from your hike before heading back down. Equipment is provided, but this is not a beginners' hike. You'll need stamina, experience with hiking, and some knowledge of New Zealand's weather conditions.
Ensure you're fully equipped with all the necessary gear before heading out on this adventure. Consider lightweight foam snowshoes or aluminum snowshoes if you choose to travel lightly in this area.
Angelus Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park
The Angelus Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park is a quaint little cottage that serves as an ideal first stop on a series of overnight winter excursions. To get to the hut, you'll climb switchbacks to Mt. Roberts' peak, then continue Robert Ridge for about a mile until you reach the hut.
During the warmer months, hikers flock to this trail, but the 28 bunks at the hut may be empty in the winter. However, it's a great option if you're looking for an overnight hike that will introduce you to winter camping and make use of your snowshoes.
Mt. Pisa
Regarding snowshoeing in New Zealand, Mt. Pisa is one of the best places. This conservation area is located in Central Otago and provides beautiful scenery for those who want to explore nature.
Mt. Pisa is one of the highest mountain ranges in Central Otago and features several unique ecosystems. The conservation area is perfect for singles, pairs, or small groups that want to spend the night at a rustic cabin or snow cave. What's more, as you adventure across this breathtaking landscape, you'll pick up new skills and expand your understanding of the region.
And if that isn't enough, you'll be able to capture the spirit of this magnificent area!
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is a great place to snowshoe in New Zealand. It's a short, family-friendly hike around hundreds of massive limestone formations. If you're interested in bouldering or sport climbing, bring your gear and give it a shot. There are plenty of rocks to climb!
The trail takes you through various massive limestone formations, so it's hard to get bored with the scenery. You will want to wear ultralight snowshoes when exploring Castle Hill. Like all-terrain snowshoes that are lightweight and durable, so they won't weigh you down. They will also keep you safe on slippery surfaces like ice or snow.
Wear the Best Snowshoes in New Zealand
We're sure that if you've made it this far into our article, you're probably just as stoked about snowshoeing in New Zealand as we are. And why wouldn't you be? The country has some of the best snowshoeing trails, with stunning views of the Southern Alps and plenty of wildlife to keep your eyes on while trekking through these remote areas. So whether this is your first time visiting these lands or not, check out our list before planning your trip!
Be sure to shop Crescent Moon for the best quality snowshoes on the market, including kids snowshoes and adult snowshoes in foam and aluminum!