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Roundhill Ski Area

4.5
·215 reviews·Tekapo, New Zealand

A charming, family-run ski resort in New Zealand's Mackenzie Country, offering stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere for learners.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

July mornings

Best chance for fresh snow

CrowdMedium
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Friends on the Twho Thumb Range

Roundhill Ski Area

Best Time

July mornings

Best chance for fresh snow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, family-run ski resort in New Zealand's Mackenzie Country, offering stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere for learners.

4.5
(215 reviews)

"An amazing little field with stunning views and friendly staff, perfect for learning!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Scenic Drive In

The access road along Lake Tekapo is stunning! Normal cars are fine, but check conditions if snow is heavy.

☕ Cozy Cafe Delights

Don't miss the cheese scones and great coffee at the cafe. Perfect for warming up!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Lake Tekapo Views

Breathtaking Lake Tekapo Views

Scenic access road and mountain peaks

Drive along the majestic Lake Tekapo for stunning vistas before you even hit the slopes. The views from the mountain are equally spectacular.

Reddit
Ideal Learning Terrain

Ideal Learning Terrain

Learner's area

Perfect for beginners and snowboarders, with a spacious learner's area and patient instructors ready to help you master new skills.

Reddit
Rustic Après-Ski

Rustic Après-Ski

Car park and cafe

Experience the authentic Kiwi ski culture with a cozy cafe serving delicious cheese scones and a rustic après-ski bar.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Retro Charm

Roundhill Ski Area offers a unique, family-run experience with a nostalgic feel. Expect cozy cafes and rustic après-ski vibes rather than modern luxury. It's a great spot for learning, with friendly instructors and a welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels. Instagram

Check the Weather & Snow Report

As a smaller, independent resort, Roundhill's conditions can be weather-dependent. Always check the latest snow report and be prepared for potential closures due to high winds, especially during shoulder seasons. Instagram

Best Times

When
July mornings
Why
Best chance for fresh snow
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, easier learning
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Warmer cafe vibes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Teach them young 🔥🫶🏻❄️ #roundhilldordrecht #indoorskiing #indoorsnowboarding #ski #snowboard #skitok #skiing #winter #fyp #foryou #fy #skiinstructor #skileraar
@roundhill_dordrecht
77.9K likes • 1.3M views

🚗 Scenic Drive In

The access road along Lake Tekapo is stunning! Normal cars are fine, but check conditions if snow is heavy. Reddit

☕ Cozy Cafe Delights

Don't miss the cheese scones and great coffee at the cafe. Perfect for warming up! Reddit

Location ⬇️ This rope tow is in New Zealand, it’s called The Roundhill ski area! 🔥 . . #tiktok #video #reels #post #foryou #skiing #trend #snowboarding #fyp #happy #winter #newzealand
hej.ivana
87 likes • 5.2K views
We’re taking you on a tour of New Zealand’s sweetest independent ski resorts. This time we’re shining a light on Roundhill Ski Area in Mackenzie country. It’s the resort you’ve never heard of but should. Not just because the US alpine ski team and friends train here on the regular but because it oozes soul with après in the carpark, the sweetest Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mt Cook views and everything...
misssnowitall
309 likes • 30.3K views

🏂 Snowboarder's Challenge

The learner's poma lift can be tricky for snowboarders; be prepared for a bit of a walk back if needed. Reddit

🧑‍🏫 Excellent Instructors

Highly recommend booking a lesson! Instructors like Lily and Alex are praised for their patient teaching. Reddit

NZ🇳🇿 1st Day Roundhill ski area 4개월만에 신은 스키 발 아파서 죽을뻔😱 스킹은 다른사람이 하고 나는 찍는게 역시.. @ha0_ski_academy @bhs_1996 @snow.meta @presspoint.tm @mateinyourarea
yoon_sukic
199 likes • 3.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Scenic Drive In

The access road along Lake Tekapo is stunning! Normal cars are fine, but check conditions if snow is heavy. Reddit

☕ Cozy Cafe Delights

Don't miss the cheese scones and great coffee at the cafe. Perfect for warming up! Reddit

🏂 Snowboarder's Challenge

The learner's poma lift can be tricky for snowboarders; be prepared for a bit of a walk back if needed. Reddit

🧑‍🏫 Excellent Instructors

Highly recommend booking a lesson! Instructors like Lily and Alex are praised for their patient teaching. Reddit

⚠️ Snow Chain Advice

If driving a campervan, practice fitting snow chains beforehand. Weather changes fast! Reddit

⏰ Avoid School Groups

Try to avoid peak times when school groups or bus loads of children are present to minimize wait times. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(215 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Roundhill Ski Area is celebrated for its breathtaking views, friendly atmosphere, and excellent facilities for learning to ski and snowboard. Visitors rave about the welcoming staff, delicious cafe treats, and the authentic, local Kiwi ski field experience. Some find the learner's poma lift challenging for snowboarding, and weather can impact operations, but overall, it's a highly recommended destination for a memorable mountain getaway.

"Roundhill is a wonderful ski resort. It starts with a scenic access road that goes along majestic Lake Tekapo. The road is easy to follow with no obstacles for normal family cars. The views there are breathtaking.
The parking is perfect, never we had any issues with finding a spot. Access to the fields is great, the learners areas is quite big, and it gives good opportunity to warm up or try new things even for experienced skiers. I got great time learning new stuff with Alex on a snowboard there.
The views from the mountain on the surrounding mountain range, and on the lake are the great addition to overall experience."

Dmitry Shuvaev

"A fantastic family ski field!
The facilities are great- especially the coffee and the cheese scones from the cafe.
We had a lesson with the wonderful Lily ( from the UK) such an awesome instructor and was able to break down the technique and cope with two of us who are different levels. I would highly recommend Lily as an instructor for all levels. We are going back for a second lesson tomorrow!

Gem the
Liftee was our fave of the day! Super lovely and full of smiles . Gotta love that.
Overall an amazing little field!!"

Johanna Fanning

"Great place to learn ski\snowboarding.
Friendly and helpful staff. Cafe spacious and warm with good drink options. Plenty of parking. Stunning views.
Big thank you to the roundhill team for assisting with snow chains fitment on double wheeled camper and all the advice given on how to descend safely!
Anybody who is driving campervan and didn't fit chains before please do a practise fit\unfit(another camper was strugling to remove chains at the bottom) beforehand, weather on the mountain changes quickly and watching youtube vids on how to is pretty hard when its snowing."

Alex Au

What People Like

Stunning Lake Tekapo views
Friendly, helpful staff
Great for learning

What People Dislike

Challenging learner's poma for snowboarders
Weather-dependent operations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Roundhill Ski Area is accessible via a scenic drive along Lake Tekapo. The access road is generally well-maintained for normal family cars, offering breathtaking views. Reddit It's located in the Mackenzie Country region of New Zealand's South Island. Instagram

For most standard vehicles, the road is manageable. However, in snowy conditions, especially for larger vehicles like campervans, snow chains may be required. It's advisable to check the latest conditions and have snow chains readily available, or practice fitting them beforehand. Reddit

Winter driving conditions can change rapidly. While the road is usually maintained, heavy snowfall or high winds can impact accessibility. Always check the latest weather and road reports before heading up. Instagram

Roundhill is situated near the stunning Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise waters and the Church of the Good Shepherd. It's also a gateway to the wider Mackenzie Basin. Instagram

While public transport options directly to smaller ski fields like Roundhill are limited, many visitors drive from nearby towns like Twizel or Tekapo. Car hire is widely available in larger centers like Christchurch. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information on specific ski pass prices for Roundhill Ski Area is not readily available in the provided data. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date pricing for lift passes. TikTok

While specific discounts aren't detailed, Roundhill is known as a great place to learn. They offer lessons with qualified instructors, which may be bundled with lift passes or available separately. Reddit

Opening hours can vary based on weather and snow conditions. It's best to check the official Roundhill Ski Area website or their social media channels for daily operating status and hours. Instagram

Rental information is not explicitly detailed, but smaller ski fields often have on-site rental facilities. It's advisable to confirm equipment rental availability directly with Roundhill Ski Area. TikTok

Absolutely! Roundhill is highly recommended for beginners due to its spacious learner's area and patient instructors. It's a fantastic place to get started with skiing or snowboarding. Reddit

🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience

Roundhill offers a well-groomed field suitable for various skill levels, with a particular strength in its beginner and learner areas. It's described as a lovely, well-laid-out field. Reddit

Yes, Roundhill has excellent ski and snowboard instructors. Instructors like Lily and Alex are frequently praised for their ability to break down techniques and cater to different learning levels. Reddit

The ski area features a cozy cafe known for its cheese scones and coffee, a rustic après-ski bar, ample parking, and a spacious learner's area. InstagramReddit

Roundhill is suitable for snowboarding, though the learner's poma lift can be a bit challenging for beginners. The resort offers a good environment for learning and progressing. TikTokReddit

The views are a major highlight, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Tekapo. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The cafe at Roundhill is a popular spot, especially for its delicious cheese scones and good coffee. It provides a warm and spacious area to relax and refuel. Reddit

Yes, Roundhill has a rustic après-ski bar, contributing to its authentic, local Kiwi ski field atmosphere. It's a place for casual post-ski enjoyment. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, it's common for ski resorts to have designated picnic areas. However, supporting the on-site cafe is a great way to experience the local offerings. Reddit

The closest dining options would be in the nearby towns of Tekapo or Twizel, which offer a range of cafes and restaurants. Instagram

Dylan is mentioned as making 'the best cup of tea on a ski hill' and is described as a legend by visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic access road along Lake Tekapo offers incredible photo opportunities. From the mountain, capture panoramic shots of the surrounding ranges and the lake below. Reddit

Absolutely. The combination of the vast Mackenzie Basin, the stunning blue of Lake Tekapo, and the snow-capped mountains provides a dramatic backdrop for landscape photography. Instagram

Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting over the mountains and lake. Midday provides clear views, but be mindful of harsh shadows. Reddit

Yes, the groomed ski runs with the mountain scenery provide dynamic shots. Capturing skiers and snowboarders in action adds a sense of adventure. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography might require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and resort operations. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Roundhill Ski Area is a fantastic choice for families looking for a relaxed and welcoming ski experience. The resort's family-run nature means a friendly atmosphere where kids can feel comfortable trying out skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Instagram The dedicated learner's area is perfect for little ones to gain confidence, and the availability of patient instructors ensures they receive quality guidance. Reddit Don't forget to stop by the cafe for some of their famous cheese scones – a guaranteed hit with the whole family! Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

As an independent ski field, Roundhill often offers a more affordable alternative to larger, commercial resorts. While specific pass prices aren't detailed, the overall vibe suggests a focus on value and experience over luxury. Reddit Packing your own snacks and drinks to supplement the cafe offerings can further help manage costs. Reddit The stunning natural scenery is free, providing incredible value for the visual experience alone. Reddit

🏂 First-Time Skiers & Snowboarders

Roundhill is practically tailor-made for beginners. The spacious learner's area and the highly-regarded instructors are major draws for those taking their first steps on the snow. Reddit Instructors like Lily are specifically mentioned for their ability to cater to different learning paces, making the experience less daunting. TikTokReddit Be aware that the learner's poma lift can be a bit of a learning curve for snowboarders, but the supportive environment makes it a great place to overcome initial challenges. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Learning to Ski and Snowboard at Roundhill

Roundhill Ski Area is widely recognized as an excellent destination for those new to skiing or snowboarding. Its dedicated learner's area is spacious and well-maintained, providing a safe and encouraging environment to practice. Reddit The resort boasts friendly and highly-rated instructors, such as Lily and Alex, who are praised for their ability to tailor lessons to individual needs and skill levels, making the learning process enjoyable and effective. Reddit While the poma lift in the learner's area can present a unique challenge for snowboarders, the overall supportive atmosphere ensures that beginners can build confidence and progress quickly. TikTokReddit

For families, Roundhill offers a welcoming atmosphere to introduce children to snow sports. The emphasis on a family-run, local feel means a less intimidating experience compared to larger commercial resorts. Instagram The availability of lessons and the gentle terrain make it an ideal place for kids to take their first turns. TikTok The stunning natural beauty surrounding the ski field also adds to the overall positive experience, making it a memorable outing for the whole family. Reddit

The Unique Charm of Roundhill's Atmosphere

What sets Roundhill apart is its distinctively cozy and retro charm. Unlike many modern ski resorts, Roundhill embraces its roots as a family-run, independent ski field. This translates into a more personal and authentic experience, often described as having 'soul'. Instagram The après-ski scene, often happening right in the car park, is a testament to this laid-back, community-focused vibe. Instagram

The on-site cafe is a hub of warmth and hospitality, famous for its delicious cheese scones and excellent coffee, providing a perfect respite from the cold. Reddit This unpretentious, friendly atmosphere, coupled with the breathtaking views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains, creates a truly special destination. Reddit It’s a place where visitors feel like part of the local community, rather than just another tourist. Reddit

Navigating Winter Conditions and Access

Accessing Roundhill Ski Area involves a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Tekapo. While the road is generally suitable for most family cars, winter weather can be unpredictable. Reddit It's crucial to stay updated on the latest snow reports and road conditions, as high winds or heavy snowfall can sometimes lead to temporary closures. Instagram For those driving larger vehicles like campervans, fitting snow chains is a vital safety precaution. Practicing this beforehand is highly recommended, as demonstrated by other visitors who have faced difficulties. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider the time of year. While July is a popular time for snow, conditions can vary. Checking forecasts and being prepared for rapid weather changes is key to a smooth journey. Instagram The resort's location in Mackenzie Country means it's exposed to the elements, so packing layers and appropriate winter gear is essential for comfort and safety on and off the slopes. Reddit

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