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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for fresh snow
Roundhill Ski Area
Best Time
Best chance for fresh snow

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

🚗 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

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.

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Retro Charm
Check the Weather & Snow Report
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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!
🏂 Snowboarder's Challenge
The learner's poma lift can be tricky for snowboarders; be prepared for a bit of a walk back if needed.
🧑🏫 Excellent Instructors
Highly recommend booking a lesson! Instructors like Lily and Alex are praised for their patient teaching.
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.
☕ Cozy Cafe Delights
Don't miss the cheese scones and great coffee at the cafe. Perfect for warming up!
🏂 Snowboarder's Challenge
The learner's poma lift can be tricky for snowboarders; be prepared for a bit of a walk back if needed.
🧑🏫 Excellent Instructors
Highly recommend booking a lesson! Instructors like Lily and Alex are praised for their patient teaching.
⚠️ Snow Chain Advice
If driving a campervan, practice fitting snow chains beforehand. Weather changes fast!
⏰ Avoid School Groups
Try to avoid peak times when school groups or bus loads of children are present to minimize wait times.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. It's located in the Mackenzie Country region of New Zealand's South Island.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 ⛷️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
The views are a major highlight, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Tekapo.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
The closest dining options would be in the nearby towns of Tekapo or Twizel, which offer a range of cafes and restaurants.
Dylan is mentioned as making 'the best cup of tea on a ski hill' and is described as a legend by visitors.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting over the mountains and lake. Midday provides clear views, but be mindful of harsh shadows.
Yes, the groomed ski runs with the mountain scenery provide dynamic shots. Capturing skiers and snowboarders in action adds a sense of adventure.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography might require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and resort operations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
🏂 First-Time Skiers & Snowboarders
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Learning to Ski and Snowboard at Roundhill
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. The availability of lessons and the gentle terrain make it an ideal place for kids to take their first turns. The stunning natural beauty surrounding the ski field also adds to the overall positive experience, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.
The Unique Charm of Roundhill's Atmosphere
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. This unpretentious, friendly atmosphere, coupled with the breathtaking views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains, creates a truly special destination. It’s a place where visitors feel like part of the local community, rather than just another tourist.
Navigating Winter Conditions and Access
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. 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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit