Snow Farm NZ
New Zealand's only dedicated cross-country ski area, high on the Pisa Range above the Cardrona Valley.
Snow Farm sits in the Pisa Conservation Area off Cardrona Valley Road and is the country's only dedicated cross-country ski field. It offers groomed trails for every level, lessons, snowshoeing, a snow play zone with a tubing hill, and a winter café. Dogs are welcome under the operator's rules, which is unusual for a snow field. Four alpine huts sit three to six kilometres from the base and can be booked year-round.
Highlights
- New Zealand's only dedicated cross-country ski area
- Snow Fun Zone with a tubing hill for children up to 10
- Snowshoeing and cross-country lessons
- Four alpine huts available year-round
Good to know
- Location
- Pisa Conservation Area, 2127 Cardrona Valley Road
- Start point
- Snow Farm Access Rd, 2127 Cardrona Valley Rd, Wanaka 9381
- Grade
- Trails for all levels; described by the operator as a sport for everybody
- Season
- 2026 winter season 26 June to 13 September; open 9am to 4pm daily
- Cost
- See operator for current pricing
- Dogs
- Dogs are welcome, subject to the operator's rules and a dog pass
- Family-friendly
- Yes
Access is by an unsealed alpine road. Dogs require a dog pass and are subject to the operator's rules.
Visiting from Sundale
Snow Farm sits at 2127 Cardrona Valley Road in the Pisa Conservation Area, reached by an unsealed alpine road, so allow time and check the conditions before you set off from the park. It is open 9am to 4pm daily through the 2026 winter season, 26 June to 13 September.
This is the country's only dedicated cross-country ski field, with groomed trails for every level, lessons, snowshoeing and a snow play zone with a tubing hill for children up to ten. Dogs are welcome under the operator's rules and with a dog pass, which is unusual for a snow field.
There is a winter café on the mountain if you want lunch up there. Back at the park, damp gloves and socks go through the guest laundry, and the communal kitchen handles dinner without anyone having to drive into town again.
Stay nearby
Opening soon
Nordic Village
Sleep at Nordic Village, a Scandinavian-inspired escape in the Southern Alps.
Opening soon
Maru Cabins
A simple and comfortable base for your Wānaka escape.
Questions
Do I need to have skied before?
No. The operator describes cross-country as a sport for everybody, with groomed trails for all levels and lessons available.
Can we bring the dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome, subject to the operator's rules and a dog pass.
Is there something for young children?
There is a Snow Fun Zone with a tubing hill for children up to ten, plus snowshoeing for the family.
Sources
- 2026 winter season 26 June to 13 September; dogs welcome with rules; Snow Fun Zone for children up to 10; described as a sport for everybody; unsealed alpine access road — source
- Address 2127 Cardrona Valley Road in the Pisa Conservation Area; hours 9am to 4pm daily; cross-country trails, lessons, snowshoeing, dog walking, snow play, winter café; four alpine huts sleeping 6 to 36 people, 3 to 6 km from the base — source
Nearby
More things to do.
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Blue Pools Track
An easy forest walk over two swing bridges to river pools that run an extraordinary blue.
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Your Wānaka basecamp
Make Sundale your base.
Cabins, studios, motels and soft-grass camping, five minutes from the water and close to everything above.