Roundhill Ski Area

Spend the day discovering this ski field above Lake Tekapo, which provides beginner-friendly runs alongside the steepest vertical drop in the country.

Overlooking the beautiful azure stretch of Lake Tekapo in Mackenzie Country, Roundhill Ski Area is an exciting and family-friendly ski field amid breathtaking South Island scenery. From an extensive learners’ area to a freestyle terrain park and Australasia’s biggest vertical drop, this little ski field covers a wide range of skill levels.

Head to the Roundhill Ski Area rental facility and get fitted out with a quality selection of skiing or snowboarding equipment. Learners and children will enjoy the wide open beginners area, where a platter lift and two rope tows make it easy to navigate around the green-graded slopes. The ski area’s two T-bar lifts provide access to a range of intermediate trails, featuring an exciting landscape of natural dips and curves.

Go on an adventurous ride on the world’s steepest rope tow and explore Roundhill’s advanced and expert terrain. Take the plunge on Australasia’s biggest vertical drop and carve down 2,569 feet (783 meters) of sheer powder slopes. Expert skiers and riders traversing this run will find long, natural half-pipes and chutes, as well as a wide backcountry area for off-piste adventures.

Freestyle skiers and boarders can perfect their tricks and aerial jumps on the Roundhill Ski Area terrain park, which has kickers, rails and boxes to suit a variety of skill levels. Work on your technique or access different parts of the mountain with Roundhill’s ski and snowboard lessons.

Take a break at the Roundhill Ski Area café or grab a snack from the ski village’s shops. Relax with a beer or a hot cup of cocoa and take in magnificent views of Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin.

Roundhill Ski Area is picturesquely positioned above Lake Tekapo and can be reached in just over half an hour’s drive from the village of Tekapo. The ski season runs between late June and September and the lifts operate daily until the afternoon. Discounted lift passes are offered to children, youths, students and seniors.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Roundhill Ski Area

Sheepdog Statue

Standing proudly before the snow-capped Southern Alps, this famous statue is testament to the high esteem with which sheepdogs are held in this area.

Church of the Good Shepherd

Stop off at this charming church to enjoy stunning mountain views, appreciate some fine stone carving and learn its fascinating history.

Tekapo Springs

Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop.

Lake Tekapo

Impossibly blue waters in a mountainous setting, an über-cute church and some of the clearest night skies in the world… is Lake Tekapo even real?

Mount John Observatory

Take an evening tour to see the wonders of the night sky or visit during the day to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains.

Hotels near Roundhill Ski Area

Peppers Bluewater Resort

State Highway 8

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Lake Tekapo, this luxury aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, and Sheepdog Statue. Tekapo Springs and Mount John Lookout are also within 3 mi (5 km).

The Godley Hotel

State Highway 8

Rated 3.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated on a lake, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd. Tekapo Springs and Mount John Observatory are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Mantra Lake Tekapo

1 Beauchamp Place

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated on a lake, this eco-friendly apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Tekapo, Cowans Hill Walkway, and Sheepdog Statue. Church of the Good Shepherd and Dark Sky Project are also within 15 minutes.

Lake Tekapo Cottages

12 Sealy St

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Lake Tekapo, this golf guesthouse is within a 10-minute walk of Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Tekapo. Tekapo Springs is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) away.

Aorangi Motel

26 Denmark St

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Fairlie, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Fairlie Heritage Museum, Fairlie Golf Course, and McLean Park. Church of the Good Shepherd and Tekapo Springs are also within 32 mi (52 km).

Lake Tekapo Village Motel

Village CentreState Highway 8, State Highway 8

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Situated in the mountains, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Dark Sky Project, Cowans Hill Walkway, and Lake Tekapo. Church of the Good Shepherd and Sheepdog Statue are also within 15 minutes.