Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many FAQ's about skiing and snowboarding that we've grouped them in sections to make it easier for you to find out what you need to know:
Mountain Transport
What time do the buses go and where do they pick up from?
See our bus timetable.
How long does the bus take to get to the mountain?
From the last pick up point it takes approximately 30 minutes to get to Coronet Peak, 45 minutes to The Remarkables, 75 minutes to Cardrona and 90 minutes to Treble Cone. These times can be extended due to weather and road conditions or if snow chains need to be installed.
Do I need to book the bus?
Yes. We run a pre-booked service to all four mountains which needs to be booked by 7.00pm the night prior to guarantee a seat to the mountain of your choice. If you book after this time then there may not be seats available on the service you want, however there may be space on another service.
How do I go about booking my seat on the bus?
There are a few ways you can book your seat. You can come into the Kiwi Discovery shop at 37 Camp Street and talk to our friendly staff or call our dedicated SkiLink number 03 441 8385 and book over the phone. You can also book at your Queenstown accommodation or tour desk.
If you have a pre-existing booking with us, please quote your customer number when booking.
Can I wait until morning to decide which mountain I want to go to ?
No. We don't recommend that you do this because the bus is more than likely to be booked out. If the service is not full then we can book you a seat, but we cannot guarantee any availability after 7.00pm the night prior.
What times do the buses depart the mountain?
The lifts at all four mountains close at 4.00pm. Buses depart the mountain at 4.15pm. Earlier departures are available at some mountains. See our transport timetable for more information.
What happens if I miss the bus from the mountain?
The bus driver will make sure he brings everyone back down from the mountain. Because of the pre-booked system we know exactly how many people have travelled with us to each particular mountain. If you intend on making your own way down, please ring us to let us know so we don't wait on you or start a search party. If you are missing we will be looking for you to ensure you are safely off the mountain. We work with staff at the mountain to locate missing passengers and take it very seriously if someone is unaccounted for.
Can I leave my belongings on the bus?
No. Our bus drivers cannot take responsibility for your belongings nor can we guarantee the safety of any belongings left on the bus. You can hire a secure locker at each of the mountains for a small cost.
Should I wear my ski boots on the bus?
You can wear your ski boots on the bus if you like. However, it is possible to wear your more comfortable shoes for the bus journey and then change into your boots at the mountain. Your comfortable shoes and other belongings can then be put in a secure locker available for hire at each of the mountains.
How long will it take me to drive myself to the ski resorts?
You should allow yourself the same time as the bus (see Q2). The roads can be busy and icy or covered in snow. Coronet Peak is the only mountain road that is tar sealed all the way. All other ski resorts have gravel roads that are reasonably windy. If you are not comfortable driving on mountain roads, gravel or snow, we recommend you take a bus service.
Will I need snow chains?
Yes, you must carry snow chains in your car. The mountain will put out signs indicating where and when you need to fit chains. You need to fit chains at this point. If you have a 4wd vehicle you may not need to fit chains, read the signs for recommendations. If you don't know how to fit chains there are usually staff on hand to help.
Snow Packages FAQ's
Should I get a lesson if I have never skied/snowboarded before?
Yes. At least one lesson is recommended if you have never skied/snowboarded before. The instructor will teach you techniques and ways to do things to prevent injury. You will progress much faster in lessons with a qualified instructor rather than if you were to learn from a friend or just go for it on your own, meaning the rest of your ski holiday will be much more enjoyable.
What package should I do if I've never skied/snowboarded before?
The First Time Starter Pack is the best package. You'll get two lessons with a qualified instructor, access to all the beginner area and lots of time inbetween lessons to practice what you've learned.
If I haven't skied in 10 years, should I get a lesson? If so, should I do a starter pack?
It's up to you, but a refresher lesson never hurts. It will get you back on track and hitting the slopes again much faster. You shouldn't do a starter pack if you have skied/snowboarded before. It's designed for people that have never ever skied before and will be too slow for you if you have (even if it was 10 years ago). Also the starter pack restricts you to the beginner area only. Try a progress and achieve package, it gives you one 2 hour lesson and full mountain lift pass, so when your lesson is over you have access to all the lifts.
What is the difference between the Starter Package and the Progress and Achieve Pack?
The difference is a Starter Pack is for someone who has never ever skied/snowboarded before, and the Progress and Achieve is for everyone else, from novice to expert. The Starter Pack only gives you access to the beginner areas (not the chairlifts) and the Progress & Achieve Pack gives you full mountain access to all the lifts.
Can I go up the chairlifts if I'm on a starter pack?
No. Your lift pass restricts you to the beginner areas only. That is the surface area lifts or magic carpets. If your instructor decides they want to take you up the lift then that's ok, but you'll only be able to go up with the instructor. If you find you learned very quickly you can pay an upgrade at guest services to get a full mountain lift ticket.
Is clothing included in the packages?
No. Unless it is stated that the clothing is included, you must rent clothing separately.
Do I have to go to the same mountain on the 3 Day Package?
Yes. All three day packages are for the same mountain only. In this case we consider Coronet Peak and The Remarkables the same mountain due to them both being under NZ Ski operation. This means you can swap between these mountains only.
Can I take a day off with the 3 Day Package?
All three day packages must be consecutive days if rental equipment and/or lessons are included in the package. This is due to the rental equipment not allowing a days grace or the lesson package having to be consecutive.
The 3 Day Bus and Lift only packages include the use of the pass over 4 days, meaning one day of grace for bad weather, rest or other activities.
Can I swap between skiing and snowboarding on a 3 Day Package?
No. Once you have purchased your package you are committed to one or the other.
Is there anything to do for non-skiers?
Yes. If you want to experience the snow without going skiing there are a few options. Coronet Peak have a chair lift pass available to ride the Express chair to the summit for fantastic views of the Wakatipu Basin. You can purchase an experience snow pack, which includes transport, clothing hire, gloves & lift pass.
The Remarkables has an excellent tubing park for all ages. The tubing park price includes a chair ride to the tubing park and 1 hour of fun! The Remarkables also offer a chair ride pass on the Shadow Lift, if conditions permit there is a short walk to an amazing lookout. All mountains have cafe and restaurant facilities where you can relax, enjoy the view and watch the skiers come down the slopes.
What are the ages for the child prices?
The child age is 6 - 17 years. Children 5 and under are free for transport and lift tickets. A bus seat still needs to be booked for the child if they qualify for the free seat.
Rental Equipment FAQ's
Equipment
Where do I get my rental equipment?
The Kiwi Discovery rental department is located at 37 Camp Street, Queenstown. You will need to come in to our rental shop to be fitted for your equipment. If you are doing one of our snow packages with lessons you may be getting your equipment from the mountian you have chosen to go to. Check with Kiwi Discovery if you have any further questions on where to get your rentals.
Do I need to pre-book my rentals?
No, it's not essential to book your gear as we have a large range of equipment and can accommodate your needs as you arrive in Queenstown. However, it is reassuring once you have made an advanced booking, especially over the school holidays, to know that your rental equipment is booked.
Do I have to get fitted for my rental equipment if I know what size I am?
Yes. Everyone must come into the shop to be fitted. We need to make sure that the equipment fits and adjust your binding settings according to your height, weight and skiing ability. We also need you to sign a rental agreement and you'll have the option to purchase insurance on the equipment. Even if you know your boot size, ski size and binding settings, we still need to see you!
Do you have a rental shop at the mountain if I want to change or fix something?
No, we have our 2 shops in Queenstown but no rental service at the mountains themselves. We can help you in Queenstown, if you have any problems feel free to come back and see us for help. However, if you're stuck the mountain staff will happily make adjustments for you and do any repairs for a fee.
What if my rentals don't fit or are uncomfortable?
Just come back and see us in the shop and we'll make adjustments to make it right for you.
Do you have wide fitting boots?
Yes we stock a wide fitting boot.
Which snowboard bindings do you use?
Soft, ratchet bindings.
What make of skis do you have and what skis do you stock?
We stock mostly Head skis, however we also have a range of Atomic and Blizzard skis too. We do not stock twin tips or powder skis.
Do you have womens specific models?
No. The demand for women specific skis is not high enough to stock them. There are some places in Queenstown that do stock them, however we can usually cater for people who want a softer performing ski anyway.
Do you have twin tip skis?
No, we don't stock twin tip skis.
If I hire skis but then want to give snowboarding a go, can I swap?
No problem, as long as there is gear available, we'll kit you out for snowboard gear instead. You may incur a small fee for the change in equipment. The same goes for vice versa, if you are renting a snowboard and want to try skiing, however no refunds will be given if the option you choose should be cheaper.
Do you rent goggles and gloves?
No. We don't rent these due to hygiene reasons. However, we do have amazing value items that you can purchase and keep for your next ski holiday.
Do you have waterproof boots for non skiers to rent?
Not specifically. We do not hire snow shoes, however you can rent snowboard boots to wear to the snow instead.
Do you have performance skis?
Yes. We stock a variety of performance skis in different sizes.
Do you rent helmets?
Yes. We have sizes to fit all.
Are helmets mandatory?
No. It is your choice if you want to wear a helmet. We do recommend helmets for children.
Are board leashes mandatory?
No. Leashes can be provided on rental boards for safety
Do you rent out sledges or toboggans?
No, the ski resorts discourage sledging around their areas, therefore we do not offer this service. They are available for rent in various other rental shops in Queenstown.
How old are the skis?
Our rental fleet is brand new every year, with some back up stock from previous years.
Delivery Service
Do you provide a delivery service?
Yes, we offer free delivery to all major hotels in Queenstown. Please check to see if we deliver to your hotel, as not all accommodations have locker facilities that allow us to deliver your equipment to you. Should your rentals be delivered to your hotel you will find your equipment with your name on it in the ski locker of your hotel. Please keep all of your equipment together and with your name on it for the duration of the rental agreement. After rental, equipment must be brought back to our shop for tuning. We do not offer a pick up service.
Do you pick up my rentals from my accommodation when I'm finished?
No. You must return your rental gear to the shop at the end of the rental agreement. This is because we need to inspect the equipment for any damage outside of normal wear and tear and also to avoid equipment being lost or stolen. There are no exceptions to this rule. The equipment needs to be returned to the shop after your last ski day.
Will my equipment be waiting for me at the mountain/on the bus?
We do not deliver equipment to the ski resorts but we can deliver to most hotel ski lockers. You are responsible for taking your skis from the ski locker and onto the ski bus.
Can I return the equipment the morning after my last day skiing?
Yes. We know you'll want to rest after being on the mountain all day! Just bring in the equipment by 10am the next day.
Insurance
How much is rental insurance?
Rental insurance is $3 per day per set of equipment.
What does the insurance cover?
The insurance covers rental equipment only. It does NOT include medical cover for you. Should anything be broken, lost and/or stolen the rental insurance will cover you against any replacement costs. Any lost or stolen gear must have a police report completed and returned to Kiwi Discovery in order to be covered against any replacement costs. If no police report is completed then the insurance will not cover your equipment and you will be charged for the replacement costs.
What happens if I don't get rental insurance and my equipment gets damaged?
You will be charged for anything that is not considered normal wear and tear from our rental department. You need to be prepared to replace anything that you hire should you not purchase insurance.
What if I lose the equipment or it gets stolen?
Any equipment that is stolen needs to be reported to the police and a report must be filed. The report then needs to be returned to Kiwi Discovery. If you take the optional insurance cover for $3 per day on each set of equipment it will be covered by the insurance, upon completion of the police report. If no insurance is taken, you will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.
Tuning
How often are your skis tuned?
Skis are waxed after every use and tuned when required. If you feel your skis need to be waxed just bring them in and we'll have them ready for the next morning.
Can you wax my skis/board?
Yes. We have an overnight tuning service ranging from small wax jobs to a major tune.
Refunds & Rates
If the ski hill is closed due to bad weather will I get a refund?
Yes. If you didn't get to use your equipment due to closure we'll refund you.
Can I get a discount for hiring equipment longer?
Yes. If you hire for 3 days or more we offer a mutli-day rate.
Clothing Rental FAQ's
Do you have larger clothing sizes?
Yes. We stock rental clothing from childs sizes to 6XL so we'll have something to fit almost everyone.
Do I need to pre-book my clothing rental?
You don't have to pre-book your clothing as we have a huge range of clothing in stock.
Can I rent gloves and goggles?
For hygiene reasons we do not rent gloves or goggles. We do have various styles in store for you to purchase.
What or how many layers of clothes should I wear?
We recommend you wear many layers. Thermal underwear is great for the mountain as it's designed to keep you warm in all conditions, even if you're a little damp from the snow or sweat. Fleece is also great for keeping you warm. Wearing layers means you can always take them off if you get warm. The most important thing is you wear waterproof and windproof outer layers! Jeans and other non waterproof clothing are not acceptable for the mountain.
How many pairs of socks should I wear?
One. If you are wearing more than one pair of socks it most likely means your boots are too big. It's better to get your boots resized than wear more than one pair of socks.
Ski Resort FAQ's
Which is the best mountain for beginners?
Each mountain has great beginner areas that are fantastic to learn on. All of them will cater to your needs. Some of them are more popular than others, meaning they can be a little busier, especially in the school holidays. Talk to our friendly staff about which mountain would suit you best or check out our Ski areas Queenstown pages for more information on each of the resorts facilities.
Which is the best mountain?
This is a hard one to answer and everyone will have different opinions. We recommend that you try all of them if you have the time, that way you can make up your own mind about which mountain you think is the best. A good way to figure out which one is the best for you is to read through the mountain statistics, facilities and features of each mountain. See our Ski areas Queenstown pages for help or talk to our friendly staff about which mountain would suit you best.
What time does the mountain open and close?
All mountains operate lifts from 9.00am - 4.00pm. Some mountains have a first tracks ticket available from 8.00am and Coronet Peak operates night skiing on most Friday and Saturday nights (weather dependent) until 9.00pm.
Are there lockers at the mountain and what do they cost?
Yes, each mountain has locker facilities for hire that you can access throughout the day. The locker prices vary from mountain to mountain, we recommend you budget between $5-$10 per day.
What happens if I miss the bus back?
The bus driver will make sure he brings everyone back down the hill. If you intend on making your own way down, please ring us to let us know so we don't wait on you. If you are missing we will let the staff at the mountain know so they can start looking for you.
What time do the buses go and where do they pick up from?
See our bus timetable.
How long does the bus take to arrive at the ski slopes?
It takes a minimum of 30 minutes from the last pick up to get to Coronet Peak, 45 minutes to Remarkables, 1 hour to Cardrona and 1.5 hours to Treble Cone. These times can be greatly extended due to weather and road conditions and if snow chains need to be installed on the road up.
How long will it take me to drive to the ski slopes?
You should allow yourself the same time as the bus to get there as the roads can be busy and covered in snow. You need to carry snow chains with you and signs will tell you when they are needed.
Is there anything to do up there if I don't ski/board?
The Remarkables ski field has an excellent tubing park for all ages and all mountains have cafes where you can buy food and drink and watch the skiers come down the slopes. You can also ride the chairlift up and back down to see the great views at some lifts.
