About US
The Snow Farm
Founded in 1986 by Mary and John Lee on Waiorau Farm, the Snow Farm was the first and only cross-country ski area in New Zealand.
Originally named the Waiorau Nordic Ski Area, Waiorau was the Maori name that Ngai Tahu gave to the area, that translates to ‘the place of over one hundred waters’. The name was later changed to reflect its farming heritage.
Today, Snow Farm NZ is owned by the Pisa Charitable Trust and is a not-for-profit organisation.
1520m Elevation
55km Cross-country ski trails
Snowshoeing
Snow Fun Zone and Tubing
Retail Shop & Cafe
TimeLine
1920: John Lee’s father, Robert Lee obtains title to Waiorau Station on the Pisa Range through the returned servicemen’s ballot.
1964: John Lee buys station from his parents.
1970: John Lee buys Mt Cardrona Station.
1980: Cardrona skifield opens to the public.
1984: Work begins to set up the Snow Farm cross-country ski trails on the opposite Pisa Range.
1986: Snow Farm opens.
1989: Cardrona sold and Lees shift focus to Pisa Range.
1998: Original Snow Farm lodge built.
2009: John & Mary Lee and Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust approach QLDC with a proposal for a 310ha recreation reserve at Snow Farm.
2012: Settlement of Snow Farm by the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust. Snow Farm becomes the first not-for profit ski field in the Southern Lakes Region.
2020: Original Snow Farm lodge closes – Snow Farm continues operating.
2022: Completion of the new 36 bed Musterers Hut
2024: Completion of the new Snow Farm Base Building
Pisa Charitable Trust
The Snow Farm NZ is owned and operated by the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust (PACT) and is operated on Queenstown Lakes District Council land. The resort is the only non-profit ski area in the Southern Lakes region.
