Temple Basin
Arthur's Pass, CanterburySee it on the map
About Temple Basin
Temple Basin is inside Arthur's Pass National Park, and there is no road to it: you park on the highway and walk up for around an hour, with a goods lift to carry the gear. That filter keeps it empty.
It is one of the best ski touring bases in New Zealand, with a great deal of accessible terrain beyond the tows.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026
Best suited to
- Advanced skiers
- Off-piste and freeride
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Where lessons start
For experienced skiers, and above all for ski touring. The walk in, the rope tows and the backcountry all mean this is a place to go with someone qualified.
Resort areas
- Base Area
Suggested meeting points
- Temple Basin car park, start of the walking track
Getting there
Christchurch is around two hours to Arthur's Pass, then an hour on foot.
Qualifications required in New Zealand
New Zealand has no state teaching licence. The professional standard is the Instructor certification, and Alpine Pal shows what each instructor actually holds so you can judge it for yourself.
Find instructors in New ZealandTemple Basin: common questions
How long is the walk in to Temple Basin?
Around an hour, uphill from the highway at Arthur's Pass, with a goods lift to carry the gear — there is no road to the field, and that filter keeps it empty. Christchurch is around two hours to Arthur's Pass. It is one of the best ski touring bases in New Zealand and a place for experienced skiers, ideally with someone qualified.
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