Rainbow Ski Area is near St Arnaud in the north of New Zealand's South Island.  Its a small family and intermediate orientated club field which overlooks Nelson Lakes National Park.  Some of the views out of the lakes from the slopes are amazing, and there are around 300 skiable hectares accessed by 5 lifts with terrain for every level of skier and snowboarder.  The access road to Rainbow ski area is approximately 32 kilometers from St. Arnaud while the ski season usually runs from start of July through to mid October.

Rainbow ski area has lift going up to around 1760 metres and the resort gets pretty reliable snow which is enhanced by some reasonable snowmaking facilities.

Skiing at Rainbow can be one of those very pleasant, mellow experiences with the north easterly aspect giving it a regularly sunny and warm feeling!

The car park is at 1540m, giving around 200 metres of vertical descent.  Rainbow Ski Area is situated at the top of the South Island of New Zealand just off highway 63.35 minutes from St Arnaud, 1hr 20mins from Nelson, 1 hr 30mins from Blenheim, 1hr 50mins from Picton, 4hr 30mins from Christchurch.