Ski Safari - New Zealand [9 days]

New Zealand is the home of great snow sport experiences. Its geographic features, and plentiful snow falls make it a favourite destination for ski enthusiasts from around the world.

The countries five major ski areas are diverse and each offers a unique ski experience. The Southern Alps have a range of mountains 550 kilometres long, which were created by tectonic forces that continue to force the Alps skyward. All fields boast modern facilities, and terrain that range from easy-going beginners slopes and learners areas, or for the more experienced ski junkies, heli - skiing will take you to remote slopes and glaciers far from reach of road transport.

Beyond the slopes, the local towns offer a variety of out of snow activities including jet boating, bungy and some sensational shopping opportunities. At night, enjoy a gourmet delight in one of many restaurants or take in the après ski energy that keeps bars and clubs going until wee hours. [scroll down for more details]

Our 9 days “South Island Snow Safari” is the ultimate South Island ski tour! You will ski 6 different fields and have the chance to further customise your tour with discounted heli-ski options in Wanaka and Queenstown!

Tour details:

Day 1: Christchurch
Arrival to Christchurch; Free day to relax and to explore the city

Day 2: Ski Mt. Hut
This morning we drive just 26 km to Mt. Hutt, where we spend the day riding the slopes of New Zealand’s largest ski field.
Located high in the Southern Alps, Canterbury’s Mt. Hutt Ski Area receives some of the lightest and driest powder in Australasia. With 365 skiable hectares, Mt. Hutt offers plenty of variety and every facility for snow sports enthusiasts. A big mountain with great terrain, Mt. Hutt offers an awesome, winter experience for all first timers and seasoned powder hounds

Day 3: Ski Ohau
Today we take you to a well kept secret in New Zealand skiing circles, a remote ski field, which can be found midway between Christchurch and Queenstown.

Ohau caters for all abilities. From the highest point of 1,925 metres there is a 400 metre vertical fall to the base via 'The Boulevard', which is a wonderful ride for beginners on a safe, groomed trail as wide as a highway. Intermediates can choose the zig-zag 'Luge', and experts can push the limits on the 'High Traverse' and the 'Escalator'.

Ohau offers exquisite dry powder snow terrain and gets you off the tourist trial to experience the awesome range of ski fields available

Day 4: Ski Treble Cone – Wanaka
Treble Cone has been reported as one of the most spectacularly scenic resorts in the world, lying within the heart of the Southern Alps. It has amazing views across the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka.
Treble Cone is the largest ski area in the South Island with plenty of exhilarating skiing and snowboarding terrain. Spread over three large basins, there are trails to suit all ages and abilities. A purpose-built area for learners, long, groomed trails for beginner/ intermediate skiers, numerous natural half pipes on the upper mountain, and challenging advanced runs on ungroomed powder. Renowned for an abundance of dry powder, Treble Cone receives an average annual snowfall of 5.5 meters and has an average maximum snow depth of 3.25 meters.
Wanaka is 100% an après-ski haven, with a huge number of places to dine, drink and dance the night away

Day 5: Ski Cardrona – Wanaka
Cardrona is a very popular commercial field renowned among skiers and boarders for inspiring terrain and dry natural snow. With 320 hectares of wide, undulating trails, open slopes, steep chutes and awesome terrain parks, there’s something here for all to enjoy. With over 20 national and international skiing and snowboarding events held at Cardrona each year, we may make slight amendments to our tour itinerary if we feel any events would add value to your Snow Safari experience!

Day 6: Ski Coronet Peak – Queenstown
With outstanding views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak is the oldest and most developed ski area in the South Island. Spread across a broad mountain, the field is wide and sunny with an astounding variety of runs, and the on-field facilities are some of the best around. Everything is designed to ensure you make the most of skiing and boarding.
Everyone can ski like a pro at Coronet Peak - there are dedicated slopes for first timers, long, wide groomed trails and plenty of choice for more experienced skiers. Once you know the ropes, you’ll enjoy the vertical off the express quad, or exploring the rolling terrain with plenty of dips and drops for great variety. For boarders, Coronet Peak is a natural terrain park, full of endless hits and powder stashes! Exclusive night skiing is also available.

Day 7: The Remarkables – Queenstown
The Remarks (as it’s known to the locals) is set in a vast natural amphitheatre high in the rugged ranges at the eastern end of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu. Being so far up is a major plus, giving the ski field a long, reliable season – and the North-facing aspect makes it a natural sun-trap.
The highest ski field in Queenstown at 1935 meters, the Remarks challenges skiers of all abilities, including one of the most memorable runs in New Zealand - the long, fast sweep called Homeward Bound.
The Remarks is the best place to learn to ski, with a series of sheltered bowls all accessed by chair lifts. Nearly three quarters of the slopes are rated beginner to intermediate – but there’s still plenty of off-piste challenge if you’re inclined towards the extreme.
The Remarkables ski area boasts a new international standard Super Pipe for advanced level riders and skiers. The
150 meters long, 22 meters wide pipe is triple the size of the existing terrain park at the top of Sugar Bowl Basin. The expanded Xbox Terrain and Rail Park and other features, combined with the big mountain possibilities, make The Remarkables the logical choice for the free-riders out there.

Day 8: Queenstown to Christchurch
There are two options open to you this morning. You can take a half day skiing at either The Remarkables or Coronet Peak with a standard lift pass or a mornings heli-ski, or you can make the most of the numerous extreme activities that Queenstown has to offer (all at a discounted rate)!
The Nevis Bungy, canyoning the deep fiords of 12 mile delta, the Canyon Swing, grade 4 and 5 white-water rafting are all on offer this morning. You can pre-book all of these activities.
Just after lunch we make the return journey to Christchurch to arrive back for a central city drop off in Christchurch city.

Day 9: Queenstown to Christchurch
Transfers to the airport for your flight home or your extension…

Please don't forget to choose the charity of your choice from our list!