Ski New Zealand: 8 Day South Island Snow Safari (Christchurch to Queenstown)
Ski New Zealand: 8 Day South Island Snow Safari (Christchurch to Queenstown)
Ski New Zealand: 8 Day South Island Snow Safari (Christchurch to Queenstown)
8 Days Starting in Christchurch and ending in Queenstown
Visiting: Christchurch, Christchurch to Lake Tekapo & Mount Hutt Skiing, Lake Tekapo to Wanaka & Ohau Skiing, Wanaka & Treble Cone Skiing, Wanaka to Queenstown & Cardrona Skiing, Queenstown, Queenstown & Coronet Peak Skiing, Queenstown & The Remarkables Skiing
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHXSCQ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
18-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Whether you’re new to the snow or an experienced snow hound, this exhilarating week on the slopes of the Southern Alps’ most iconic snow fields at Mt Hutt, Ohau, Treble Cone, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Coronet Peak delivers. We’ve got everything organised: your transport and transfers to the mountains, your accommodation, lift passes, breakfast, and an expert local crew ready to show you the best runs and powder stashes across the six different mountains. We can also arrange your ski gear and clothing if you want to pack light. Add time away from the slopes to discover the South Island's best ski towns like Wanaka and Queenstown, and a stay in the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve and you’ve got the perfect trip. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. We are aware of a system functionality limitation incorrectly indicating "twin-share" when you manage your booking on our website.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hostel dorm share accommodation, shared facilities
Kia ora and welcome to Christchurch, gateway to New Zealand’s awe-inspiring Southern Alps. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm for you to meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers.
Day 2: Christchurch To Lake Tekapo & Mount Hutt Skiing
Location: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo & Mount Hutt Skiing
Accommodation: Hostel dorm share accommodation, shared facilities
Meals Included: breaksfast
Depart Christchurch at 6am and pick up your hire gear (and breakfast) on the 2 hour drive inland to Mt Hutt. Located high in the Southern Alps, Canterbury’s Mt Hutt Ski Area receives some of the lightest and driest powder in Australasia. A big mountain with 365 skiable hectares and great terrain, this ski field is an awesome winter experience for first timers and seasoned powder hounds alike. Collect your included lift pass and choose your own adventure, from adrenalin-pumping black diamond runs to wide, open trails that provide easy learning for novice skiers or a chance to brush up on existing skills. To help beginners get into the swing of things perhaps opt for a morning & afternoon beginner ski/boarding lesson. And if you need more we're happy to arrange that too.
After a day on the slopes, continue south (approximately 2.5 hours) to our accommodation on the shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo, your home for the night. Chill out at a local café or wander the southern shores of this stunning turquoise lake and soak in the magnificent views of the nearby snow-covered mountains. As part of the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve it's worth staying up late to experience the finest night sky you may ever experience.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Lake Tekapo To Wanaka & Ohau Skiing
Location: Lake Tekapo to Wanaka & Ohau Skiing
Accommodation: Hostel dorm share accommodation, shared facilities
Meals Included: breaksfast
Start the day with an early morning drive (approximately 1.5hrs) to nearby Ohau, a remote ski field that can be found midway between Christchurch and Queenstown. While the drive is stunning - take in views of the aquamarine Lake Pukaki and beautiful Mackenzie Basin - the ski fields of Ohau are the true highlight. Ohau also offers exquisite dry powder snow and epic terrain – and will get you away from the tourist trail to experience an awesome range of ski fields for all abilities. Your group leader will be happy to explain your choices in this epic snow destination. After a full day on the snow, drive approximately 2 hours to Wanaka, New Zealand’s ‘ultimate hub for outdoor adventures’, your home for the next 2 nights.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Wanaka & Treble Cone Skiing
Location: Wanaka & Treble Cone Skiing
Accommodation: Hostel dorm share accommodation, shared facilities
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Start the day early with a short drive to Treble Cone in the heart of the Southern Alps, home to the highest lift-accessed terrain, longest groomed intermediate runs, and highest vertical drop on the South Island. This is also the South Island’s largest ski area with plenty of varied terrain, amazing views across Wanaka and trails to suit all ages and abilities. For those newer to snow sports there is a purpose-built learner area and long, groomed beginner and intermediate trails. More experienced skiers and boarders are drawn to the natural half pipes, challenging advanced runs and ungroomed powder. Renowned for its reliable snow conditions and weather, and Home Basin Express chairlift so you can enjoy more runs per day, Treble Cone really is skiing and boarding heaven. After a day on the slopes, you’ll head back to Wanaka. With a huge number of places to dine, drink and dance the night away, your choices on this free evening are endless.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Wanaka To Queenstown & Cardrona Skiing
Location: Wanaka to Queenstown & Cardrona Skiing
Accommodation: Hostel dorm share accommodation, shared facilities
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leave Wanaka behind and drive south towards Queenstown, but not without stopping for a full day at Cardrona Alpine Resort, renowned among skiers and boarders for inspiring terrain and dry natural snow. Blessed with ‘New Zealand’s most reliable snow’, it's one of the top mountains in the country. With 345 hectares of wide, undulating trails, open slopes, steep chutes and awesome terrain parks, your group leader will be happy to recommend runs to best suit your ability. A wide area of the mountain is serviced by chair lifts, so access is easy and Cardrona’s three basins offer wide-open spaces and a mixture of terrains that are suitable for snowboarders and skiers of all abilities. On-mountain facilities include five cafes, so there’s plenty of opportunity to relax between your epic runs. After a full day on the slopes enjoy a relaxing drive (approximately 1 hr) all the way to Queenstown – the ‘home of winter’.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hostel dorm share accommodation
Meals Included: breaksfast
After four days on the slopes, it’s time to rest your legs and experience everything Queenstown has to offer. From a relaxing cruise on Lake Whakatipu, Lord of the Rings tour, or winery visit at nearby Gibbston, to a leisurely bike ride along the (mostly flat) Queenstown Trail or adrenaline-pumping jetboat rides, white water rafting or even bungee jumping, there is sure to be an adventure to suit. If you can't bear to be away from the snow for a day, there are a number of carbon-neutral heli-ski options that will take you to untouched powder in the area. Whatever you choose to experience, try and save some energy for the next two days – you’re going to need it!
Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Queenstown & Coronet Peak Skiing
Location: Queenstown & Coronet Peak Skiing
Meals Included: breaksfast
Coronet Peak is the oldest and most developed ski area in the South Island, with an astounding variety of runs and on-field facilities that are some of the finest in the region. Everything is designed to ensure you make the most of skiing and boarding, whatever your level of ability. Everyone can ski like a pro at Coronet Peak – there are dedicated slopes for first-timers, wide groomed trails and plenty of choice for more experienced skiers. Your group leader will help show you the best option for your abilities. Once you know the ropes, you can zoom down the slopes and enjoy gently 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. After your final run, it’s time to enjoy Queenstown’s excellent bars, restaurants and cafes beside the lake then kick on into the night, or head back to the hostel for a well-earned sleep.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Queenstown & The Remarkables Skiing
Location: Queenstown & The Remarkables Skiing
Meals Included: breaksfast
Picture wide open trails, powder snow, spectacular views, sun-drenched terrain and unforgettable runs and you’ve got The Remarkables. Set in a vast natural amphitheatre high in the rugged ranges, this is the highest ski field in Queenstown at 1943m. 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. While there are plenty of options for beginners, The Remarkables ski area also boasts a new international standard Super Pipe. At 150m long and 22m wide it’s for advanced level riders and skiers only, and an absolute blast if you have the skills. The expanded Xbox Terrain and Rail Park and other features, combined with the big mountain possibilities, make The Remarkables a top choice for freeriders. At the end of an exciting day on the slopes, it’s time to head back down to Queenstown, where your epic snow adventure finishes on arrival around 8pm.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hostel dorm share accommodation, shared facilities (7 nights) -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 dinners -
Day lift pass - Mt Hutt
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Mt Hutt Morning & Afternoon Beginner Ski/Boarding Lesson
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Day lift pass - Ohau
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Day lift pass - Treble Cone
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Day lift pass - Cardrona
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Day lift pass - Coronet Peak
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Day lift pass - The Remarkables
Accommodation
- Accommodation is on a multi share basis in high-end hostel accommodation (4-8 bed dorm share depending on location) and shared bathrooms. The group will normally stay together in the same dorm room regardless of gender, but (where available) is it is possible to request a female-only dorm (noting you are likely to be sharing with other people not travelling with our group.)
- Private room upgrades can be requested at the time of booking, but may not apply to all nights on the trip.
- An optional single supplement is available on this trip (on request). This includes all nights.
Transport
- Private vehicle
Important Information
- 1. Please note this trip requires a minimum number of booked customers to guarantee the departure. Your Booking Agent will advise at time of booking if the departure has met minimum numbers. If minimum numbers are not met, you will be advised no later than 56 days out from departure (prior to full payment due). We recommend arranging flights and related travel services once your departure is guaranteed. In the event that your departure is cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met, a full refund will be provided of monies paid. in New Zealand.
- 2. Accommodation on this trip is in multi-share hostels. Multishare typically includes 4-8 beds. You may be required to share with group members of a different gender, couples and non-Intrepid travellers outside of your group. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.
- 3. This trip is suitable for beginner to advanced skiers/snowboarders
- 4. This trip finishes on arrival to Queenstown on Day 8 (approx 8pm)
- 5. Snow gear including helmets, skis/snowboard, boots, poles and ski clothing are available to hire - if you wish to book gear please contact your agent.
- 6. Due to unforeseen weather conditions changes may need to be made to the itinerary.
- 7. While our Group Leaders will often join the group on the snow they are not qualified instructors. Should you require additional lesson packages (based on ability) these can purchased from qualified instructors.
- 8. This trip does not spend any included time in Christchurch – if you wish to book extra accommodation please contact your agent.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This trip is suitable for beginners to advanced skiers or snowboarders. Lessons are available for beginners or people wishing to refresh their skills.
While our Group Leaders will often join the group on the snow they are not qualified instructors. Should you require additional lessons from qualified instructors these can be purchased separately.
Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. Dorms generally consist of 4-8 beds (private rooms are available on request). -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions