South Island Snow Safari – Queenstown to Christchurch (7 Day)
7 Days / 6 Nights, Queenstown – Christchurch
Product Code: | PKVJYY |
Priced Per: | Person |
Ages: | 18-80 Years |
Welcome to NZ’s ultimate guided ski and snowboard tour. We hit 6 different mountains over 7 days and our expert guide shows you the best runs and powder-stashes.
Welcome to NZ’s ultimate guided ski and snowboard tour. We hit 6 different mountains over 7 days and our expert guide shows you the best runs and powder-stashes.
ALL HAKA SNOW TOURS INCLUDE
ORIENTATION TOUR OF EVERY MOUNTAIN – We give you the low-down on every location
ALL TRANSPORT AND MOUNTAIN TRANSFERS – Taking you to our favourite snow locations
BREAKFAST EVERY DAY – Heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!)
HIGH-END HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION – Dorm share, Upgrades available
EXPERT TOUR MANAGER – Friendly snow experts who are passion about NZ
SMALL GROUPS – Because you’re more than just a number!
AWESOME INCLUSIONS
- 6 lift passes to 6 different mountains
- Advice to improve your skiing or snowboarding technique
- Hot pools in Tekapo
- Lessons and equipment hire (if selecting the Beginner Pack)
- Equipment hire (if selecting Lift Pass + Hire Pack)
DAY 1 – QUEENSTOWN – THE REMARKABLES
Kia ora and welcome to Queenstown! Your tour starts bright and early at 6am, so we promise no cheesy introductions! With a whole day on the slopes ahead of us, we waste no time driving to The Remarkables. On the way, your guide will make a stop at the ski/board hire shop to collect any equipment required.
On offer today for your delight: wide open trails, native Keas, powder snow, spectacular views, sun drenched terrain and unforgettable runs. There’s terrain here like you have never seen before, and, if you’re prepared to exercise the legs a little, you will discover some of the longest off-piste runs around.
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 metres, The Remarks has something for everyone as the terrain offers challenges for skiers of all abilities, including one of the most memorable runs in New Zealand: the long, fast sweep called Homeward Bound.
The Remarks is a great 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. There are also plenty of off-piste challenges if you’re more inclined towards the extreme.
The Remarkables ski area boasts a new international standard Super Pipe for advanced level riders and skiers. The 150m long, 22m 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.
SLOPE INFO
The Remarkables
Levels: 30% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced
Height: 1943m
Vertical: 357m
Skiable Area: 220ha
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
Ski clothing and gear hire
DAY 2 QUEENSTOWN – CORONET PEAK
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 and long, wide groomed trails with 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.
SLOPE INFO
Coronet Peak
Levels: 30% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced
Height: 1649m
Vertical: 462m
Skiable Area: 280ha
DAY 3 QUEENSTOWN
Today is a chance to catch your breath and see Queenstown, take part in some adventure activities, or go heli-skiing. You are welcome to continue skiing or boarding but your lift pass is not included in the tour price.
There are several well-recommended heli-ski options: 4 runs or 8 runs (see our website for pricing). These will take you to untouched powder in the area. A trip to the Milford Sound is likewise a great way to spend the day. Either way, your bucket list is about to take a serious hit!
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
Heli-skiing
Canyoning
Horse trekking
Canyon swing
Bungy (Kawarau or Nevis)
Paragliding
Skydiving
Milford Sound trip
Extreme jet boating
DAY 4 WANAKA – CARDRONA
Cardrona is renowned among skiers and boarders for inspiring terrain and dry natural snow. With 345 hectares of wide, undulating trails, open slopes, steep chutes and awesome terrain parks, there’s something here for all to enjoy.
A wide area of the mountain is serviced by chair lifts, so access is easy. 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, a shop, hire facilities and a workshop. With over 20 national and international skiing and snowboarding events held at Cardrona each year, it’s definitely one of the top mountains in New Zealand.
SLOPE INFO
Cardrona
Levels: 25% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 25% Advanced
Height: 1860m
Vertical: 600m
Skiable Area: 345ha
DAY 5 WANAKA – TREBLE CONE
Treble Cone lies 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.
From the purpose-built learner area and long, groomed beginner and intermediate trails, to numerous natural half pipes on the upper mountain, challenging advanced runs and ungroomed powder, there’s plenty for everyone.
Treble Cone boasts New Zealand’s fastest quad chairlift, so you can enjoy more runs per day than anywhere else. The saddle quad chairlift offers the highest lift-accessed terrain, longest groomed intermediate runs, and highest vertical drop in the South Island.
Renowned for dry powder, and plenty of it, Treble Cone receives an average annual snowfall of 5.5 metres and has an average maximum snow depth of 3.25 metres. Its proximity to the Southern Alps means reliable snow conditions and weather, and, just as importantly, its geography means it is protected from the bitterly cold southerly winds. In the evening, Wanaka is an après-ski haven, with a huge number of places to dine, drink and dance the night away.
SLOPE INFO
Treble Cone
Levels: 10% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 45% Advanced
Height: 1960m
Vertical: 700m
Skiable Area: 550ha
DAY 6 TEKAPO – OHAU
Today we take you to Ohau, a remote ski field which can be found midway between Christchurch and Queenstown.
Ohau caters for all abilities, with snow ratings of 20% beginner, 50% intermediate and 30% advanced. From the highest point of 1,925 metres, there is a 400-metre vertical fall to the base via ‘The Boulevard’ (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 trail to experience the awesome range of ski fields available in the South Island of New Zealand.
In the evening we drive to Tekapo and here we get to soak in the relaxing Tekapo Springs so we are ready to start day seven with fresh legs.
SLOPE INFO
Ohau
Difficulty: 20% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 30% Advanced
Height:1825m
Vertical:400m
Skiable Area:125ha
DAY 7 CHRISTCHURCH – ROUNDHILL
Today we head to one of the Mackenzie Country’s best kept secret. Roundhill has the highest vertical drop in Australasia 783M. Also boasts one of NZ’s widest pistes and offers terrain to suit all capabilities
We ski / snowboard until approx. 3pm when we then make the journey back to Christchurch, aiming to arrive by approximately 8pm where you are welcome to book an extra night’s accommodation.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
Extra night accommodation in Christchurch
SLOPE INFO
Roundhill
Levels: 20% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 35% Advanced
Height: 2133m
Vertical: 783m
Skiable Area: 550ha
FAQ
WHAT IS THE TOUR BUS LIKE?
We normally use a Mitsubishi Rosa, with a trailer for all your gear. As we only fill the bus to a maximum of 16 people, there are always some extra seats to spread out!
WHO ARE THE TOUR GUIDES?
Our tour managers are all passionate snow enthusiasts and they are there to ensure you have the best time possible. Each one as awesome as the next, you can check out their profiles on our website to get to know them.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A MOUNTAIN IS SHUT?
We make amendments to our tour route on the rare occasions that any mountains are shut or have poor conditions – going to a different mountain when possible. If not possible, we will refund the wholesale rate for your day lift pass.
I’M A BEGINNER. IS THIS TOUR SUITABLE FOR ME?
Yes. If after your two initial lesson days you still feel you would like more instruction, we can organise this for you on the day. The price is from approximately NZ$55 per person for a group lesson.
WHAT IS THE HIRE GEAR LIKE?
Skis are from 4FRNT, Atomic and Salomon. Boards are from Burton and Academy. Poles are from Scott. Clothing is from Aggression and ski boots are from Nordica. Equipment/gear will be hired on the morning of day one and you will have the same gear for the duration of the tour, which means you can get used to it and progress much quicker. Your gear will be matched to suit your ability and experience.
CAN YOU HELP ME OUT FOR EXTRA DAYS BEFORE AND AFTER THE TOUR?
Yes, we can arrange trips to Mt Hutt near Christchurch with accommodation in Methven, or time at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables, with accommodation in Queenstown.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF A SNOW TOUR GROUP?
The maximum size of a Snow Safari tour is 16 people.