Highlights:
- There are no wild animals on this Safari - just tones of beautiful snow.
- It's an early start on day one as we meet at 6am for breakfast at Haka Lodge Christchurch, before we head off to Mt Hutt.
- In the evenings you are welcome to relax at the accommodations, soak in the local hot tubs, cook in, eat out, go partying or even night skiing... whatever takes your fancy.
- If you have extra time either side of the Snow Safari we can arrange further skiing/snowboarding at Mt Hutt (from Christchurch) and at The Remarks or Coronet Peak (from Queenstown).
Included:
We provide everything you need for the ultimate, stress-free week on the snow in New Zealand:
- An epic snow tour across the South Island's best locations: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Wanaka and Queenstown.
- All transport and mountain transfers.
- 6 x lift passes to 6 different mountains
- Expert tour manager.
- Advice to help improve your skiing or snowboarding technique.
- Accommodation (max 6 share, upgrades available)
- Breakfast
- Hot pools entry in Lake Tekapo.
- Lessons and equipment hire (if selecting the Beginner Pack).
- Equipment hire (if selecting Lift Pass + Hire Pack)
Day 1 : Christchurch to Mt Hutt
Kia Ora and welcome to Christchurch. Your tour starts bright and early at 6.30 am at Haka Lodge so we promise no cheesy introductions! With a whole day on the slopes ahead of us, we waste no time in leaving to drive to Mt. Hutt. On the way your guide will make a stop at the ski / board hire shop to collect any equipment required. 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 (365 skiable hectares) with great terrain, this ski field is an awesome winter experience for all first timers and seasoned powder hounds. There are plenty of adrenalin-pumping black diamond runs on the South Face, presenting extreme skiers and boarders with as many different challenges as they can handle. The wide, open trails provide easy learning for novice skiers and excellent terrain to build on your existing skills.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2 : 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 Wanaka so we are ready to start day three bright and early.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 : 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 : Cardrona
Cardrona is 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. A wide area of the mountain is serviced by chair lifts, so access is easy and queues are rare. Cardrona's three basins offer wide-open spaces and a mix of terrain that's 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, we may make slight amendments to our tour itinerary if we feel any events would add value to your Haka Snow Safari experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 : Queenstown
We break up your tour to give you 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 a number of well-recommended heli-ski options - from $995 NZD for 4 runs or $1,350 NZD for 8 runs. 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!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 : 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. Exclusive night skiing is available on Friday and Saturdays until 10pm. As the sun sinks slowly in the west, the lights come on and the fun begins.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 : The Remarkables
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. We ski / snowboard until mid-afternoon, you have the option of booking an extra night’s accommodation in Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast
Pickup: Day 1 starts at 6am at Haka Lodge.
Return: Day 7 End of the tour, you can choose to stay in Queenstown after the day of skiing/boarding or head back to Christchurch with the group, your arrival time is about 10:30pm at Haka Lodge Christchurch, 518 Linwood Ave, Christchurch.
*Pre and Post accommodation is recommended in Haka Lodge Christchurch or on day 7 you can choose to stay at Haka Lodge Queenstown.
What to Bring:
Glasses and sunscreen
Neck Buffer
Ski Clothing - pants, jacket, light weight socks, wrist guards and gloves
Day Pack
Ski Gear - Snowboard or Ski's
7 day Snow Safari $1799
Jacket, Pants and Goggles - $172
Add $200 for hire gear (skis+poles or snowboard, and boots)
Add $350 for two beginner lesson and hire gear
Accommodation Options:
Upgrade your Accommodation from dorm to private for $649.
If you will share the room with someone else you only need to book one upgrade and split the price between you both.
You can also extend your accommodation before or after your tour.
Extras:
As you build your tour online, you will see many optional activities available to add - but remember, none of these are compulsory. Not sure which activities to choose? No problem.
Once you've paid a deposit and secured your seat you can add activities anytime until 30 days prior to departure.
Activities can also be purchased on the road - just let your tour guide know; he'll be happy to help.
However, we can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest if there are any activities you definitely want to do, that you pre-book them.
As the tour starts early in the morning, you can opt to stay at Haka Lodge Christchurch the night before the tour - only having to walk downstairs on the day the tour starts makes for a stress free morning.
Likewise, you can book an extra night at the lodge on the last day so you are not in a rush once we go our separate ways.
You are welcome to finish your tour in Queenstown; we can arrange extra accommodation here as well. You can continue to ski but you won't be able to keep any hire gear that we have given you.
Dinners and lunches are not included, however your guide is fill of talent and will point you the right direction.
