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Ski New Zealand: 8 Day South Island Snow Safari (Christchurch to Queenstown)

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Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: PHXSCQ
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand, 
Start:Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish:Queenstown, New Zealand
Duration:8 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Style:
Winter Active,
This product has sold out, you can still contact us for other options.
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.

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.

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Standard inclusions
  • Meals: Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner.
  • Transport: Private vehicle.
  • Accommodation: Hostel dorm share accommodation, shared facilities (7 nights).
  • Day lift pass - Mt Hutt.
  • Day lift pass - Ohau.
  • Day lift pass - Treble Cone.
  • Day lift pass - Cardrona.
  • Day lift pass - Coronet Peak.
  • Day lift pass - The Remarkables.
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Itinerary
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Day 1: Christchurch
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
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.
Day 3: Lake Tekapo to Wanaka & Ohau Skiing
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.
Day 4: Wanaka & Treble Cone Skiing
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.
Day 5: Wanaka to Queenstown & Cardrona Skiing
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’.
Day 6: Queenstown
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!
Day 7: Queenstown & Coronet Peak Skiing
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.
Day 8: Queenstown & The Remarkables Skiing
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.
Operator
Intrepid Travel

Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.

Important Information
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*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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7 nights
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