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8 Day South Island Snow Safari from Christchurch

Days
8

Pricing From
$2999

South Island
Book Now

Overview

If you're on the hunt for an incredible guided snow tour in New Zealand, look no further! Whether you're a newbie to the slopes or a seasoned snow enthusiast, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore the top ski towns across the South Island: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Wanaka, and Queenstown.

Get ready for the ultimate one-week guided ski and snowboard adventure through the South Island! Our experienced guides are eager to show you the finest runs and hidden powder spots across six mountains in 8 unforgettable days.

Everything's arranged for you: from transportation and mountain transfers to cosy accommodation, lift passes, and breakfasts, all part of our Christchurch to Queenstown snow package.

Looking to customise your experience? Adding extra gear hire or lessons is a breeze. Simply select your preferences when booking, and we'll handle the rest.

This snow safari isn't just about the slopes; it's also a chance to see the South Island's iconic sights. We've even set aside a day in Queenstown for non-ski activities or to soak up the local winter atmosphere.

Beginners, fear not! We're thrilled to introduce you to the basics – from using the lifts to tackling the gentle slopes. Opt for our Snow lessons package to gain confidence and skill, ready to take on intermediate runs by the end of our journey.

Snow Safari Tour Tips:

  • Consider booking an extra night's stay before and after the tour to fully enjoy your surroundings and avoid any end-of-tour rush.
  • The tour includes shared dormitory accommodation, with the option to upgrade to a private room.
  • Weather and snow conditions can be unpredictable, but our adaptable guides will ensure you enjoy every moment, whatever the weather.

*This trip can also be done in reverse.*

"My Snow Tour was the best part of my 18 days in NZ. Steve the guide was an absolute legend... The trip was so relaxed but did so much. We were always stopping to do and see little things along the way which make it an awesome trip instead of just a good one. The whole tour was just like a road trip with the mates." - John, Australia

Ski and Snow Safari

Skier at Mt Hutt

Skier at Mt Hutt

New Zealand Snow

New Zealand Ski

New Zealand Ski

New Zealand Ski

Snow fun at Cardrona Ski Area

Snow fun at Cardrona Ski Area, Wanaka

Skiing at Cardrona Ski Area

Skiing at Cardrona Ski Area

Sunset at Cardrona Ski Area

Sunset at Cardrona Ski Area, Wanaka

Ski Lift at Treble Cone Ski Area

Ski Lift at Treble Cone Ski Area, Wanaka

Snowboarder at Treble Cone Ski Area

Snowboarder at Treble Cone Ski Area, Wanaka

Treble Cone Ski Area

A view to take your breath away at Treble Cone Ski Area, Wanaka

Coronet Peak Ski Area

Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown

Ski New Zealand

Coronet Peak Ski Area

Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown

Coronet Peak Ski Area

Coronet Peak Ski Area, Queenstown

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Arrive into Christchurch

*This trip can also be done in reverse.*

Welcome to Christchurch!

Settle into your accommodation and be ready for the 6pm pre-tour meeting. Here you will get to know your Tour Manager and be introduced to your new roadtrip friends.

Afterwards, the evening is yours to enjoy.

Day 2Christchurch to Lake Tekapo - Ski or Snowboard Mt Hutt

Your day starts bright and early at 6am. With a whole day on the slopes ahead of us, we waste no time driving 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 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. Tonight, we overnight at beautiful Lake Tekapo.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS 

  • Ski + poles hire (choice of standard or premium equipment)
  • Board + boots hire (choice of standard or premium equipment)
  • Clothing hire (jacket + pants, also available individually)
  • Beginner or novice lessons (each includes 2 x 2 hour lessons) Helmet hire

SLOPE INFO

Mt Hutt Levels: 25% Beginner, 50%
Intermediate, 25%
Advanced Height: 2075m Vertical: 683m
Skiable Area: 365ha

Day 3Lake Tekapo to Wanaka - Ski or Snowboard Ohau/Mt Dobson/Roundhill

Today we take you to Ohau, a remote ski field that 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 1825m, there is a 400m 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 ‘Escalator’.

Ohau can offer exquisite dry powder snow and epic terrain – and will get you away from the tourist trail to experience an awesome range of ski fields.

In the evening we drive to Wanaka, ready to start Day 3 bright and early.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

SLOPE INFO 

Ohau Difficulty: 20%
Beginner, 50%
Intermediate, 30%
Advanced Height:1825m Vertical:400m
Skiable Area:125ha

Day 4Ski or Snowboard Treble Cone

Treble Cone lies within the heart of the Southern Alps, with amazing views across the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka.

It is also the largest ski area in the South Island with plenty of varied terrain. Spread over three large basins, there are 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. And for the more experienced skiers and boarders, there are numerous natural half pipes on the upper mountain as well as challenging advanced runs and ungroomed powder.

Treble Cone is notable for its Home Basin Express chairlift, so you can enjoy more runs per day than anywhere else. The saddle quad chair lift 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 5.5m and has an average maximum snow depth of 3.25m. 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.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

SLOPE INFO 

Treble Cone Levels: 10%
Beginner, 45%
Intermediate, 45%
Advanced Height: 1960m
Vertical: 700m
Skiable Area: 550ha

Day 5Wanaka to Queenstown - Ski or Snowboard 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.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass, Dinner

SLOPE INFO 

Cardrona Levels: 25%
Beginner, 50%
Intermediate, 25%
Advanced Height: 1860m
Vertical: 600m
Skiable Area: 345ha

Day 6Free Day Queenstown

Day 5 is the day to catch our breath and see Queenstown, take part in some adventure activities, or go heli-skiing. You are welcome to hit the slopes again but your lift pass for today is not included in the tour price.

If you can't bear to be away from the snow for a day, there are a number of highly recommended heli-ski options. These will take you to untouched powder in the area. A trip to the Milford Sound is also a great way to spend the day. Either way, your bucket list is about to take a serious hit!

INCLUDED

Breakfast

Day 7Ski or Snowboard 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, 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.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

SLOPE INFO

Coronet Peak Levels: 30%
Beginner, 40%
Intermediate, 30%
Advanced Height: 1649m
Vertical: 462m
Skiable Area: 280ha

 

Day 8Queenstown Ski or Snowboard The Remarkables

Wide open trails, native kea, powder snow, spectacular views, sun-drenched terrain and unforgettable runs. There’s terrain here like you have never seen and if you’re willing to work your legs a little, you’ll discover super long off-piste runs.

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 1943m, the Remarks has something for everyone, including one of the most memorable runs in New Zealand – the long, fast sweep called ‘Homeward Bound’.

For those interested in jumps, the Remarks Parks offer a range of different terrain parks featuring down rails, step down jumps and more! All parks are accessed by the new Sugar Bowl chairlift.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

SLOPE INFO
The Remarkables Levels: 30%
Beginner, 40%
Intermediate, 30%
Advanced Height: 1943m
Vertical: 357m
Skiable Area: 220ha

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
Extra night accommodation in Queenstown

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Arrive into Christchurch

*This trip can also be done in reverse.*

Welcome to Christchurch!

Settle into your accommodation and be ready for the 6pm pre-tour meeting. Here you will get to know your Tour Manager and be introduced to your new roadtrip friends.

Afterwards, the evening is yours to enjoy.

Day 2Christchurch to Lake Tekapo - Ski or Snowboard Mt Hutt

Your day starts bright and early at 6am. With a whole day on the slopes ahead of us, we waste no time driving 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 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. Tonight, we overnight at beautiful Lake Tekapo.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS 

  • Ski + poles hire (choice of standard or premium equipment)
  • Board + boots hire (choice of standard or premium equipment)
  • Clothing hire (jacket + pants, also available individually)
  • Beginner or novice lessons (each includes 2 x 2 hour lessons) Helmet hire

SLOPE INFO

Mt Hutt Levels: 25% Beginner, 50%
Intermediate, 25%
Advanced Height: 2075m Vertical: 683m
Skiable Area: 365ha

Day 3Lake Tekapo to Wanaka - Ski or Snowboard Ohau/Mt Dobson/Roundhill

Today we take you to Ohau, a remote ski field that 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 1825m, there is a 400m 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 ‘Escalator’.

Ohau can offer exquisite dry powder snow and epic terrain – and will get you away from the tourist trail to experience an awesome range of ski fields.

In the evening we drive to Wanaka, ready to start Day 3 bright and early.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

SLOPE INFO 

Ohau Difficulty: 20%
Beginner, 50%
Intermediate, 30%
Advanced Height:1825m Vertical:400m
Skiable Area:125ha

Day 4Ski or Snowboard Treble Cone

Treble Cone lies within the heart of the Southern Alps, with amazing views across the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka.

It is also the largest ski area in the South Island with plenty of varied terrain. Spread over three large basins, there are 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. And for the more experienced skiers and boarders, there are numerous natural half pipes on the upper mountain as well as challenging advanced runs and ungroomed powder.

Treble Cone is notable for its Home Basin Express chairlift, so you can enjoy more runs per day than anywhere else. The saddle quad chair lift 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 5.5m and has an average maximum snow depth of 3.25m. 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.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

SLOPE INFO 

Treble Cone Levels: 10%
Beginner, 45%
Intermediate, 45%
Advanced Height: 1960m
Vertical: 700m
Skiable Area: 550ha

Day 5Wanaka to Queenstown - Ski or Snowboard 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.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass, Dinner

SLOPE INFO 

Cardrona Levels: 25%
Beginner, 50%
Intermediate, 25%
Advanced Height: 1860m
Vertical: 600m
Skiable Area: 345ha

Day 6Free Day Queenstown

Day 5 is the day to catch our breath and see Queenstown, take part in some adventure activities, or go heli-skiing. You are welcome to hit the slopes again but your lift pass for today is not included in the tour price.

If you can't bear to be away from the snow for a day, there are a number of highly recommended heli-ski options. These will take you to untouched powder in the area. A trip to the Milford Sound is also a great way to spend the day. Either way, your bucket list is about to take a serious hit!

INCLUDED

Breakfast

Day 7Ski or Snowboard 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, 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.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

SLOPE INFO

Coronet Peak Levels: 30%
Beginner, 40%
Intermediate, 30%
Advanced Height: 1649m
Vertical: 462m
Skiable Area: 280ha

 

Day 8Queenstown Ski or Snowboard The Remarkables

Wide open trails, native kea, powder snow, spectacular views, sun-drenched terrain and unforgettable runs. There’s terrain here like you have never seen and if you’re willing to work your legs a little, you’ll discover super long off-piste runs.

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 1943m, the Remarks has something for everyone, including one of the most memorable runs in New Zealand – the long, fast sweep called ‘Homeward Bound’.

For those interested in jumps, the Remarks Parks offer a range of different terrain parks featuring down rails, step down jumps and more! All parks are accessed by the new Sugar Bowl chairlift.

INCLUDED

Breakfast, Lift Pass

SLOPE INFO
The Remarkables Levels: 30%
Beginner, 40%
Intermediate, 30%
Advanced Height: 1943m
Vertical: 357m
Skiable Area: 220ha

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
Extra night accommodation in Queenstown

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