South Island
NZ$1,250.00
Take your friends and the whole family to a 5-Day Queenstown Ski Escape! This ski and self-drive package lets you enjoy a variety of terrains in 2 of New Zealand's world-class ski resorts -- Coronet Peak and The Remarka...
Overview
Starting and finising in Queenstown, this 6-Day Wanaka Escape to Treble Cone or Cardrona ski holiday gives you a chance to ski the largest ski area and longest run in the South Island, with a huge 700m of vertical.
This ski package includes accommodation in Wanaka, a rental car, and a 2 day ski lift pass that you can extend, if you want more winter fun! Spend your days tearing up the snow, and with plenty of free days, you can choose to relax or book a tour to explore the beautiful town and its local attractions.
Let us know what you need and we'll work out a special New Zealand ski package for you!
Details
South Island
Ski Season Dates
- Cardrona Ski Area: 14 June - 05 October 2025
- Treble Cone Ski Area: 28 June - 28 September 2025
*Opening and closing dates are subject to change
Start: Queenstown
Finish: Queenstown
Includes:
- 6 Days rental car (pricing based on Compact car)
- Accommodation for 5 nights staying in Motels
- Cardrona & Treble Cone - 3 Day Lift Pass and Rental Package with 4 Day Window
Pricing:
Cost per person with car rental (twin-share)
June 2025 - September 2025
- Adult: from NZ$2,399
Overview
Starting and finising in Queenstown, this 6-Day Wanaka Escape to Treble Cone or Cardrona ski holiday gives you a chance to ski the largest ski area and longest run in the South Island, with a huge 700m of vertical.
This ski package includes accommodation in Wanaka, a rental car, and a 2 day ski lift pass that you can extend, if you want more winter fun! Spend your days tearing up the snow, and with plenty of free days, you can choose to relax or book a tour to explore the beautiful town and its local attractions.
Let us know what you need and we'll work out a special New Zealand ski package for you!
Itinerary
Open AllDay 1Arrival in Queenstown and Drive to Wanaka
Arrive into Queenstown then its a short drive to beautiful Wanaka
Collect your rental car
This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUV's.
Queenstown to Wanaka
Leaving Queenstown you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Wanaka.
Arrive into Wanaka and collect your lift pass
Welcome to Wanaka for your winter ski or snowboarding holiday. It’s not just the skiing that makes Wanaka a fantastic winter destination, there’s also the spectacular scenery, amazing adventures, and endless activities to keep you entertained when you’re not on the slopes. After each action-packed day, you’ll also find a superb variety of cafes and restaurants to relax and refuel at.
Today we recommend you visit the Cardrona Alpine Resort Office located at the corner of Helwick and Dunmore Streets and collect your lift pass. This will save you heaps of time tomorrow as you’ll avoid the morning queues and can head straight to the mountain with more time to ski and ride. When you visit the Cardrona Wanaka Office please take your Ski New Zealand itinerary with you as the staff will need the reference number off this. Each person in your group receives their own card and must collect their own card as your photo will be taken at the time of issue. All your lift passes, rental equipment, lessons, etc will be loaded onto your card.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Puzzling World Great Maze and Illusion Rooms
Puzzling World is a world unique attraction specialising in puzzling eccentricity. For over 35 years this remarkable business has entertained and amazed visitors of all ages. Offering the world's first "modern-styled" Great Maze, incredible Illusion Rooms, a Puzzle Centre/Cafe and eccentric architecture and oddities.
Each remarkable illusion room is an illusion in its own right. On entering you pass through the Hologram Hall. As there is nothing quite like this in the world we can only assure you that you will find the collection of amazing 3-D holograms fascinating!
Carry on into the Ames Forced Perspective Room. The technique of this illusion was used in The Lord of the Rings film to create tall people and little people.
Move on into the Hall of Following Faces illusion room where 168 giant models of famous faces seem to turn and follow you around the room. This illusion room offers visitors a world unique encounter of being followed left and right, up and down by some very illustrious company.
The newest room, the Sculptillusion Room is themed around an illusionary sculpture garden, the gallery invites visitors to wander around the various larger-than-life exhibits that showcase visual trickery at its best. Featuring over 20 large sculptures, artworks and displays the building itself offers illusionary aspects within its design. From Living Walls, wave ceilings, stone carpet and hanging waterfalls the visitor is met with stunning creations from some of NZ's finest artists.
All of this is located in the heart of the breathtaking Southern Lakes region of the South Island of New Zealand, set amongst 7 acres of rolling lawns, trees and gardens.
Accommodation - Bella Vista Wanaka
Bella Vista Wanaka is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, wine bars and shops. Walk everywhere and enjoy the magnificent scenery, food and wine that Wanaka has to offer.
Day 2Treble Cone Ski Field
Cardrona & Treble Cone - 3 of 7 Day Earlybird Lift Pass
Cardrona is New Zealand's fun and family-friendly ski resort with the most reliable snow conditions in the region. Its high elevation and southerly aspect mean dry natural snow is plentiful, which is further enhanced by snowmaking facilities. Cardrona is the perfect place for beginners and intermediates, with NZ's only combined gondola chairlift, easy-to-use surface lifts, specialized beginner packages, and plenty of wide open trails spread over three basins.
Treble Cone Ski Field, the largest ski area in NZ’s South Island, is famous for its long, uncrowded groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. Located just a 35-minute scenic drive from Wanaka and a 90 minute drive from Queenstown via the Crown Range road.
Treble Cone is a must-do experience for skiers and snowboarders with a massive 700m of vertical, which also allows for some of New Zealand’s longest groomed trails and best free-riding terrain.
Earlybird Multiday Lift Pass offers the best value as it includes access to both mountains.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona ski field is located between Wanaka and Queenstown so it's handy to both alpine resorts. Set over 345 hectares with 20% beginner, 55% intermediate and 25% advanced there are runs to suit all abilities. Cardrona offers parks and pipes of different levels for those that enjoy jumps and freestyle snow fun. If you're bringing the family, Cardrona has the best facilities for kids with a nursery for 3 months to 3yrs, ski kindy for 3-4 yrs and kids ski school for 5yr+. There's also ski school for the big kids no matter your skill level. With onsite full ski and snowboard gear rental available you don't have to worry about packing gear and when you need to rest the legs or fuel your fire, there are 5 cafes on the mountain so you'll find whatever you're craving.
Accommodation - Bella Vista Wanaka
Day 3Treble Cone Ski Field
Treble Cone, the largest ski area in NZ’s South Island, is famous for its long, uncrowded groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
For beginner skiers and snowboarders, Treble Cone's learner area is located alongside the comforts of the Base café with the convenience of a fully kitted ski and snowboard rental shop.
Intermediates will revel Treble Cone’s massive 700m of vertical, the longest in the Queenstown Southern Lakes District which allows for some of New Zealand’s longest groomed trails and of course, Treble Cone’s famous off-piste terrain.
Advanced and expert riders will find a playground of open powder faces and natural half pipes in the Saddle Basin and on the Summit Slopes and the Motatapu Chutes offer some of the steepest and most challenging terrain within the boundaries of a patrolled and protected ski area.
Cinema Paradiso - Suggested Activity
Feel like a relaxing night, take yourself to the movies, Cinema Paradiso is not your average cinema. A classic movie theatre with comfy old sofas, an old Morris Minor car, and a cafe & bar serving delicious meals before, during, or after the movie. A great option for days when the weather is not so great up the ski field, especially for families!
Paradiso provides a novel experience - they even have a half-time intermission where you can get homemade ice cream, a hot chocolate, or a freshly baked cookie! Tickets can be purchased at your own expense at the cinema prior to the session or up to a few days before the movie you wish to see. The seating is unallocated, so if you arrive early you get the pick of the couches, chairs, and cinema seating.
Accommodation - Bella Vista Wanaka
Day 4Free Day in Wanaka
The alpine village of Wanaka sits on the shores of the third largest lake in the Queenstown Lakes District and is surrounded by the southern alps. Wanaka draws those seeking adventure, spectacular scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
During winter the town's population more than triples as snow sports enthusiasts flock to the local ski fields of Treble Cone and Cardrona. Known as the gateway to the Mt Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is a walker's paradise of remote wilderness, high mountains and beautiful river valleys. For those seeking an adrenaline rush try skydiving, rock-climbing, jet boating or choose a scenic flight over Wanaka in a historic Tiger Moth aeroplane.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Lake Wanaka Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk
Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A unique glacial remnant of the last ice age, the island is also the historic site of early shipbuilding and used to be a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake.
Accessible from Wanaka by a 35-minute boat cruise, the landing is on the eastern side of the island where the remnants of the early settlement remain; a stone wharf and a hut. A well-formed track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top, we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it - very intriguing!
From the top, we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. The perfect spot to stop for tea or coffee. Going back down the track gives us more time to take in our surroundings, listening to and watching the lively bird-life, and just enjoying this unique wildlife reserve.
You will feel well rewarded as you re-join the boat for the cruise back to Wanaka. Total cruise time is 1.5 hours. The trip runs subject to weather and lake conditions. Depending on the planting season, you can help The Reforestation of Mou Waho by planting a tree.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Wanaka Wine Tours Boutique Central Otago Wine Trail
This small group wine tour (maximum 8) offers a relaxed and personal introduction to the wines and scenery of the Central Otago region. This tour is a great way to explore award-winning vineyards hidden amongst the rugged landscape of Central Otago.
Visit and enjoy tastings at 4 Central Otago vineyards including a delicious mid-afternoon platter to enjoy with your tastings. You'll also discover the history of the region with a visit to Old Cromwell Town, a charming heritage precinct that has been revitalised into a boutique arts and crafts village.
Accommodation - Bella Vista Wanaka
Day 5Cardrona Alpine Resort
Started in the 1970s Cardrona ski field is the dream child of the Lees, a local farming family. In 1978, they installed the first tow rope on the mountain and added an access road with a suitable gradient for even a bus to travel along.
The field went from strength to strength with the introduction of the fields first snow groomer in 1981 and double chair lift in 1983. By the end of the 80s snowboarders had also caught on that there was fun to be had and the county's first international halfpipe was built above the learners' area. Since then Cardrona ski field has gone from strength to strength and is opening up more terrain all the time.
Day 6Wanaka to Queenstown
Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Queenstown.
Your final morning in Queenstown before driving to the airport and catching your next flight
Depending on when your flight departs you might have time for one last Queenstown adventure before dropping your car off at the airport and catching your flight.
Cost per person with car rental (twin-share)
June 2025 - September 2025
- Adult: from NZ$2,399
Itinerary
Open AllDay 1Arrival in Queenstown and Drive to Wanaka
Arrive into Queenstown then its a short drive to beautiful Wanaka
Collect your rental car
This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUV's.
Queenstown to Wanaka
Leaving Queenstown you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Wanaka.
Arrive into Wanaka and collect your lift pass
Welcome to Wanaka for your winter ski or snowboarding holiday. It’s not just the skiing that makes Wanaka a fantastic winter destination, there’s also the spectacular scenery, amazing adventures, and endless activities to keep you entertained when you’re not on the slopes. After each action-packed day, you’ll also find a superb variety of cafes and restaurants to relax and refuel at.
Today we recommend you visit the Cardrona Alpine Resort Office located at the corner of Helwick and Dunmore Streets and collect your lift pass. This will save you heaps of time tomorrow as you’ll avoid the morning queues and can head straight to the mountain with more time to ski and ride. When you visit the Cardrona Wanaka Office please take your Ski New Zealand itinerary with you as the staff will need the reference number off this. Each person in your group receives their own card and must collect their own card as your photo will be taken at the time of issue. All your lift passes, rental equipment, lessons, etc will be loaded onto your card.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Puzzling World Great Maze and Illusion Rooms
Puzzling World is a world unique attraction specialising in puzzling eccentricity. For over 35 years this remarkable business has entertained and amazed visitors of all ages. Offering the world's first "modern-styled" Great Maze, incredible Illusion Rooms, a Puzzle Centre/Cafe and eccentric architecture and oddities.
Each remarkable illusion room is an illusion in its own right. On entering you pass through the Hologram Hall. As there is nothing quite like this in the world we can only assure you that you will find the collection of amazing 3-D holograms fascinating!
Carry on into the Ames Forced Perspective Room. The technique of this illusion was used in The Lord of the Rings film to create tall people and little people.
Move on into the Hall of Following Faces illusion room where 168 giant models of famous faces seem to turn and follow you around the room. This illusion room offers visitors a world unique encounter of being followed left and right, up and down by some very illustrious company.
The newest room, the Sculptillusion Room is themed around an illusionary sculpture garden, the gallery invites visitors to wander around the various larger-than-life exhibits that showcase visual trickery at its best. Featuring over 20 large sculptures, artworks and displays the building itself offers illusionary aspects within its design. From Living Walls, wave ceilings, stone carpet and hanging waterfalls the visitor is met with stunning creations from some of NZ's finest artists.
All of this is located in the heart of the breathtaking Southern Lakes region of the South Island of New Zealand, set amongst 7 acres of rolling lawns, trees and gardens.
Accommodation - Bella Vista Wanaka
Bella Vista Wanaka is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, wine bars and shops. Walk everywhere and enjoy the magnificent scenery, food and wine that Wanaka has to offer.
Day 2Treble Cone Ski Field
Cardrona & Treble Cone - 3 of 7 Day Earlybird Lift Pass
Cardrona is New Zealand's fun and family-friendly ski resort with the most reliable snow conditions in the region. Its high elevation and southerly aspect mean dry natural snow is plentiful, which is further enhanced by snowmaking facilities. Cardrona is the perfect place for beginners and intermediates, with NZ's only combined gondola chairlift, easy-to-use surface lifts, specialized beginner packages, and plenty of wide open trails spread over three basins.
Treble Cone Ski Field, the largest ski area in NZ’s South Island, is famous for its long, uncrowded groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. Located just a 35-minute scenic drive from Wanaka and a 90 minute drive from Queenstown via the Crown Range road.
Treble Cone is a must-do experience for skiers and snowboarders with a massive 700m of vertical, which also allows for some of New Zealand’s longest groomed trails and best free-riding terrain.
Earlybird Multiday Lift Pass offers the best value as it includes access to both mountains.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Cardrona ski field is located between Wanaka and Queenstown so it's handy to both alpine resorts. Set over 345 hectares with 20% beginner, 55% intermediate and 25% advanced there are runs to suit all abilities. Cardrona offers parks and pipes of different levels for those that enjoy jumps and freestyle snow fun. If you're bringing the family, Cardrona has the best facilities for kids with a nursery for 3 months to 3yrs, ski kindy for 3-4 yrs and kids ski school for 5yr+. There's also ski school for the big kids no matter your skill level. With onsite full ski and snowboard gear rental available you don't have to worry about packing gear and when you need to rest the legs or fuel your fire, there are 5 cafes on the mountain so you'll find whatever you're craving.
Accommodation - Bella Vista Wanaka
Day 3Treble Cone Ski Field
Treble Cone, the largest ski area in NZ’s South Island, is famous for its long, uncrowded groomed runs, legendary off-piste terrain and unrivalled views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
For beginner skiers and snowboarders, Treble Cone's learner area is located alongside the comforts of the Base café with the convenience of a fully kitted ski and snowboard rental shop.
Intermediates will revel Treble Cone’s massive 700m of vertical, the longest in the Queenstown Southern Lakes District which allows for some of New Zealand’s longest groomed trails and of course, Treble Cone’s famous off-piste terrain.
Advanced and expert riders will find a playground of open powder faces and natural half pipes in the Saddle Basin and on the Summit Slopes and the Motatapu Chutes offer some of the steepest and most challenging terrain within the boundaries of a patrolled and protected ski area.
Cinema Paradiso - Suggested Activity
Feel like a relaxing night, take yourself to the movies, Cinema Paradiso is not your average cinema. A classic movie theatre with comfy old sofas, an old Morris Minor car, and a cafe & bar serving delicious meals before, during, or after the movie. A great option for days when the weather is not so great up the ski field, especially for families!
Paradiso provides a novel experience - they even have a half-time intermission where you can get homemade ice cream, a hot chocolate, or a freshly baked cookie! Tickets can be purchased at your own expense at the cinema prior to the session or up to a few days before the movie you wish to see. The seating is unallocated, so if you arrive early you get the pick of the couches, chairs, and cinema seating.
Accommodation - Bella Vista Wanaka
Day 4Free Day in Wanaka
The alpine village of Wanaka sits on the shores of the third largest lake in the Queenstown Lakes District and is surrounded by the southern alps. Wanaka draws those seeking adventure, spectacular scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
During winter the town's population more than triples as snow sports enthusiasts flock to the local ski fields of Treble Cone and Cardrona. Known as the gateway to the Mt Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is a walker's paradise of remote wilderness, high mountains and beautiful river valleys. For those seeking an adrenaline rush try skydiving, rock-climbing, jet boating or choose a scenic flight over Wanaka in a historic Tiger Moth aeroplane.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Lake Wanaka Cruise and Mou Waho Island Nature Walk
Lying close to the centre of Lake Wanaka is Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. A unique glacial remnant of the last ice age, the island is also the historic site of early shipbuilding and used to be a stopping place for the steamers and log rafts that once plied the lake.
Accessible from Wanaka by a 35-minute boat cruise, the landing is on the eastern side of the island where the remnants of the early settlement remain; a stone wharf and a hut. A well-formed track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native bush to near the top of Tyrwhitt Peak. Just before the top, we see Arethusa Pool, a small lake on the island with small islands in it - very intriguing!
From the top, we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool. The perfect spot to stop for tea or coffee. Going back down the track gives us more time to take in our surroundings, listening to and watching the lively bird-life, and just enjoying this unique wildlife reserve.
You will feel well rewarded as you re-join the boat for the cruise back to Wanaka. Total cruise time is 1.5 hours. The trip runs subject to weather and lake conditions. Depending on the planting season, you can help The Reforestation of Mou Waho by planting a tree.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Wanaka Wine Tours Boutique Central Otago Wine Trail
This small group wine tour (maximum 8) offers a relaxed and personal introduction to the wines and scenery of the Central Otago region. This tour is a great way to explore award-winning vineyards hidden amongst the rugged landscape of Central Otago.
Visit and enjoy tastings at 4 Central Otago vineyards including a delicious mid-afternoon platter to enjoy with your tastings. You'll also discover the history of the region with a visit to Old Cromwell Town, a charming heritage precinct that has been revitalised into a boutique arts and crafts village.
Accommodation - Bella Vista Wanaka
Day 5Cardrona Alpine Resort
Started in the 1970s Cardrona ski field is the dream child of the Lees, a local farming family. In 1978, they installed the first tow rope on the mountain and added an access road with a suitable gradient for even a bus to travel along.
The field went from strength to strength with the introduction of the fields first snow groomer in 1981 and double chair lift in 1983. By the end of the 80s snowboarders had also caught on that there was fun to be had and the county's first international halfpipe was built above the learners' area. Since then Cardrona ski field has gone from strength to strength and is opening up more terrain all the time.
Day 6Wanaka to Queenstown
Leaving Wanaka you head over New Zealand's highest sealed road, Crown Range Road before dropping into Queenstown.
Your final morning in Queenstown before driving to the airport and catching your next flight
Depending on when your flight departs you might have time for one last Queenstown adventure before dropping your car off at the airport and catching your flight.
