New Zealand South Island Snow Tour

After spending the night in the cool little lakeside town of Tekapo, we set off today for 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).

This is a classic New Zealand ski field, a huge contrast to the modern resorts at Queenstown and Wanaka. It's an epic place, and a local's favorite. 

After a day at Ohau, we drive to Wanaka so we are ready to start day three bright and early.

ACCOMODATION

YHA Wanaka Purple Cow

Today we wake up in the beautiful, chilled out resort town of Wanaka. After a day of skiing, it's the perfect place for Apres Ski drinks - but first we're off to Treble Cone, or TC as the locals call it. 

This is an epic mountain and probably features the best views of any of New Zealand's ski fields. There are long runs, great off-piste terrain to play with and fast lifts. There is also a purpose built learners area to suit all ages and abilities.

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.

You'll love the nightlife in Wanaka, and you'll be ready for a drink after three straight days of skiing or snowboarding!

ACCOMODATION

YHA Purple Cow Wanaka

Today we leave Wanaka, en route for Queenstown, but along the way we stop for a day of skiing at Cardrona. Cardrona is known for its inspiring terrain and dry, natural snow. 

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. It's a great ski-field, and if you're wrecked from the last days of skiing or boarding, it's also a great place to relax in the sun at their fantastic cafe. 

There's also a great park and half-pipe, so if you fancy yourself an X-Games style skiier or boarder, go mad!

After the day we drive across the scenic Crown Range and arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.  

ACCOMODATION

Haka Lodge

Today is yours to explore Queenstown. There aren't any lift-passes included today, but if you're keen you can choose to buy these at your own expense and ski or ride The Remarkables or Coronet Peak. You can also pick from a huge range of adventure activities - everything from bungy jumping, to jet boating, to sky diving and more. 

Queenstown is also a great place to relax. Head out for a walk, rent a bike or just chill in one of the town's many lakeside cafes. 

The nightlife here is even better than Wanaka, so if you wish you can get your party on tonight. 

ACCOMODATION

Haka Lodge Queenstown

We are heading up "The Remarks" - the ski field that sits behind Queenstown's iconic mountain range, The Remarkables. 

This is a Queenstown classic, and one that has seen a load of development over the past years. The road is now paved half way up the mountain, there is a new base building and a high speed 6 seater lift. The skiing / riding is superb, with loads of off-piste options, a fantastic park and a real "Big Mountain" feel. We can't think of a better place to end your ski or snowboard tour.

We stick to Queenstown today, and check out the oldest and most developed ski field in New Zealand - Coronet Peak. 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 on our final day!

ACCOMODATION

Haka Lodge Queenstown