South Island Snow Safari - Queenstown to Christchurch

If you’ve been looking for an epic guided snow tour in New Zealand, stop your search! Whether you’re new to the snow or an experienced snow hound, we have it all right here packaged up for you. Our expert guides will take you across the South Island's best ski towns: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Wanaka and Queenstown.

Welcome to the best one-week guided ski and snowboard tour of the South Island! Our expert guides are ready to show you the best runs and powder stashes across six different mountains over eight days.

We’ve got everything organised: your transport and transfers to the mountains, your accommodation, lift passes, breakfast and even your entry to the hot pools in Tekapo are all included in this snow tour package.

If you want to add on any extras like equipment hire or lessons, that’s easy! Just click the add-on options when you book the tour and we’ll sort it!

On this small group tour you’ll experience the best ski resorts in New Zealand as well as a slope or two that is ‘off-the-beaten-track’. Our expert snow guides are not only exceptional people, but also live, breathe and dream about snow – with over 100 seasons between them both here and abroad, you know you’re with the best!

While you’ll see a lot of snow on this safari, you’ll also see a great deal of the South Island’s main attractions! We’ve even scheduled one day in Queenstown as a non-ski day so you can book from our range of optional activities, or chill out and enjoy the Queenstown winter vibe.

Beginners – we love showing you the ropes (and the chair lifts, and the best beginner slopes) – this tour is suited to your needs, just add on a Snow lessons package and you’ll have a blast getting your confidence up, and be taking on some intermediate runs by the time we wrap up.

Snow Safari Tour Tips:

Feel free to book an extra night of accommodation pre-tour to get the most out of your location and on the last day of the tour so that you are not in a rush once we go our separate ways.

The tour price includes dorm share accommodation but if you would prefer your own space you have the option to upgrade to a private room for the duration of your tour.

Note that due to unforeseen weather/snow conditions, changes may need to be made to the itinerary. Luckily, our tour guides are super flexible pros, so they’ll make sure you have a good time no matter where the trip takes you.

Like any Haka Tour we include everything you need for a stress free week – the full list is below, and we have packages to suit all skill levels. $99 deposit reserves your spot!

ALL HAKA SNOW TOURS INCLUDE

ORIENTATION TOUR OF EVERY MOUNTAIN - We give you the low-down on every location

ALL TRANSPORT AND MOUNTAIN TRANSFERS - Taking you to our favourite snow locations

BREAKFAST EVERY DAY - Heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!)

HIGH-END HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION - Dorm share, Upgrades available

EXPERT TOUR MANAGER - Friendly snow experts who are passion about NZ

SMALL GROUPS - Because you're more than just a number!

AWESOME INCLUSIONS

DAY 2 - QUEENSTOWN - THE REMARKABLES

Your day starts bright and early at 6am. With a whole day on the slopes ahead of us, we waste no time driving to The Remarkables. On the way, your guide will make a stop at the ski/board hire shop to collect any equipment required. 

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. 

SLOPE INFO

The Remarkables 

Levels: 30% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced 

Height: 1943m 

Vertical: 357m 

Skiable Area: 220ha

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS 

Ski clothing and gear hire

DAY 3 QUEENSTOWN - 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.

SLOPE INFO

Coronet Peak 

Levels: 30% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced 

Height: 1649m 

Vertical: 462m 

Skiable Area: 280ha

DAY 4 QUEENSTOWN 

Today is 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 several well-recommended heli-ski options: 4 runs or 8 runs (see our website for pricing). 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!

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

• Kawarau Bridge Bungy

• Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour

• Nevis Bungy - NZ’s Highest

• Shotover Jet Boat

• KJet

• Dart River Funyaks

• Milford Sound Cruises

• Canyon Swing

• Heli Skiing

• Time Tripper - Underwater Experience

DAY 5 QUEENSTOWN TO WANAKA - 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. 

SLOPE INFO

Cardrona 

Levels: 25% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 25% Advanced 

Height: 1860m 

Vertical: 600m 

Skiable Area: 345ha

DAY 6 WANAKA - 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.

SLOPE INFO

Treble Cone 

Levels: 10% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 45% Advanced 

Height: 1960m 

Vertical: 700m 

Skiable Area: 550ha

DAY 7 WANAKA TO TEKAPO - 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 Tekapo and here we get to soak in the relaxing Tekapo Springs so we are ready to start day seven with fresh legs.

SLOPE INFO

Ohau 

Difficulty: 20% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, 30% Advanced 

Height:1825m 

Vertical:400m 

Skiable Area:125ha

DAY 8 TEKAPO TO CHRISTCHURCH - ROUNDHILL

Today we head to one of the Mackenzie Country’s best kept secret. Roundhill has the highest vertical drop in Australasia 783M. Also boasts one of NZ’s widest pistes and offers terrain to suit all capabilities

We ski / snowboard until approx. 3pm when we then make the journey back to Christchurch, aiming to arrive by approximately 8pm where you are welcome to book an extra night’s accommodation.

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS 

Extra night accommodation in Christchurch

SLOPE INFO

Roundhill

Levels: 20% Beginner, 45% Intermediate, 35% Advanced 

Height: 2133m 

Vertical: 783m 

Skiable Area: 550ha 

FAQ

WHO ARE THE TOUR GUIDES? 

Our tour managers are all passionate snow enthusiasts and they are there to ensure you have the best time possible. Each one as awesome as the next, you can check out their profiles on our website to get to know them.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A MOUNTAIN IS SHUT? 

We make amendments to our tour route on the rare occasions that any mountains are shut or have poor conditions – going to a different mountain when possible. If not possible, we will refund the wholesale rate for your day lift pass.

I'M A BEGINNER. IS THIS TOUR SUITABLE FOR ME? 

Yes. If after your two initial lesson days you still feel you would like more instruction, we can organise this for you on the day. The price is from approximately NZ$55 per person for a group lesson.

WHAT IS THE HIRE GEAR LIKE? 

Skis are from 4FRNT, Atomic and Salomon. Boards are from Burton and Academy. Poles are from Scott. Clothing is from Aggression and ski boots are from Nordica. Equipment/gear will be hired on the morning of day one and you will have the same gear for the duration of the tour, which means you can get used to it and progress much quicker. Your gear will be matched to suit your ability and experience.

CAN YOU HELP ME OUT FOR EXTRA DAYS BEFORE AND AFTER THE TOUR? 

Yes, we can arrange trips to Mt Hutt near Christchurch with accommodation in Methven, or time at Coronet Peak or The Remarkables, with accommodation in Queenstown.

WHAT IS THE SIZE OF A SNOW TOUR GROUP? 

The maximum size of a Snow Safari tour is 16 people.