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7 Day "South Island Snow Safari"

$1,699.00

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Tour Summary

Our 7 day “South Island Snow Safari” is the ultimate New Zealand ski holiday! You will ski 6 different fields and have the chance to further customise your tour with discounted heli-ski or adventure activity options in Wanaka and Queenstown!

This NZ snow tour starts in Christchurch - an early introduction sees you straight off on your first snow experience at Mt Hutt, one of the South Island's biggest ski fields! On day 2 we visit Ohau for a true NZ club field experience, before travelling to Wanaka and Queenstown for 3 or 4 days of solid fun on the slopes of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Treble Cone and Cardrona. We break up your holiday on day 4 and allow you some rest with the chance to take part in a range of additional adventure activities (or just keep on skiing if you would rather!).

Our NZ Snow Tour Managers Steve and Mike are keen and passionate snowboarders/skiiers with heaps of experience in guiding! They are there to ensure you have the best New Zealand Snow Holiday possible! All ages (18+) and abilities are able to come along for the ride - just choose your pack according to your needs!

In the evening groups are welcome to socialise - Methven, Wanaka and Queenstown are all apres-ski havens! Alternatively, grab an early night in preparation for the slopes in the morning!

Check out independent reviews of this trip at Rankers.co.nz and scroll down to see What's Included, Optional Extras, Location and Timings.

 
  • Accommodation – we stay at Adventure Lodges and Hostels, where our standard accommodation is quad share. All the places we stay in are hand-selected by us and have kitchen/lounge facilities as well as internet and TV access.
  • Services of a passionate and adrenalin-seeking Kiwi Tour Manager who has heaps of ski or boarding experience! All our guides know their country like the back of their hand.
  • All lift passes for 6 days.
  • "Beginner's Pack" includes beginner's lift pass and group lessons on the first 2 days, and ski or snowboard equipment for the week. These lessons are given by professional instructors at the mountain.
  • "Lift Pass and Hire Pack" includes ski or snowboard hire for the week.
  • Transportation via tour bus. We use a 22 seater Toyota Coaster for groups of a max 16 - so there is heaps of room on board to stretch out!
  • Guided tour of each ski field to help you find the best runs immediately!
  • Continental breakfast every morning.
 
  • Upgrade your accommodation to private twin/double room with ensuite - N$499
  • Customise your tour with discounted heli-skiing in Mt. Hutt, Wanaka and Queenstown
  • Night skiing in Queenstown - weekends only from N$55
  • Clothing Hire - N$160 for jacket & pants
  • Additional lessons (pay on the day)
  • Day Trip to Milford Sound from N$165 on day 4
  • Additional adventure activities on day 4, e.g. bungy, skydiving, quad biking, rafting, the Shotover Canyon Swing and heaps more! 
  • Join one of our NZ Adventure Tours ranging from 7 to 24 days
  • Extra nights' accommodation before or after your Tour from N$28

 
  • Tour Starts: Christchurch @ 7am
  • Tour Ends: Christchurch @ approx 10pm

Click here for Departure Dates and Prices

Departure Dates and Prices - 2010

Choose from 3 packs according to your ability and hire requirements:
  • Beginner's Pack (includes ski/snowboard hire, 2 days' lessons, 2 days' learners lift passes and 4 days all access lift passes) - $1,799 NZD
  • Lift Pass and Hire (includes ski/snowboard hire and 6 days' all access lift passes) - $1,799 NZD
  • Lift Pass Only Pack (includes 6 days' lift passes) - $1,699 NZD
All packs are available for every date.
For full inclusions click on "Tour Summary" and scroll down.

28 June - 4 July
6 July - 12 July
14 July - 20 July
22 July - 28 July
30 July - 5 August
7 August - 13 August
15 August - 21 August
23 August - 29 August
31 August - 6 September
8 September - 14 September
16 September - 22 September
24 September - 30 September

We cater for private groups so please email us if interested!

Day 1 – Ski Mt. Hutt - Canterbury

Day 1 - Ski Mt. Hutt - Canterbury

We leave our central city meeting point at 7.30am to drive to Mt. Hutt, where we spend the day riding the slopes of New Zealand’s largest ski field.

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 all 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.

Conditions permitting, there is also backcountry skiing down North Peak with a helicopter pick-up that drops skiers back at the car park.

Accommodation - Lake Tekapo YHA or similar

Day 2 - Ski Ohau – Mackenzie Country

Day 2 – Ski Ohau – Mackenzie Country

Today we take you to a well kept secret in New Zealand skiing circles, 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’, 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 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 Wanaka so we are ready to start day 3 bright and early!

Accommodation - Purple Cow, Wanaka or similar


Day 3 – Ski Treble Cone - Wanaka

Day 3 – Ski Treble Cone - Wanaka

Treble Cone has been reported as one of the most spectacularly scenic resorts in the world, lying 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, installed in winter 2005, 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.

Accommodation - Purple Cow, Wanaka or similar

Day 4 – Ski Cardrona - Wanaka

Day 4 – Ski Cardrona - Wanaka

Cardrona is a very popular commercial field renowned among skiers and boarders for inspiring terrain and dry natural snow. With 320 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 and queues are rare. 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.

With over 20 national and international skiing and snowboarding events held at Cardrona each year, we may make slight amendments to our tour itinerary if we feel any events would add value to your Haka Snow Safari experience!

Accommodation - Pinewood Lodge, Queenstown

Day 5 - Free Day Queenstown

Day 5 – Free Day Queenstown

After taking onboard previous tour members' comments, we decided to give you the opportunity for a break on day 5! So you have the choice of either taking part in some extreme adventure activities, relaxing and exploring Queenstown, or continuing skiing / boarding if you would rather! There are a number of heli-ski options - from N$825 for 4 runs or N$995 for 7!

Queenstown Adventure Activities - Nevis bungy (N$229), Shotover Canyon Swing (N$190), Kawarua Bridge Bungy (N$159), white-water rafting, skydiving (N$285), mountain biking, horse trekking (N$138), extreme jet boating, paragliding (N$175) and more! Alternatively, how about a full day trip to the infamous and gorgeous Milford Sound from N$165? You can pre-book an activity when placing your deposit for the tour. We recommend only booking no more than 2 for the day though!

Please note that neither the activities nor your lift pass for today is included in the tour price. If you wish to continue skiing/boarding, a lift pass is N$90 (can be paid on the day).

Accommodation - Pinewood Lodge, Queenstown

 

Day 6 – Ski Coronet Peak - Queenstown

Day 6 – Ski Coronet Peak - Queenstown

With outstanding views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, 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!

Exclusive night skiing is available on particular days until 10pm. As the sun sinks slowly in the west, the lights come on and the fun begins! This is the only NZ ski field to offer night skiing.

Accommodation - Pinewood Lodge, Queenstown

 

Day 7 – Ski The Remarkables - QT

Day 7 – Ski The Remarkables - Queenstown

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 – but there’s still plenty of off-piste challenge if you’re 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 freeriders out there.

We ski/board until mid afternoon, when we then make the journey back to Christchurch, to arrive by approximately 10pm.

FAQs



Snow Safari Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average / max size of the tours?

Max size is 16 people. We do book out in advance for tours during peak season (August) so our average passengers can be very close to 16.

What is the tour bus like?

22 seats, Toyota Coaster turbo, air conditioning, super comfortable! As we only fill the bus to 16, there are always some extra seats to lounge about!

Can I stay in Queenstown once the Snow Safari has finished?

Yes. You can extend your stay in Queenstown by booking extra nights’ accommodation and lift passes through us.

What happens if a mountain is shut?

We make amendments to our tour route if mountains are shut or have very poor conditions - even going to a different mountain if at all possible! Your lift pass can also be redeemed at a number of restaurants and retail shops within Queenstown. If you do not want to use your lift pass in this manner, then your ticket will be refunded for the wholesale price in cash before the end of the tour.

Do you operate a minimum numbers policy for the tour to run?

Yes but we have only ever cancelled one tour in the whole time we have been running! If you want to check if your tour is definitely running - shout us an email!

I am a beginner. Can I purchase more lessons?

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 $57 NZD per person for a group lesson.

What is the quality of the hire gear?

All hire gear is new for 2009! 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 hence progress much quicker.

What is the standard of the accommodation?

The standard accommodation included in the pack is quad share, i.e. 4 beds in a room. All accommodation is reviewed seasonally to make sure it is the best adventure lodge accommodation available in each place we stay. You can upgrade to double or twin for the duration of the tour for $499 NZD. (NB. This is the price for the room so if 2 people are booking, the price can be divided by two.) The standard of accommodation is generally 2-3 star.

I want to book an activity for when in Queenstown on day 4. How do I do this?

You can book bungy jumping, heli-skiing and a whole load of other activities direct from your tour manager whilst on tour. Best bet is to book as soon as possible as there are limited spots available for each activity and we would not want you to miss out. You can pay for the activity by paying the tour manager with cash or mastercard / visa.

Where is the meeting point in Christchurch?

Thomas’ Hotel on Hereford St, Christchurch. This is also the drop off point although we can leave you anywhere in Christchurch city centre if needed. We offer additional nights' accommodation at Thomas's for $28 per dorm bed and $99 for a deluxe private room with ensuite.

36 Hereford Street, Christchurch.  Phone: +64 3 379 9536.

http://gaanz.co.nz/thomas-chch/index.shtml

What details does the customer receive?

The customer will be e-mailed the following details 1 week prior to departure:
1. Haka Tours information sheet – Confirmation of meeting time / location, FAQs,  general info including a profile of their tour guide with mobile number
2. Accommodation voucher (s) for any extra nights’ accommodation selected

What are the prices for the optional extras?

• Accommodation before / after Snow Safari. Purchase a quad share room for $28 NZD, standard double / twin for $80 NZD and double / twin with en-suite for $99 NZD
• Heli-skiing in Mt. Hutt, Wanaka & Queenstown – from $795 NZD
• Night skiing at Coronet Peak - $55 NZD (NB. Only happens on Friday and Saturday nights)
• Clothing hire. Purchase jacket and pants for the week for $160 NZD
• Accommodation upgrade (double/twin room) for $499 NZD

What are the travel times?

DAY 1: SKI MT HUTT - CANTERBURY
Travel time from meeting point to Mt Hutt: 90 mins
Travel time from Mt Hutt to Lake Tekapo: 2.5 hours

DAY 2: SKI OHAU – MCKENZIE COUNTRY
Travel time from Tekapo to Ohau: 2 hours (to arrive by lunchtime for skiing in the afternoon)
Travel time from Ohau to Wanaka: 3 hours

DAY 3: SKI TREBLE CONE – WANAKA
Travel time from Wanaka township to Treble Cone:  20 mins

DAY 4: SKI CARDRONA – WANAKA
Travel time from Wanaka township to Cardrona:  35 mins
Travel time from Cardrona to Queenstown:  1 hour

DAY 5: SKI CORONET PEAK – QUEENSTOWN
Travel time from Queenstown to Coronet Peak: 25 mins

DAY 6: THE REMARKABLES – QUEENSTOWN
Travel time from Queenstown to Remarks: 35 mins

DAY 7: QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH
Travel time from Queenstown to Christchurch: 6 hours

Customer Comments and Photos

Customer Comments and Photos

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This was the best tour I have had the pleasure of being on in NZ.

I searched around for some time looking for a tour that would allow me to snowboard - something I had never done before - and also see the South Island.

The tour lived up and surpassed everything I'd hoped for. It took us to seven different slopes in six days. This allowed us not only to tour the south island's fantastic winter sports venues, but also to see the island itself.

The tour-guides were warm, friendly - and very professional - and were always keen to join in with the social activities we took part in most evenings. It was a small group of us, which made it so much more personable and more fun and we had a great week hanging out together and getting to know each other fantastic environment.

As an absolute beginner I loved every minute of the snowboarding. The tour catered well for beginners and lessons were provided and encouraged. I must warn you in advance: you must be prepared for some scrapes and bruises, however this will not restrain you from leaping out of bed each morning, in the freezing cold, eager to get back on the slopes and keep going. Once you get the bug, you are completely hooked!

The only negative thing I have to say about this experience was it ended too soon. Thanks Haka Tours, you guys are awesome!!

-- Philip - England (taken from www.rankers.co.nz)

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Very good bunch of guys on the tour, lots of laughs and mix of snowboarding abilities made it fun for all.
-- Charles - Melbourne, Australia

Great trip and a lot of fun! I would travel with Haka Tours again.
-- Doug - Wavell Heights, Australia

Once in a lifetime trip and I will be returning to see the North! I choose this trip because no other company offered the chance to do so much skiing in so little time and it has not disappointed!
-- Sarah – Edinburgh, Scotland

I’ve had a wonderful holiday and made some really good friends – didn’t want to leave!!!! It was great having a guide who knew about the places we went to and tried to make it a great adventure for the entire group.
-- James – Cork, Ireland

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The Snow Safari was the best part of my 18 days in NZ. Steve the tour guide was a bloody legend. went to small unknown ski fields which were awesome. the trip was so relaxed but did and saw so much. we were all ways stoping to do and see little thing along the way which make it an awesome trip instead of a good one. the whole trip was just like a mad road trip with the mates. ill most definitely be going back one day in the near future. OHAU I LOVE THE TRIP. best tour ever keep up the good work.
-- John Rowbottom, Australia

Just to say thanks again for an awesome snow trip last week! Steve was an absolute legend and always did his very best to get us on the snow despite the sh1tty weather conditions. He definitely saved our trip by always being positive and motivated to give everything a go. And as you know, he even extended the tour by a day for free and gave up his day off so that we could go heli-boarding after it had been cancelled 3 days in a row due to the strong winds. That day made up for all the bad weather we had for sure.
Thanks again and I will definitely be coming back and recommending your company to my friends. For those reading this review online, I went on their snow tour on my own and had a blast. Great crew of like minded travellers on the tour too.
-- Colin Hall, Manly Australia

Help with the Booking Process

The Online Booking Process

Booking online with a 5% deposit is very simple and should barely take 10 minutes if you follow the online instructions, but just in case you get stuck, here is a step-by-step guide!

  1. Click on the 'Book Online with 5% Deposit' button above.
  2. Allow the screen to fully load up - it may take a couple of minutes depending on your interent connection (thanks for your patience!).
  3. Select the departure date of the tour by clicking on the relevant month (and year) and allow the page to load accordingly.
  4. Select how many people you wish to book on the tour, and how many additional activities and extras you may wish to pre-book, by entering the correct numbers in the relevant boxes. This should update your total at the bottom of the page. Click continue.
  5. Read our terms and conditions, tick the box to agree, and click continue.
  6. Register by entering your details, choosing a username and password so you can log back in in the future. Click continue and it will confirm your account.
  7. Complete filling in your details and feel free to tell us about anything you feel important in the bottom free-type box!
  8. When you reach the payment page, select whether you wish to pay the deposit or full amount. (NB. If your tour departs within 30 days, you have to pay the full amount.)
  9. To process your credit card payment, you will be taken to the ANZ website. This is perfectly normal and very secure! Complete your booking by following the instructions on each page. You will be returned to our site after you have entered your card details.

If for any reason you are unable to complete your booking we can do it for you! Please email us at info @hakatours.com with your name, tour and departure date and one of the team will confirm within 48 hours.

 


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Click on Departure Dates and Prices Tab to find out more!