South Island Snow Safari4.5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    100%

South Island Snow Safari

Haka Tours' 8 day "South Island Snow Safari" is the ultimate New Zealand ski and snowboard holiday! You ski 6 different mountains and your host will provide a mountain orientation to show you the best spots. Your host will drive you around, so you can sit back and relax - no wrestling with tyre chains or worrying about navigation. 

The South Island Snow Safari offers different package types where you have optional add-ons such as equipment hire and ski/snowboard lessons, so this tour is suited to absolute beginners through to seasoned powder hounds.

This is a budget friendly tour but there are plenty of optional add-ons if you want to amp up the adrenaline activities. You can add-on heli skiing or bungy jumping (or other adventure activities in Queenstown). Each evening, you are welcome to relax at your accommodation, soak in the local hot tub, cook in, eat out, enjoy the nightlife or even night skiing... whatever takes your fancy.

The South Island Snow Safari either travels from Christchurch to Queenstown or Queenstown to Christchurch.

Resorts Visited

This tour may visit all or some of the following ski areas: Mt Hutt, Treble Cone, Cardrona, Ohau, Coronet Peak & The Remarkables.

Additional Information

  • Up to 70% of customers are solo travellers
  • Tours are made up of skiers and boarders of all abilities
  • Maximum group size is 16 per tour
  • All ages 18+ are welcome
  • Accommodation can be upgraded to private rooms (twin or double) with ensuite
  • If a ski area in the itinerary is closed, your guide will look to take you to a different ski area or you will be refunded the costs of the lift ticket if that is not possible

Lodging

You will stay at high quality backpacker hostels and lodges, and all accommodation is reviewed seasonally to make sure it is the best available. The standard accommodation is dorm share. You can upgrade to a private room (double/twin) for the duration of the tour. Your upgraded room will have an en-suite in Lake Tekapo and Wanaka but not at Haka Lodge in Queenstown as none of the private rooms have en-suites, though the rooms are of a very high standard with flat-screen TVs and DVD player and hotel standard queen beds.

Itinerary

The itinerary either heads from Christchurch to Queenstown or in the reverse. Here is the itinerary for Christchurch to Queenstown which will also give you the gist for the reverse tours.

Day 1 - Christchurch
Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the 6pm pre-tour meeting. This is your chance to meet your tour manager and fellow adventurers for your upcoming journey.

Day 2 - Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, full day of skiing at Mt Hutt
Your tour starts bright and early at 6am and then it's a drive 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, the group overnights at beautiful Lake Tekapo.

Day 3 - Lake Tekapo to Wanaka - Ski Ohau
Today your host takes 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.

In the evening your guide will drive you to Wanaka, ready to start Day 3 bright and early.

Day 4 - Ski 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.



Day 5 - Ski Cardrona Then Drive to Queenstown
Cardrona is renowned amongst 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.

Drive to Queenstown.

Day 6 - Free Day in Queenstown
Today you get a chance to catch your 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!

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS: Heli-skiing, Kawarau Bridge Bungy, canyoning, horse trekking, canyon swing, Nevis Bundy, Lord of the Rings 4WD tour, Milford Sound trip, Shotover jet boating, Dart River Funyaks, Time Tripper Underwater Experience

Day 7 - Ski 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. Exclusive night skiing is available on Fridays and Saturdays until 10pm. As the sun sinks slowly in the west, the lights come on and the fun begins – again!

Day 8 - Ski 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’. 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.

2024 Rates & Inclusions

 Package  Includes Full Price 
 
Lift Pass & Hire Pack

 6 days full lift pass + standard ski/snowboard hire for the week  NZ$3,284
 
Lift Only Pack

 6 days full lift pass  NZ$2,999
  • Base/invoice currency is New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
  • Prices are per person including tax
  • Price is based on multi-share accommodation
  • Convert to your currency here

Dates 2024

  • 14 July - 21 July - Christchurch to Queenstown
  • 21 July - 28 July - Christchurch to Queenstown
  • 28 July - 4 Aug - Queenstown to Christchurch 
  • 4 Aug - 11 Aug - Christchurch to Queenstown 
  • 11 Aug - 18 Aug - Queenstown to Christchurch
  • 11 Aug - 18 Aug - Christchurch to Queenstown
  • 15 Aug - 22 Aug - Christchurch to Queenstown
  • 18 Aug - 25 Aug - Queenstown to Christchurch
  • 22 Aug - 29 Aug - Queenstown to Christchurch
  • 25 Aug - 1 Sept - Christchurch to Queenstown
  • 1 Sep - 8 Sep - Queenstown to Christchurch
  • 1 Sep - 8 Sept - Christchurch to Queenstown
  • 15 Sep - 22 Sep - Queenstown to Christchurch     
  • 22 Sep - 29 Sep - Christchurch to Queenstown

Haka Tours Terms & Conditions

Your contract is with HAKA TOURS Ltd referred to as "HAKA TOURS".

A deposit of $99 is required at the time of booking, or full payment if booking is inside 30 days of departure, to secure your reservation.

All fares published supersede all prices previously advertised. Stated duration counts from day of departure to the day of return. HAKA TOURS reserves the right to cancel any ticket or booking or to refuse to carry any passenger where payment has not been received by HAKA TOURS within the specified time. Prices include New Zealand Government Goods and Services Tax (where applicable).

HAKA TOURS reserves the right to make changes to their itineraries or cancel any trip, including a guaranteed trip, at any time prior to departure if something beyond the control of HAKA TOURS deems it necessary; including natural disasters, political instability, terrorism, weather, cultural conditions or other external events. It is imperative that passengers check the most up-to-date information from our website just prior to their trip departing.

If HAKA TOURS cancels a trip on which you are holding a fully paid booking you may choose between an alternative trip or a full refund. The company is not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking such as visas, vaccinations, or non-refundable flights. If the alternative trip chosen is of a lower value than that originally booked then you are entitled to a refund of the price difference. If the alternative tour chosen is of a higher value then you will pay the difference in price.

Cancellation Policy
  • Period % Cancellation Fee
  • Outside 30 days Loss of tour deposit
  • Within 30 days 50% of tour cost
  • Within 7 days 100% of tours cost
(Note: Holiday cost includes base tour price, any add-ons and activities booked through us). Please be aware that if you have booked through a third party like a travel agent, their cancellation policy and terms and conditions may differ to our own. Be sure to check their particular terms and conditions, including cancellation policy, as they will apply.

No refund will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason. This includes refund of accommodation, transport, sightseeing, activities, meals or services not utilised.

Age/Child Policy
HAKA TOURS offers’ adventure, snow and mountain-biking tours across New Zealand that are designed for travellers that are young of heart and ready for a good time. To travel with us we require that you are at the minimum age limit of 18 years at time of travel. Anyone over the age of 50 years is more than welcome on our tours but please be aware that a moderate level of fitness is required whilst on tour, so we do recommend that you are relatively fit, healthy and looking for the adventure of a lifetime. If you have any concerns surrounding your age and whether or not our tours will be suitable for you, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to discuss your options.

Local Partners

In many parts of New Zealand HAKA TOURS works with highly reputable local specialist operators. These local partners are all passionate about the activities they operate and offer the same high standards as HAKA TOURS.

Passports & Visas
All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport. It is important that you ensure that you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility. Visit the NZ Immigration website to see if you need a visa to holiday here: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/

Luggage Limits
Within New Zealand travel, each passenger is entitled to take one case, the sum of its length, width and depth not to exceed 160 cm (63 inches), weight limit 20 kilos along with a small day pack. Airlines permit only one cabin bag per person, in which personal items such as cameras, make-up etc. should be carried, though you need to check with your airline provider as to their specific requirements. Over-limit luggage cannot be carried. HAKA TOURS operates in a similar way and asks if you have over the above limit to please get in touch before your tour. Baggage is at 'owner's risk'. Most airports, hotels & hostels offer storage services for additional luggage.

Important Information Exclusion of Liability
Whilst HAKA TOURS will take all reasonable steps to provide an enjoyable tour, it accepts no liability for any loss of enjoyment experienced by passengers due to circumstances beyond its control. HAKA TOURS further accepts no liability for any loss beyond its reasonable control and provides no warranties in addition to those set out under the The Fair Trading Act 1986, and nothing herein restricts any passenger from exercising their rights and remedies pursuant to law. Your Travel Agent will forward booking confirmations and other payments to HAKA TOURS on your behalf, but your Travel Agent is not our agent for the purpose of receipt of monies. Receipt of booking confirmations and subsequent payments by the travel agent does not constitute receipt of those monies by HAKA TOURS and the Travel Agent has no authority expressed or implied to receive monies on our behalf. There is no liability on the part of HAKA TOURS in respect to any monies paid to the passenger's Travel Agent unless and until HAKA TOURS notifies the passenger (by way of a booking confirmation advice or payment receipt advice) that monies have been received by HAKA TOURS. The optional tour excursions are not operated by, or at the direction of, or on behalf of HAKA TOURS, its employees or agents or any other persons or companies associated with HAKA TOURS. All Optional Activities are an additional cost to the tour price and by taking bookings for these tours, HAKA TOURS acts as each optional tour operator's agent. These tours include the services of operators other than HAKA TOURS e.g. hoteliers, airlines and optional tour excursions, which are not under the direct control of HAKA TOURS, and whilst HAKA TOURS takes all reasonable care in selecting these operators, it cannot accept responsibility for those operators' conduct or the conduct of their representative employees or agents or for any ramifications of that conduct. On tours including activities such as trekking, swimming and snorkelling, passengers accept that degrees of risk are involved. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on tour while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of HAKA TOURS, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. HAKA TOURS will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour.

Amendment Fees
There will be no charge to request a change of tour departure after the original booking has been confirmed, as long as it is done more than two months prior to the original tour departure date. Any further changes or amendments within 6 weeks of the tour departure, will incur a $500 NZD amendment fee (except when change is due to HAKA TOURS cancelling a tour departure). If there is any change to the price of the tour that you change your booking too, since the time of your original reservation, the new tour price will apply to the new reservation.

Pre-Booked Activities
The activities' retail prices are set by other operators and may rise at any time, out of our control. Therefore at 30 days prior to tour departure HAKA TOURS reserves the right to charge customers any difference in price in order to match the most recent price at that time. We estimate that activity prices usually go up 2-5% per year. The price difference will appear on your account as "Activity Price Alignment". Furthermore, by pre-booking additional activities, you also confirm your acceptance of our "Optional Activities Booked On Tour" policy below which are also operated by a voucher process.

Any activity bookings made within 30 days of departure are subject to availability.

Optional Activities Booked On Tour
Activities booked on tour will be charged at the standard retail rate. We operate a voucher system with our activity partners which means we pay in full via a "voucher" for any optional activities instead of you paying the activity provider direct. The activities you select whilst on tour will be added to your "Activity Balance Sheet" with the full balance taken at the end of the tour or when your activity balance exceeds $500 NZD. By operating a voucher system with our activity suppliers, we are able to better manage tour logistics. Your activity balance can be paid via MasterCard, Visa or cash. Credit card payments have a 2% credit card processing fee. Haka Tours does not qualify for any group booking discount with our activity suppliers. By agreeing to these terms and conditions you agree to our activity voucher process whilst on tour.

Itineraries
Itineraries are subject to alteration without notice and intended as a guide only. Alterations may come about due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, local festivals and cultural or other reasons. Due to the nature of the terrain and remote areas, weather fluctuations can adversely affect road conditions that may necessitate alterations to itinerary with little or no notice. Any additional expense incurred by the passenger is not HAKA TOURS responsibility. HAKA TOURS can give no guarantee as to the exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used by HAKA TOURS in the tour and HAKA TOURS will not be liable for failure of any other services or attractions beyond its control.

Minimum and Maximum Numbers
As is normally the case with group tours, a minimum number of bookings are required in order for a tour to be financially viable and to have a pleasant group atmosphere. In the event that adequate numbers cannot be achieved, it may be necessary to cancel a scheduled departure and to offer the nearest possible alternative date (or a full refund of monies paid). The date on which the decision is made whether a tour will operate is usually four weeks before the scheduled departure date. In the event of a breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances, the operator reserves the right to substitute vehicles other than those specified to ensure the operation of a tour.

Haka Tours restricts guest numbers to a maximum of 16 per tour. Prior to making any travel arrangements such as flights, customers are required to receive confirmation from HAKA TOURS that there is adequate space on the chosen departure date, once any other booking requests are processed. In this case, confirmation is in the form of a ‘Welcome Letter’ sent via email by HAKA TOURS

Maximum numbers in shared dorms
Our included accommodation is dorm share (unless you are upgrading to a private room). While our maximum number of guests in a dorm is 6, on rare occasions up to 8 tour guests will share a dorm.

Smoking
Government regulations forbid smoking in tourist coaches. The vast majority of hostels also are non-smoking, with some having designated smoking areas outside.

Customer Feedback
If a problem occurs during your tour, then it is in your own best interests to advise your Tour Manager immediately so that steps can be taken to resolve the matter there and then. If you remain dissatisfied, any complaint must be made in writing to us within 30 days.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is your responsibility. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly recommends you obtain travel insurance at the time you pay for your travel. Failure to obtain travel insurance is at your own risk. When obtaining travel insurance you must declare all pre-existing medical conditions and any adventurous activities, e.g. skiing, mountain biking, etc.

Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) If you are injured whilst in New Zealand, ACC may be able to help with the cost of the treatment and support you need whilst you're here. However, it is important to be aware that you cannot sue for personal injury - ACC replaces that right. Furthermore, ACC only covers treatment and rehabilitation costs whilst in New Zealand; it is not a replacement for travel insurance and does not cover illness, disrupted travel plans or emergency travel to get you back home.

Fitness and Medicals

Some activities are strenuous of nature. Passengers should be of reasonable health and fitness and carry all required medication. HAKA TOURS must be advised of any prior medical conditions at time of booking.

Lift Pass Refunds - Snow Tours
Please make sure you have suitable travel insurance when on one of our snow tours. Unfortunately, we pre-book our lift passes and these are unable to be refunded if you injure yourself on tour.

Private Group Tours
If we are under-taking a private group tour for you, there are some changes to our standard Terms and Conditions. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required to confirm the booking and full payment is due 2 months prior to arrival. Cancellations within 2 months prior to arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee. Amendments within 2 months prior to arrival will incur a $100 admin fee and any additional fees charged by and 3rd party suppliers. Please take in to account an additional $25 NZD bank fee if paying from an overseas bank account.