New Zealand: 9 days - Winter

A snow-based itinerary focused on experiencing the world-class backcountry skiing New Zealand is renowned for. Encompassing a blend of backcountry remote helicopter access, human-powered adventures, and stunning day trips. Ski through majestic valleys, down stunning glaciers in the shadow of snow-capped towering peaks, as we head into the wildest corners of the country.

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Sport Focus: Skiing.

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Base Locations: Wanaka, Central Otago, Southern Alps Remote Hut, Canterbury, Queenstown, Central Otago.

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Ski New Zealand is a legendary 9-day all-inclusive ski-focused adventure to experience the best the island has on offer.

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THE ROUTE

• DAY 1 | Arrival at Auckland internation airport, transfer to Wanaka. Overnight at Whare Kea Villa
• DAY 2 | Heli SKI first turns private helicopter charter. Overnight at Whare Kea Villa
• DAY 3 | Heli SKI big private helicopter charter. Overnight at Whare Kea Villa
• DAY 4 - 7 | Backcountry SKI expedition. Overnight at remote wilderness camp
• DAY 8 | Queenstown-based activities . Overnight at Eichardts Private Hotel
• DAY 9 | Departure. Overnight is available upon request

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ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TRANSFER TO WANAKA

• Day One: Overnight at Whare Kea Lodge

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At Auckland International Airport, your host will meet you on arrival in New Zealand and assist you on your Transfer from Auckland International Airport to Queenstown. Expect a 2-hour journey traveling the length of New Zealand. Vehicle transfer to Whare Kea Lodge in Wanaka. 

Whare Kea Lodge.

• Room type: Entire house.
• Inclusions: Fully inclusive.

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Want to stretch your legs after the flight? Our team will be on hand to take you out to explore some of the legendary single-track of Glendu Bay, an evening hike, or perhaps a lakeside stroll in the sunset.

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HELI SKI FIRST TURNS

• Day Two: Overnight at Whare Kea Lodge

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Heli-ski the Southern Lakes. 17 mountain ranges, over 800 runs on tap, waiting for you. Depart Whare Kea to meet the heli and head off the beaten track to experience New Zealand’s alpine glow on the morning’s untracked snow. Enjoy runs of breathtakingly beautiful, remote riding. This is the best way to kick start your New Zealand adventure, washing off the jetlag with some pow. A delicious lunch on the snow, created by the award-winning team at Whare Kea. The afternoon will be spent recharging at the Lodge on the lake edge.

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SKI BIG

• Day Three: Overnight at Whare Kea Lodge.

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Full-day heli-ski in the Southern Lakes. Return to the mountains of the Southern Lakes to find pristine lines. This is the day your write home about, 7 hours in the outback, shredding in the heart of NZ. This is tailored for advanced riders to explore the seldom visited lines hidden in the hills. The day starts with a short vehicle transfer from Whare Kea Lodge to the helicopter base. From here our expert guides take over getting you to the top of the best lines. A delicious lunch on the snow, created by the award-winning team at Whare Kea.

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WHARE KEA LODGE

Whare Kea Lodge is a timeless retreat, providing luxury accommodation on the shores of Lake Wanaka, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps.

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Located only ten minute's drive from Wanaka’s town center, time seems to slow and opportunities unfold.

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The experience at Whare Kea is bespoke and versatile – on the one hand a base for adventure big or small in the wilds of Wanaka and the wider Central Otago region, on the other a safe and peaceful haven.

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SKI EXPEDITION 

• Day Four - Seven: Overnight at Remote Backcountry Huts

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Stand on the Main Divide and look over into the vast landscapes of the heart of New Zealand. This is a true backcountry adventure, our style. Vehicle transfer from Wanaka to Mt Cook Village. Board a helicopter and travel into the National Park to a remote backcountry hut base. This is a challenging remote skiing experience that traverses the backbone of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. A high level of fitness, and a multi-day experience is a must. Much of the time will be spent skiing offpiste in mountainous terrain. Enjoy the backcountry cuisine expertly prepared by your guiding team.

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KELMAN HUT

During your backcountry ski expedition in the Southern Alps we will make use of the remote alpine huts. Located above the Tasman Saddle in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Kelman Hut will be the ideal location for experiencing the remote terrain. This 22-bunk hut constructed with adventure in mind is the perfect staging ground for backcountry adventures.

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RECHARGE IN STYLE

• Day Eight: Overnight at Eichardt’s Private Hotel

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After spending three nights in the remote wilderness, return to Queenstown. Today is yours, with a helicopter on call to explore the surroundings or get into other incredible activities. Relax and enjoy the town, or head out exploring the surroundings of the Ben Lomond Mountains, the Remarkable Mountains, or take a short flight to surf and freedive on the wild west coast in isolated paradise. Helicopters available to explore surf breaks, hunt crayfish, or stalk large rainbow trout. Enjoy the legendary local cuisine or if you’ve headed further afield, we’ll grab lunch on the run.

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EICHARDTS PRIVATE HOTEL

Enjoy a suite at Eichardt’s Private Hotel, with roots stretching back to 1866, but its chic interiors and unbelievable service plant it firmly in the 21st century. Located on the shores of mountain-backed Lake Wakatipu, it’s both sleekly designed and serenely placed.

Each suite and apartment frames awe-inspiring lake or mountain views, and balances antique furnishings with contemporary style notes. This is a spectacular space for enjoying the finer things in life. It is the perfect place to reflect, be inspired and unwind.

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Located centrally in Queenstown, with stunning lake edge views, and award winning service.

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DEPARTURE

• Day 9: Optional overnight in Auckland if required

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After a leisurely checkout from Eichartd’s Private Hotel before transferring by plane to Auckland for departure. Expect a 2 hour flight arriving into Auckland Domestic Airport with plenty of time for evening connections.

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LODGING

A good nights sleep is key to any adventure, that’s why our packages feature fully customizable lodging options to ensure the best fit for you.

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Whether that’s Wanaka’s famous Whare Kea Lodge on the lake front, or the stunning private residences of Eichardts Hotel we’ve got you covered.

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Have something a little more upmarket in mind, talk to the team about our premium lodging offerings.

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MATARIKI PRIVATE RESIDENCE

Matariki Residence is a large, three-level, newly built luxurious property nestled on Queenstown Hill, only a 5-minute walk from the main town. It boasts uninterrupted panoramic views of the area including the town itself, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountain ranges. The whole place to yourself, just you and your people.

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MOUNTAIN CHALET

Nestled amongst the peaks of the Southern Alps, at 1750 meters (5700ft), the Chalet sits on the edge of the Mount Aspiring National Park with astounding views of Mt. Cook and Mt. Aspiring. Accessible by helicopter from the main lodge on the edge of Lake Wanaka. An elevated experience where comfort is paramount, without detracting from the rugged wilderness.

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CUSTOM MEDIA PACKAGE

While adventure is not about capturing the moment but being fully immersed in the environment around you, we realize it’s important to get some ‘bangers’ to share. We’ve partnered up with NZ’s best outdoor creatives to bring together a media package that will blow your mind.

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PRIVATE BACKCOUNTRY CHEF

Our team will custom-build a dining experience with your adventure in mind. New Zealand’s premier Chef and all-around good guy Al Brown will be the man of the kitchen to keep you fed and watered, energized and excited, ready to take on the wild and remote backcountry of our beautiful little paradise.

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Transfer upgrades are available upon request.

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EliteLyfe provides tailored transportation solutions, including helicopter, private jet, or chauffeur-driven luxury vehicles.

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KEY INFORMATION

Airports & Transfers

The major international airports to enter NZ are Auckland and Christchurch however private international facilities are available at Queenstown, Rotorua, Wellington and Dunedin. For the above itinerary the best port of entry is Auckland.

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Equipment

Due to the nature of this adventure package we will provide you with an up-to-date gear list. Need equipment in country, we have a range of high quality suppliers available and can ensure you’re comfortable and kitted out for the trip.

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Inclusions

All ground transport and shuttles, guiding and hosting, park entrance fees, lodging, meals including snacks. Some exclusions may apply such as travel insurance, personal riding gear, upgrades and international flights

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Climate and Weather

Weather can be varied in NZ, with cold winters and dry hot summers. Although summer months (Nov - March) are warm and dry, the weather can change extremely quickly so it is vital to ensure a diverse range of clothing no matter when you travel.