9 Day South Island Snow, Ski & Spa

Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the wonderful winter ski adventure ahead.

Stay: Rydges Latimer

This morning you will make your journey inland and south to Canterbury's premium skiing destination, Mt Hutt. With its stunning location in the Southern Alps and reliable snow conditions, Mt Hutt offers a range of challenging terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. From beginners to seasoned experts, visitors can enjoy the resort's wide open runs, panoramic views, and exceptional facilities.

Following a full day up the mountain, drive a short distance down the road to Fable Terrace Downs Resort, where you will spend the night at the base of the alps and enjoy a complimentary dinner. Your ski package today includes lift passes & recreational skis/snowboard + boot & pole hire (Helmets additional. Goggles and gloves cannot be hired, only purchased).

Driving Time: 154km, 2.5 hours

Stay: Fable Terrace Downs

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included

Today you will make your journey south-west to Lake Tekapo, by initially following Canterbury’s inland scenic route. Along the way you will pass through high country sheep farming territory. Why not stop in the quaint little town of Geraldine and sample some of their New Zealand-famous jam. Arriving on the shores of the bright blue Lake Tekapo, stop and take a photo at the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd and then head further up the road to one of our favourite scenic spots in the country; Mt. John. At the summit of Mt. John, one feels like they are on top of the world with 360 degree views of the snow-capped Southern Alps, high country farmland and surrounding blue lakes.

This evening you will enjoy a soak and stargazing tour at Tekapo Hot Springs, located on the edge of the lake. The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. A two-hour experience, the first half of this guided indoor and/or outdoor tour introduces you to Tekapo’s amazing night skies with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling. You will then enjoy exclusive use of a 37.5 – 38.5℃ hot pool; lie on a floating hammock and feel like you’re soaking in the stars as you explore the wonder of night skies!

Driving Time: 189km, 2.5 hours

Stay: Lake Tekapo Village Motel

Meals: Breakfast Included

This morning you will skirt around beautiful Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo and See New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook. You could stop at the beautiful Mount Cook View Point before travelling over the Lindis Pass (965m) to Central Otago, known for its Merino Sheep and wool industry. First perhaps stop at a local salmon farm and sample fresh or smoked salmon, or pop in for a visit at Omarama Hot Tubs for a soothing break from driving (optional - not included in quote).

From there you head through to Cromwell where you can visit a local fruit shop for a chance to try ‘Real Fruit Ice cream’, take a tour of a local fruit orchard (including tasting some fresh fruit! – optional activity) and sample a few of the New Zealand famous manuka honey products. Arrive in beautiful Queenstown in the afternoon.

Driving Time: 256km, 3 hours

Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast Included

Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape! This morning you will enjoy a spectacular Fly/Cruise/ Fly and a chance to see spectacular Milford Sound. Your will enjoy a incredible scenic flight to Milford sound and you will experience all that the fjords have to offer with a 1.5 hour boat cruise featuring pristine waterfalls and towering mountains plunging into the Tasman Sea. Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and the Fiordland crested Penguin. You will return this afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day in Queenstown.

Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Today is a full day dedicated to hitting the powder. The beautiful Coronet Peak ski area sits above Arrowtown, with stunning high points and rolling trails offering seasoned skiers and snowboarders an experience to remember, while the gentle lower slopes are perfect for beginners. Sitting at 1649m above sea level, don’t forget to take in the stunning views of the valley and surrounding snow capped peak. By the end of today’s ski run you should be really getting the hang of the kiwi ski style – both on and off the slopes!

Head back to town and perhaps enjoy the evening with a visit to Queenstown’s iconic Ice Bar or snuggle up in a cosy bistro in front of the fireplace. Your ski package today includes lift passes & recreational skis/snowboard + boot & pole hire (Helmets additional. Goggles and gloves cannot be hired, only purchased).

Driving Time: 32km, 45 minutes return

Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast Included

This morning you will head to the top of the Remarkables to hit the slopes. The Remarkables are a superb place to test out the New Zealand conditions. This world-class ski field really lives up to its name! There are breathtaking views to be admired, both from the slopes and from look out spots on the drive, featuring 360-degree views of Queenstown and the lake below and also many sites used in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The Remarkables features a fantastic network of progressive terrain parks with wide, gentle slopes for beginners of all ages and big mountain steeps for the experts in the family. This field also boasts purpose built snow tubing lanes.

After a fantastic day skiing we will head back down to Queenstown where there is the opportunity to dine in one of Queenstown’s many fine lakefront establishments. Your ski package today includes lift passes & recreational skis/snowboard + boot & pole hire (Helmets additional. Goggles and gloves cannot be hired, only purchased).

Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast Included

Did someone say Queenstown wine tour? It’s time to pinot! Travel in premium Mercedes vehicles visiting four of Central Otago’s finest and off the beaten track cellar doors, including a visit to New Zealand’s famous Gibbston Valley underground wine cave. Look, smell and taste over 18 spectacular cool-climate wines and enjoy an optional scrumptious lunch (additional cost ordered on the day) whilst your charismatic wine guide and knowledgeable cellar staff educate and amuse you with local winemaking facts and stories.

This evening you will indulge in a private bathing experience at Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown. Your experience begins with a 45-minute soak in a cedar lined hot tub while you enjoy a complimentary drink and snack and soak up the incredible views of the quintessential southern landscape. Once relaxed, calm and warm, you will then be treated to your choice of face or body treatments in Onsen Queenstown's peaceful day spa room with 1 hour spa packages available.

Stay: Rydges Resort Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast Included

Today you will transfer to Queenstown Airport for your further travel arrangements. We trust you've had a wonderful time here in New Zealand!

Onward flight is not included.

Meals: Breakfast Included