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Ski New Zealand: 5 Day South Island Snow Explorer

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 Trip Length
5 Days
 Trip Starts
Christchurch
 Trip Finishes
Christchurch
5 Day Ski New Zealand: 5 Day South Island Snow Explorer Itinerary (Intrepid)
Countries Explored: New Zealand
Trip Style
Basix
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
8
Pace
Challenging
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
PHXE

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 5 Day Ski New Zealand: 5 Day South Island Snow Explorer. If you’re an intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder looking for an epic guided snow tour in New Zealand, we have the South Island's winter wonders all packaged up for you. Our expert guides will show you the ropes on beautifully uncrowded slopes on this five-day snow tour which takes you to four epic ski/boarding areas: Porters Alpine Lodge, Broken River, Mt Olympus/Temple Basin and Craigieburn. These Club Fields are small, private or family-owned ski areas where you can get into...read more the snow with minimal fuss and maximum fun minus the crowds. We can also help with equipment hire and more!

Itinerary

Kia-ora! Welcome to Christchurch, gateway to New Zealand's sublime ski fields. After a short group meeting, depart Christchurch at 6am and pick up your hire gear (for those who need it) on the short drive inland (approximately 2hrs) to Porters, the closest ski field to Christchurch which is renowned for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and stunning mountain backdrop. The skiing and boarding here ranges widely and your guide will help you access the right level for you.

Try Big Mama (which towers above the left of the base area) or Bluff Face (which towers above the right). At 620m, Big Mama boasts one of the largest vertical drops in one lift-accessed run in New Zealand. For those looking for easy backcountry skiing, that’s available too from the top of the T3T-Bar – your options are endless. For the next two nights we stay off the mountain in or near the small town of Springfield, a snow sports enthusiast’s haven, complete with majestic views to enjoy after a busy day on the slopes plus some great bars and restaurants - ask your group leader to recommend their favourites. (B)

A short morning drive (approximately 1 hr) takes you further into the Southern Alps and ready for a true alpine adventure at the unpretentious Broken River ski area, one of New Zealand's unique Club Fields where members and non-members alike are welcome. This ski field was born in the early 1950s and offers some of New Zealand's best off-piste, soft-snow skiing and snowboarding. Broken River offers a more intimate experience as chairlifts are replaced by ‘nut crackers’, five electrically driven, high capacity rope tows. After a 15 to 20-minute hike to the first rope tow, learn the techniques you'll need to get started on these amazing slopes. Don’t worry if you have not ridden tows before – your guide will help you with your technique. Most people take a few times to get it right; it’s all part of the experience. A short trek offers access to the back basins, Craigieburn Valley and some incredible terrain. Finish the day with a short drive back to Springfield. (B)

Today you leave Springfield behind and drive north (approximately 1. 5hrs) to the tiny ski hamlet of Craigieburn, in the heart of snow country. Depending on weather conditions, you’ll head to either Mt Olympus or Temple Basin. Mt Olympus ski area, a south-facing basin set high in the Craigieburn Range – is perfect for trapping powder dumps and affectionally known as ‘the playground of the Gods’ and has more than 60 hectares of ski fields. Far from the commercial groomed slopes, chairlifts and latte-filled cafes, Temple Basin was founded in 1929 and still has that rustic pioneering feel that represents a true alpine environment at the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park. When you come off the hill at the end of a big day, we will grab a well-earned drink and dinner (included) at our cosy lodge in Craigieburn, your accommodation for the next two nights. (B/D)

For big mountain skiing, Craigieburn has a well-deserved cult following among the locals. Steep and deep, with wide open powder bowls and lofty narrow chutes accessed by three high-capacity rope tows servicing a vertical rise of 503m, Craigieburn leaves little to be desired. Terrain at Craigieburn Valley is varied, exciting and challenging, with the infamous 600m vertical descent of Middle Basin (which is often compared to a heli-skiing experience) accessible by a short traverse from the tow. Craigieburn Valley offers something for intermediate to advanced skiers, and is sure to be a highlight of your skiing experience. After an amazing day on the slopes retire back to the cosy Craigieburn Lodge and exchange stories over your included dinner. (B/D)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and one last snow day in the Southern Alps mastering the slopes of Craigieburn before driving back (approximately 2hrs) to cosmopolitan Christchurch where your trip finishes on arrival around 8pm. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Enjoy five days of off-piste powder heaven in New Zealand’s famed Southern Alps.
  • Escape the bustling crowds of Queenstown and get a taste of New Zealand’s best and friendliest club fields.
  • Leave the beaten track behind and sample four epic mountains considered by locals as NZ’s best-kept-secrets: Porters, Broken River, Mt Olympus/Temple Basin and Craigieburn.
  • Whether you're an intermediate or advanced skier, our expert guides are always there to lead the way.
  • Stay 'on mountain' in the tiny ski hamlet of Craigieburn with the ski fields literally outside your front door.

  • Ski Lodge Hostel
  • shared dorms (4 nights)

  • 5 Breakfasts included
  • 2 Dinners included

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Brochure

Australia & New Zealand

Intrepid Australia & New Zealand (2022-24)

Explore Intrepid's Australia and New Zealand brochure, your gateway to antipodean adventures. From Australia's rugged outback and iconic coasts to New Zealand's majestic landscapes and Maori traditions, our curated journeys promise authentic experiences in these spellbinding lands. Delve into the heart of Oceania with Intrepid's expertly crafted it...moreineraries.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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