Warm up those ski legs with an afternoon at Snowplanet before venturing south to Mt Ruapehu to shred Turoa and Whakapapa. Then take a few days to rest, recover and explore as you make your way to Queenstown, home to The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and a whole heap more!
Ski Package including Mountain Shuttles
This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,456 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Auckland, finishes in Queenstown
9 days/8 nights
Hotel 3 star
Day 1: Arrive into Auckland, pick up your car and perhaps warm up those ski legs at Snowplanet. Accommodation: Grand Millennium Auckland
Day 2: Enjoy the scenic drive through farmland and mountains to Tongariro National Park. Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort
Day 3: Head up the mountain today for your first day on the snow at Whakapapa. Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort
Day 4: Another day on the snow exploring the other side of Ruapehu, Turoa. Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort
Day 5: Continue south to Wellington where you have a chance to meet some of the "locals" at Zealandia. Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington
Day 6: Return your vehicle and fly south to the Alpine Village of Queenstown. Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Day 7: Back to the slopes and be in awe of The Remarkables. Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Day 8: It's your last chance to earn those turns, and soak in the scenes from Coronet Peak. Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Day 9: Return your vehicle and bid farewell to the mountains as you begin the journey home!.
Ski New Zealand have a superb range of cars suitable for winter driving in New Zealand. With a range of inclusions like ski racks, and snow chains that will suit your winter holiday perfectly. First time driving in New Zealand winter? Check out our helpful tips!
Kia ora! Welcome to Auckland, known in Māori as Tāmaki Makaurau. Auckland is New Zealand's vibrant "City of Sails," and the country's largest metropolitan area. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, it offers something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, Auckland is a haven for both adventurers and urban explorers. Wander through world-class museums and galleries in the city centre or enjoy a peaceful retreat at the Auckland Gardens, where stunning landscapes showcase New Zealand's diverse flora. Stroll along the lively waterfront to savour fresh seafood and international cuisine at the Viaduct restaurants. For an unforgettable perspective, ascend the iconic SkyTower, New Zealand's tallest structure, and take in panoramic views of the city and its picturesque islands.
Snowplanet is New Zealand’s only indoor snow park – so you can enjoy the snow 365 days a year. With over 8,000 square metres of real snow, you’ve got plenty of room for skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, and games. There’s a comfy restaurant too, complete with snow views, where you can relax and recharge your batteries. Never skied? Not a problem. They have skilled instructors who will get you up to speed quickly.
Your accommodation: Grand Millennium Auckland
Located in the heart of the city, a stay at Grand Millennium Auckland places you within walking distance of some of the city's finest dining, shopping and entertainment venues.Today you will leave Auckland and travel south through the rolling pastures of Waikato. Take the time to detour to Waitomo and experience its network of underground caves before heading inland to the Central Plateau and arriving at Tongariro National Park. A world heritage site, Tongariro is home to three active volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe as well as a host of activities including hiking, fishing, climbing, mountain biking and skiing.
Your accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort
Located in the tussock on the edge of the Whakapapa Village in the heart of the Tongariro National Park The Skotel Alpine Resort offers a wonderful atmosphere and well equipped rooms to relax and enjoy the region from.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 337 kms / 209 miles : 4.0 hours
The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt along with Snowplanet, Turoa, Whakapapa, Porters, Roundhill, Mt Dobson, and Ohau ski areas. Get more choice, more fun, and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass, and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
With 5 days of New Zealand Superpasses, you've got lift access to New Zealand's premier ski areas plus the fun and excitement of a range of off-mountain attractions around New Zealand. You can mix it up a little and ski a day at the different alpine resorts or maybe you've got your eye on a run that you want to conquer over 5 days. Want to ski a little longer, don't own your own gear or snow clothing, or not sure if your skills are up to scratch? No worries, chat to us about adding additional days, rentals, or lessons.
Whakapapa Ski Area on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu is New Zealand's largest ski area. Whakapapa is home to New Zealand's premiere beginners' area, Happy Valley. It's a big complete learners area in its own valley away from the worry of faster skiers/boarders putting you off. It has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. The gentle slope is nice and long, giving you plenty of time to really get the hang of your new sport and there is a slow-moving chairlift that takes you to the top of the slope while giving your legs a rest between runs. There are also more than 30 groomed trails that intermediate skiers and boarders love. The volcanic terrain at Whakapapa gives a massive variety between trails, giving you the choice of bumps, chutes, drops, bowls or nice wide runs. With 24 black and black diamond runs plus the lift accessed Black Magic backcountry area, there is plenty at Whakapapa to get the adrenaline pumping even for the most expert of experts.
Your accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort
Located in the tussock on the edge of the Whakapapa Village in the heart of the Tongariro National Park The Skotel Alpine Resort offers a wonderful atmosphere and well equipped rooms to relax and enjoy the region from.Turoa Ski Area on the south-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu offers a massive 722m of vertical descent on New Zealand's highest chairlift - the High Noon Express. The Alpine Meadow at the base of Turoa Ski Area is a wonderful little beginners' area. It has a massive 120m long carpet lift, which is like a conveyor belt over the snow and super easy to use.The intermediate terrain at Turoa is mostly wide and smooth, making it a perfect progression from the beginner runs. There are 12 groomed intermediate runs, all of which are nice and long and many of them link to one another so you can enjoy excellent intermediate skiing and riding from the top of Australasia's highest lift to the base area. Enjoy the natural half-pipes and chutes through the Organ Pipes and the Solitude backcountry area or the amazing wide sweeping terrain of the Triangle and the Glacier backcountry area.
Your accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort
Located in the tussock on the edge of the Whakapapa Village in the heart of the Tongariro National Park The Skotel Alpine Resort offers a wonderful atmosphere and well equipped rooms to relax and enjoy the region from.The drive from Tongariro takes you through the central plateau before passing through the rural towns of Waioura, Taihape, Mangaweka and Bulls. Continue south where you will travel through Waikanae and Paraparaumu along the beautiful Kapiti Coast. The coastal seaside towns of Paekakariki and Plimmerton are also worth a short detour before arriving into the capital city of Wellington. Wellington is New Zealand's capital. It sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush-clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation, you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place or visit New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, which is also close by.
Taking a night tour of Zealandia wildlife eco-sanctuary is an unforgettable experience and one that comes highly recommended. A conservation success a...
Read moreTaking a night tour of Zealandia wildlife eco-sanctuary is an unforgettable experience and one that comes highly recommended. A conservation success and safe haven for some of New Zealand's rarest native animals, Zealandia is home to many remarkable species of birds, reptiles and insects living wild within a beautiful 225 hectare (one square mile) valley, just 10 minutes from the central city.
HideYour accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington
At the heart of Wellingtons commercial and retail districts the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor has 260 well appointed rooms and suites. Located on The Terrace, nearby to the Cable Car, Parliament, TSB Arena, Te Papa and Westpac Stadium, this is a great base to explore New Zealand's thriving capital city.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 333 kms / 207 miles : 4.1 hours
Explore more of Wellington before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.
Ski New Zealand have a superb range of cars suitable for winter driving in New Zealand. With a range of inclusions like ski racks, and snow chains that will suit your winter holiday perfectly. First time driving in New Zealand winter? Check out our helpful tips!
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview is located on Frankton Road, the main arterial route into Queenstown - With the centre of town only a short 10-minute stroll away.From Queenstown it’s a 40 minute drive to The Remarkables Ski Area. From the centre of town drive towards the airport, then continue over the Kawarau River and continue on the main road until you see the well signposted entry for the Remarkables Ski Area Access Road. The road to the ski field is a sealed 14 km alpine road, snow chains must be carried.
The Remarkables offers a laid-back atmosphere which is fantastic for families and those new to skiing or snowboarding. Located just 45 minutes from Queenstown, the Remarkables features a fantastic network of trails with wide, gentle slopes for beginners of all ages and big mountain runs for the experts in the family. With 30% beginner slopes, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced, the Remarkables offers challenges for all levels. For those wanting to progress quickly, the friendly team of instructors can be with you every step of the way. While you're up there don't forget to check out the purpose-built snow tubing lanes before you round off with a steaming hot chocolate or drink at Remarkables cafe. With regular shuttles from Queenstown, lessons for 4yrs+ and complete gear hire on the mountain, this is a fun and easy day out for visitors to the South Island.
Enjoy the most memorable experience in Queenstown and surround yourself with a sky of stars and 14 Japanese lanterns as you soak up the warm waters of...
Read moreEnjoy the most memorable experience in Queenstown and surround yourself with a sky of stars and 14 Japanese lanterns as you soak up the warm waters of the Onsen Hot Pools. Nestled high into a cliff-side overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon, the experience is all about unwinding and soaking-up Queenstown's spectacular scenery, enjoying the pure waters and the fresh mountain air as your mind and body surrenders to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of the private pools. Water temperature is set according to the day - generally between 37.8C on a hot day, to 39.8C during a snow-storm and in the summer one of the pools is kept cold for those who relish the thought of a cold plunge!
HideYour accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview is located on Frankton Road, the main arterial route into Queenstown - With the centre of town only a short 10-minute stroll away.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 21 kms / 13 miles : 0.6 hours
You have already had a taster of what Coronet has to offer now is time to get out and start exploring. Head over to Greengates Express to find a big nature playground full of features.
Want to challenge yourself on exciting terrain in some of the best conditions in the Southern Hemisphere? Then Coronet Peak should be top of your list. This theme park created by mother nature offers gripping trails and extensive snowmaking facilities, making for complete snow coverage on multiple trails. Coronet is also home to night skiing for a different take on these roller coaster trails try it under lights. For those just getting to know the snow the dedicated learner and novice areas make finding your snow feet easy and all gear can be hired on the mountain. With 25% beginner slopes, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced, Coronet Peak has the trail for you. For a break from the snow, enjoy live music at the base building, or wet your whistle with a hot chocolate or cold beverage at Heidi's Hut. The pizza and pasta meals are great for warming you up and giving you an energy boost for the afternoon.
Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stun...
Read moreEnjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Enjoy the ambiance of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, or New Zealand cheeses. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.
HideYour accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview is located on Frankton Road, the main arterial route into Queenstown - With the centre of town only a short 10-minute stroll away.Explore more of Queenstown before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.
Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 8 kms / 5 miles : 0.2 hours
9 days, from Christchurch to Queenstown
7 days, from Queenstown to Queenstown
7 days, from Queenstown to Queenstown
7 days, from Queenstown to Queenstown