DAYS One to three
NEXTWanaka home base and Cardrona ski resort
Staying at the glorious Mahu Whenua Ridgeland Homestead, Lake Wanaka, set amongst 55,000 hectares of majestic beauty, and some of the most dramatic natural alpine scenery in New Zealand. The family will enjoy exquisite food and beautiful lodgings for three nights and a range of evening activities to keep everyone entertained.
On your first full day of skiing, your chauffeured 4WD SUV will whisk your crew to Cardrona, with its wide open basins, long blue runs and off-piste slopes.
As a refresher for the kids to brush up on their ski skills, a professional instructor, Alberto, has been booked. If they’re still keen, he can also give them some snowboarding tips and take them on a few runs.
Enjoy the morning skiing, and then lunch on the deck at Captain’s Pizzeria. It’s a top spot to soak in the views and get some amazing happy snaps with the family.
After an afternoon of action on the slopes, it’s back to Mahu Whenua for an early dinner prepared by one of their renowned chefs.
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, the Cardrona Valley offers some of the best conditions on Earth for stargazing. Your guide will consult with the forecast and choose the best evening to enjoy a captivating experience and view the famous Southern Sky and you may even see the Southern Lights!
The next two days skiing will be mapped to the forecast and your level of expertise and willingness for adventure! Your Guide will take you to locations such as the Arcadia Chutes, or the Captain’s area, locally known as an off-piste playground.
Or, if you’re skied out, there are amazing horse stables close by on Mahu Whenua, so a guided horse ride is a great way to enjoy the breathtaking surroundings.
DAYS four to six
NEXTQueenstown, The Remarkables and pristine powder
We break up the journey south to Queenstown with a Dog-Sledding family adventure. Experience the thrill of traditional arctic dog sledding through the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
Your chauffeur then takes you through the scenic Crown Range to Queenstown where you will check into your lakefront apartment at the gorgeous Eichardt’s Private Hotel. That evening you will enjoy a leisurely dinner at a locavore restaurant, hand-picked by your Antipodean Concierge.
Next day, test out your skills in one of The Remarkables seven parks with terrain for seasoned skiers and snowboarders, or those still getting their groove!
Tonight, a babysitter has been organised so you can enjoy some grown-up romance, starting at Onsen Hot Pools. Sip on a glass of champagne while enjoying the night sky full of stars. After your glorious hot soak, enjoy a one hour couple's massage.
Today, take a break from skiing and experience the thrill of a Snowmobile. Explore true backcountry New Zealand on a thrilling Snow Mobile tour. Board your chopper for an exhilarating short flight across the Remarkables Mountain Range and the Nevis River Valley, where you land at the base of the Garvie Mountains.
Head off through the most stunning terrain, led by your experienced Guide, along the central most inland mountain range in New Zealand, cruising to an altitude of up to 6,000ft above sea level.
days seven to nine
FIND OUT MOREPristine powder Heli-skiing
Now, you're fully in the zone with your skiing prowess, let's pump up the adrenaline all the way. The ultimate ski/boarding experience. Heli-skiing!!
Lifting off in your private helicopter, soar over sparkling lakes and lush valleys in search of the perfect run. As you land on the ridge of your dreams, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world – literally!
Take a breath, soak it all in and prepare yourself for one of the most incredible experiences. Step into your skis and edge the tips over the lip before slicing through untouched powder mile after glorious mile.
Pause for a gourmet lunch when you’re ready, before flying to another mountain for more fresh runs. The stuff adventure-seekers dreams are made of.
On your last evening at Eichardt’s Private Hotel, enjoy après, pizza and wine on the heated outdoor deck beside a roaring fire while a DJ spins tunes in the background. Kick back and feel the mix of exhilaration and exhaustion of this incredible family skiing holiday, Kiwi style!
