southern ski tour

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options. 

Located on the southern shores New Zealand’s 4th largest lake, an hour’s drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is renowned for its village character and strong community spirit.

Wanaka is a small town that's big on the outdoors with plenty to keep you entertained. Embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka faces north, blessed with an incomparable alpine panorama in whichever direction you look.

There’s an unparalleled selection of walking and biking trails, short hikes, day walks and adventures including multi-day back-country journeys into the wilderness. If you’re looking for less adventure and more relaxation there are wildlife cruises to the lake’s island reserves, eco rafting trips on the Clutha River, winery tours and magnificent scenic flights around Mt Aspiring and to Milford Sound.

The neighbouring Mount Aspiring National Park, with its world-renowned hiking trails has its headquarters in Wanaka; Cardrona and Treble Cone ski resorts are both only a short drive from the town.

Twizel is set in the highlands of the Mackenzie district, amidst a magnificent setting of turquoise glacial lakes, sienna plains and rugged snow-capped mountains. Thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element here, with the region’s natural assets lending themselves to a wide array of adventure activities including trekking, mountain biking, and helicopter rides, to horse riding, canoeing, fly fishing, and SUPping. The town offers a fantastic ongoing market and enticing shops, cafes, and restaurants. Twizel is also the gateway to excursions through the popular Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, known for its spectacular scenery and multitude of hiking trails, and the wider UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, renowned for the beauty of its star-studded skies. Make sure to play a game of mini-golf at the Twizel-themed miniature golf course, which features holes named after local farms.

Lake Tekapo is a small town located near the geographical centre of New Zealand’s South Island. As its name suggests, the town is primarily known as a lakeside resort village, offering some excellent outdoor activities in remote and tranquil surroundings. In addition to numerous hiking trails, mountain bike paths, horse trekking and a full array of water sports (including salmon fishing), Lake Tekapo is most famous for its stargazing opportunities. Head to the Mount John Observatory where you will learn about the unique geography of its region and its cloud-free skies, which are supported by local light pollution laws, as the area seeks to secure World Heritage status for starlight preservation. Lake Tekapo also boasts the photogenic Church of the Good Shepherd and plenty of dining and lodging options.

As the closest town to Mt. Hutt, this winter wonderland is primarily known as a mecca for skiers and snowboarders who flock here for the fantastic winter sports facilities and the abundance of après-ski entertainment, with its slew of lively restaurants and boisterous bars. However, if you happen to find yourself here in summer, there will be plenty to keep you blissfully engaged. Popular summertime activities include: jet boating, horse trekking, white-water rafting, hot air ballooning, mountain biking, and fishing. Adventure junkies can do a tandem skydive or take a 4WD journey through some of Canterbury’s most unique locations including the famous Mt Sunday. Nature enthusiasts will find some wonderful walking trails through the Mount Hutt Forest Park and at the nearby Pudding Hill Reserve. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline kick or merely a relaxing getaway in a spectacular natural environment, Methven is a great destination choice any time of year.