Trip
New Zealand
Ski, Snowboard
Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
1-866-386-1590
Join us for the ultimate heli-ski/snowboard road trip exploring New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Experience a true ‘Kiwi’ road trip, powered by our partners at Mint Tours, as we follow the mountains through the South Island of New Zealand. Ski big mountain terrain along the way with local guides and hosts. On this trip you will visit 3 different heli-ski operations in Queenstown, Mt Cook and Methven. This tour is running in peak season for snow in New Zealand. The Southern Alps have a very deep maritime snowpack, helping snow stick to the legendary steeps. You can expect deep powder snow at high altitudes. The diversity of the terrain, the powder snow, and breathtaking views will make it a destination you will want to return to. Our local guides will make sure the heli-ski descents are the best of of your season, or maybe even your life.
Select Your Trip
Select Your Trip
Itinerary
Itinerary
Please note itinerary is subject to change as needed.
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Day 1: Arrive to Queenstown:
Welcome to New Zealand. Make your way to the meeting point at Queenstown International Airport where your guide will meet you. We will then transfer you by bus to the hotel located in central Queenstown. Once everyone has settled in, we will head to the heli-ski operator for a weigh in. After that, we'll head out for an early dinner welcome dinner in town, and your guide will explain what’s in store for the week, the current weather, run through equipment and answer any questions you have. -
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Day 2: Queenstown Heli-ski Days Mornings -
Breakfast is typically served from 7:00am, which we encourage you to enjoy at your leisure. Your guides will advise the departure time in the morning once weather observations have been made. A typical heli-ski day in Queenstown or Wanaka, timing for a standard day follows. Times are approximate:
08:30 Depart for heli staging area. Depending on location of where we will fly, the drive can take 30 mins - 1.5 hours
09:30 Safety briefing and avalanche transceivers issued
09:50 Helicopters depart
10:00 - 13:00 Heli-skiing
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch in the mountains
14:00 - 15:00 Complete any remaining runs, option to add on extra runs if time / conditions allow
15:00 First helicopter loads return to staging area
16:00 Depart staging area
17:00 Return to hotel
Evenings - On return to the hotel your guide will be on-hand to answer any questions and offer any assistance. After your return, you’ve got free time. Each evening we will regroup for dinner at one of the great local restaurants in Queenstown and share a few stories about the days’ turns. -
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Day 3. Repeat! -
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Day 4. Drive to Aoraki Mt Cook Village:
Morning - Enjoy breakfast at your leisure. After breakfast you have free time until check out at 10:00 am. After checkout, we'll
load the van and make the drive to Aoraki Mt Cook Village. The drive takes around 3.5 - 4.5 hours, depending on weather and road conditions, so settle in and keep your camera handy for the views along the way. Once we have arrived at the Hermitage Hotel, you can check in to your room. At around 3:30 pm we'll walk to the Alpine Guides office so you can check in and register for the following day of heli. The views in Mt Cook Village are incredible so make sure to bring your camera for the walk. After we've registered, we'll head back to the hotel, grab a drink and sit by the fire. In the evening, enjoy the famous 'Herm' buffet which is stacked with all the classic 'kiwi' favorites like local high-country salmon, lamb and beef. -
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5. Mt Cook Heli-ski:
Mornings - Breakfast is typically served from 7:00am and we encourage you to enjoy breakfast at your leisure. Your guides will advise the departure time in the morning once weather observations have been made. A Typical Heli-ski day at Mt Cook: Timing for a standard day is as follows. Times are approximate:
9:00 Depart for heli staging area. The drive will take 10 minutes to reach the airport.
09:30 Safety briefing and avalanche transceivers issued
09:50 Helicopters depart
10:00 - 13:00 Heli-skiing
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch in the mountains
14:00 - 15:00 Complete any remaining runs, option to add on extra runs if time / conditions allow
15:00 First helicopter loads return to staging area
16:00 Depart staging area
16:15 Return to hotel
Evenings - On return to the hotel your guide will be on-hand to answer any questions and offer any assistance. After your return, you’ve got free time. Tonight, we'll enjoy our final dinner at the Hermitage Hotel buffet. -
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6. Weather Contingency / Drive to Methven
Today is a weather contingency day to extend our weather window for heli-skiing. We will depart Mt Cook at approximately 4:00 pm. Drive to Methven at 4:00 pm and check in to the lodge where we will stay for the final 2 nights. -
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7. Methven Heli-Ski
Mornings - Breakfast is typically served from 7:00am and we encourage you to enjoy breakfast at your leisure. Your guides will advise the departure time in the morning once weather observations have been made. A Typical Heli-ski day at Methven: Timing for a standard day follows. Times are approximate:
8:30 Depart for heli staging area. The drive will take 1 hour to reach the heli-staging area
09:30 Safety briefing and avalanche transceivers issued
09:50 Helicopters depart
10:00 - 13:00 Heli-skiing
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch in the mountains
14:00 - 15:00 Complete any remaining runs, option to add on extra runs if time / conditions allow
15:00 First helicopter loads return to staging area
16:00 Depart staging area
17:00 Return to hotel
Evening - On return to the hotel your guide will be on-hand to answer any questions and offer any assistance. After your return, you’ve got free time. Tonight, we'll head into Methven for our final dinner together at a classic 'kiwi' pub. -
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8. Departure Day: After breakfast at the lodge, check out at 10:00 am. We'll load the transport and drive to Christchurch Airport where the tour concludes at approximately 11:00 am.
Trip Package Includes:
- 2 days x 5 Run Heli-ski Days with Harris Mountain Heli-ski
- 5 Run Heli-ski Day with Mt Cook Heli-ski
- 5 Run Heli-ski Day with Methven Heli-ski
- Fully-qualified heli-ski guides, at a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:5
- Avalanche transceiver and training on transceiver use for heli-ski days
- Pickup and return transportation to heli-staging area
- 3 nights single room accommodation, Scenic Suites Queenstown
- 2 nights single room accommodation, The Hermitage Mt Cook
- 2 nights single room accommodation, Ski Time Methven
- 7 breakfasts
- 4 Alpine buffet lunches for heli-ski days
- 1 welcome dinner in Queenstown
- 3 breakfasts at Scenic Suites Queenstown
- 2 breakfasts at The Hermitage Mt Cook
- 2 three-course dinners at The Hermitage Mt Cook
- 2 breakfasts at Ski Time Methven
- 2 dinners at Ski Time Methven
- Queenstown Airport transfer / meet and greet on arrival day
- Private transfer from Queenstown to Mt Cook
- Private transfer from Mt Cook to Methven
- Christchurch Airport transfer on departure day
- 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)
Trip Package Does Not Include:
- Roundtrip airfare to/from Queenstown and Christchurch
- Any meals not listed in "trip package includes" (2 dinners and lunches on non heli-ski days)
- Alcohol
- Ski and snowboard gear/personal gear
- Guide gratuities
- Travel insurance (mandatory, we recommend World Nomads)
Questions? Contact us!
Area Information
Queenstown
We start the tour in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. In Queenstown, you have both staggering natural beauty and all the distractions you would expect in a resort town. There are plenty of bars, breweries, wineries, restaurants and nightlife. During the tour we will spend 3 nights based in Queenstown and we will spend two days heli-skiing here. Each day you will complete 5 heli runs that vary between 1,500 - 2,500 vertical feet of treeless skiing in sheltered basins, bowls, and wide rolling mountain flanks. If avalanche conditions permit and the group is of higher ability, there is the opportunity to access steeper terrain, chutes, glaciers and also to compete additional runs.
Gallery
Gallery
Trip Planning
Trip Planning
The weather in Queenstown / Mt Cook / Methven during August is typically quite cold, with average temperatures in town of 32 to 48 Fahrenheit, with significantly colder temperatures on the mountain ranging from 14 to 28 Fahrenheit. When venturing out at night remember temperatures are often below 32 Fahrenheit.
Ski / snowboard gear
Outerwear and Clothing
Personal Clothing
Other
FAQ
FAQ
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When and how do I meet up with the group?
After you sign up for this tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. We will send out your travel documents one month before your departure which contains important information about the tour including information about your arrival and departure transfers. -
What skill/experience level is required for this trip?
This tour is suited to advanced and confident skiers and snowboarders who can ride the whole mountain, in any conditions. All skiing and snowboarding is conducted in backcountry terrain. All guests must have previous experience riding backcountry terrain. Weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything. Expect to ski and snowboard a range of snow and terrain throughout the week. -
Heli-Skiing/boarding days additional info
What’s included during your heli-ski/board day: 5 runs per day, professional heli-ski guiding services, a generous picnic lunch, safety equipment (including avalanche beacons/transceivers), return bus transfers from hotel to heli staging area. Extra runs may be available on the day and are typically approximately $80US/per run. Group size is max 5 guests per a guide. All guests and guides wear an avalanche transceiver. Guides also carry a radio and a rescue pack. Extra equipment is carried in our helicopters in case of emergency. All guests (regardless of experience) will receive a safety briefing from their guide – including how to use an avalanche transceiver – before boarding the first chopper ride. Heli-ski guides are trained in emergency first aid, mountain survival, and rescue. -
Is my trip guaranteed to run?
No, a minimum number of guests is required to operate this trip, please wait to make travel arrangements and book flights until you have received confirmation from Mint Tours. -
What do I need to know about requirements to travel to NZ?
There are no COVID-19 pre-departure test or vaccination requirements to enter New Zealand, however, airlines may require evidence of vaccination or have other requirements to travel onboard their aircraft. Before you travel to New Zealand by air you must: - Make sure your passport is valid. Check its expiry date to make sure it meets the rules for acceptable travel documents. Read more on Immigration NZ’s website. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/your-journey-to-new-zealand/before-you-travelto-new-zealand - Check your eligibility to travel to New Zealand and if you require a visa or NZeTA on Immigration NZ's website https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/your-journey-to-new-zealand/before-you-travelto-new-zealand/details-page/visa/nzeta - Check what you can and can’t bring into New Zealand. Visit the prohibited and restricted items page to find out more.https://www.customs.govt.nz/personal/prohibited-and-restricted-items/ - Visitors to New Zealand require an outward/return ticket
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What are the accommodations like?
Throughout the tour you will stay in a 3-star hotels, in single private rooms. Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown, a distinctive design close to all the action in the bustling resort town. Even with the amazing views of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu you can still feel cozy and tucked away in these A-Line style chalets in the hills. Mt Cook: Our base for this tour is the iconic Hermitage Hotel in superior singe rooms. Start the day off with cooked breakfasts and relax after a big day on the mountain with a local craft beer by the fire before enjoying the incredible Hermitage buffet dinner. Methven: You'll stay at a local ski lodge and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Great communal bar area, comfy Single Share room with ensuite, great heating, TV, and free WiFi. Every morning you’ve got a light breakfast included and each evening join us for a gourmet dinner at the lodge or head into the township for a classic Kiwi pub dinner. -
What if I’m a solo traveler? Can I get my own room?
Included in the price for this trip are single share, private rooms. - so you’re all set -
Should I tip my guides?
Gratuities for your instructors are not included in your trip cost, and thus it is recommended you tip your instructors! -
Do you require or recommend travel insurance for this trip?
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travelers and must be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number prior to commencing your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without these details. -
What if I need to cancel?
evo upholds Mint Tours’ terms and conditions for cancellation. For tour bookings, a cancellation made outside of 60 days from departure will incur a minimum fee of 10% (or total tour price) per person plus any charges levied by ground operators, hotels, airlines or lift companies. Any cancellation made within 60 days before departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee of the total booking amount.
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at
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