Winter Sports Tour in New Zealand

As you arrive in New Zealand’s North Island, spend some time taking in the sights around Whakapapa. You’ll also get to know your guide.

Today, you’ll start your adventure with the thrill of skiing on an active volcano. Turoa Ski Area at Mount Ruapehu has wide trails, large snow bases and thrilling terrain parks. It also has the country’s longest vertical drop of 722 m. Take on cliffs, drops, gullies and bowls.

On day three, you’ll get the chance to rest your skiing legs by sledding and building snowmen (and women). Take the chair lift up to New Zealand’s highest cafe, Knoll Ridge, and enjoy the panoramic mountain views.

Today, you’ll travel from the North Island to the South Island for more winter sports fun. After arriving in Christchurch, you’ll watch an ice hockey game at the Alpine Ice Sports Centre, which is home to the Canterbury Red Devils. Teams such as the Dunedin Thunder, the Botany Swarm and the Skycity Stampede provide lots of local competition.

Today, go ice skating at Tekapo Springs Ice Rink. This scenic area has a forest, a lake and mountain views. There are lessons for beginner to expert, and the rink features ice hockey games, figure skating and curling.

Next, visit the International Antarctic Centre where you’ll learn about penguin conservation. The facility is also partnered with Husky Rescue NZ, so you’ll get to cuddle with a husky as you learn about their life and habits. Top the day off with a ride in a Hagglund all-terrain amphibious vehicle, which is designed for scientific expeditions over the rugged Antarctic terrain.

This morning’s destination, Mt. Hutt, has been voted New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort. It has broad terrain for all skiing and snowboarding levels as well as the longest vertical drop on the South Island. 

This afternoon, you’ll take a walk around the mountain range of Hanmer Springs at Conical Hill and Heritage Forest. Afterward, enjoy a soak in the hot pools that include rock pools, sulfur pools and water jets at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa.

On your last morning in Christchurch, enjoy a light breakfast and a walk around Cathedral Square. There’s a lovely modern sculpture, The Chalice, with leaf patterns of native plants.