Queenstown Skiing & Fiordland Adventure

Day 1 – Queenstown Arrival

You will be met and welcomed to New Zealand by your own private local driver/guide and taken to your accommodation in Queenstown ‘The Adventure Capital of the. We allow you time to rest and enjoy your first taste of New Zealand before a sunset trip up the Skyline Gondola and buffet dinner at the top with spectacular views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Welcome to New Zealand! Your spectacular privately guided winter holiday awaits you!

Day 2 – Queenstown – Wanaka & Skiing or Snowboarding at Cardrona

We begin today with a short drive over the Crown Range to Cardrona Skifield. The fields in the Wanaka region are some of the best in the country and the Cardrona’s High Performance Centre is the base for many New Zealand and international athletes in the southern winter. They also boast snow making machines and plenty of space for the beginner too. This is a perfect introduction to New Zealand skiing. At the end of the day there is the possibility to relax and enjoy a hot beverage in the historic Cardrona Hotel. This historic hotel is one of the original buildings from the1860’s gold rush to New Zealand and a spectacular atmosphere to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes. Late this afternoon you will be transferred to one of New Zealand’s premier ‘kiwi holiday hot spots’ of Wanaka situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka. Tonight there is the possibility of enjoying dinner together in one of the towns superb range of restaurants and revel in the adventures of the day.

Day 3 – Skiing/ Snowboarding Treble Cone

Today we have another full day dedicated to hitting the powder. The beautiful Treble Cone ski area is also nearby and is the largest ski area in the South Island. Treble Cone is famed for its spectacular views and as a superb spot for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. But again, rookies aren’t forgotten as here they also have the longest beginner/intermediate run in the country. By the end of today’s ski run you should be really getting the hang of the Kiwi ski style – both on and off the slopes! This evening you will be driven back to Wanaka by your guide to further enjoy yet another evening in amidst glorious surroundings.

Day 4 – Wanaka- Milford Sound – Te Anau – 460km (5.5 hours driving time)

Be prepared for one of the jewels of the New Zealand landscape with a day off the slopes but certainly one to remember. The spectacular drive from Te Anau – Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular in the world and certainly a highlight on any New Zealand tour. En route be amazed as your guide drives you through spectacular valleys, breath-taking mountains and hopefully spot the cheeky kea (New Zealand’s mountain parrot). Included is a cruise on the awe-inspiring Milford Sound. This fjord is the picture postcard view of New Zealand and seeing Mitre Peak rise out of the water – and maybe even seals and penguins – will surely make today one of the highlights of your trip. On the way back to Te Anau you will get the chance to explore some of New Zealand’s best kept hidden secrets with your guide. Tonight we stay in the picturesque lake side town of Te Anau, situated on New Zealand’s second largest lake.

Day 5 – Te Anau to Queenstown + ½ day skiing/snowboarding The Remarkables – 180 km (3 hours driving time)

Today we head back up the Milford Highway to Queenstown. We begin at Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest, and then skirt our way around Lake Wakatipu back towards Queenstown. We arrive in time to enjoy the powder one last time and ski the Remarkables. This ski park is a very well balanced park with something for everyone; from challenging slopes to a tubing park. From the chairlifts and from lookout spots on the drive there are also breathtaking photo opportunities featuring 360-degree views not only of Queenstown and the lake below, but also of many sites used in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Day 6 – Queenstown Activities

Today in and around Queenstown there are many possibilities. It is a day entirely for your leisure. For the adventurous among us there is skydiving, bungy-jumping, paragliding and white water rafting. For those of us who prefer to take a more relaxed approach to the day a cruise on the 100-year-old TSS Earnslaw steam ship or a walk alongside Lake Wakatipu are not to be missed. Your driver guide will book these for you.

Day 7 – Departure

Today you will be transferred to Queenstown airport for your flight home. On a clear day, you may get one last spectacular view as you leave this majestic area. We trust that you have had a memorable winter ‘Road Trip with us.