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New Zealand Winter Adventure

New Zealand Winter Adventure

From $ 2,930 AUD

Description

Experience the quieter season of New Zealand’s South Island. Try some easy snowshoeing through the Cardrona Valley’s snow-carpeted meadows, cruise scenic Milford Sound beneath rugged, snow-covered peaks and walk through Fiordland’s native rainforest. Spend a free day getting as active as you wish in Queenstown – maybe skiing, jet boating or simply exploring town at your own pace. Check out the beautiful Arrowtown, drive through the vineyards of Gibbston Valley and spend a night beneath towering Aoraki/Mt Cook – the country’s highest mountain. See a different side of the country through fun winter activities, scenic drives and the time to slow down along the way – all with an experienced leader by your side.

Trip Name
New Zealand Winter Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
6
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Venture into a winter wonderland on snowshoes in the Cardrona Valley, exploring the snowy alpine meadows, rock features and alpine streams of the Otago region.
  • Visit Arrowtown, a historic 1860s gold-mining town, then drive through the Gibbston Valley, past the Central Otago vineyards and beneath jagged mountains.
  • Spend the night at the foot of Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and take a scenic hike up Hooker Valley – past glacier lakes, through alpine meadows and across the country’s longest swing bridge
  • See beautiful Milford Sound in winter, on the water and on a hike to Mirror Lakes – all the snow-capped splendour without the crowds.
  • Get active in Queenstown during your free time – maybe go skiing or snowboarding, speed down Shotover River on a jetboat or meet the alpacas at a local farm.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Queenstown
Welcome to Tahuna (Queenstown)! Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, winter transforms this region into a breathtaking wonderland. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, head out and explore the lively town centre, browsing boutique shops or warming up with a coffee or mulled wine. After the meeting, the night is yours to find the best spot for a cosy dinner with your group – your local leader will have the best spots on hand.
Day 2 - Cardrona Valley to Te Anau
This morning, head out on a scenic drive over the Crown range and into the Cardrona Valley – you'll start to see why the South Island is so well known for its nature. Today, you’ll get into the great outdoors on snowshoes and walk along secluded trails with the spectacular Otago scenery in the background. This afternoon, make the journey south down to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, and settle into this cosy town for the evening. Perhaps you'd like to visit the local community cinema, where they show a short documentary about this famous region. Later, maybe head to a local pub for a craft beer and wild venison pie – New Zealand is known for its pies!
Day 3 - Milford Sound to Queenstown
Today, the fjords are calling. Drive over to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi – winter is a special time to visit, with snowy mountains, crisp alpine air and fewer visitors. Take a late-morning cruise on the Sound, then head out for a walk through native rainforest with your guide. It's a short uphill climb, but you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views across the fjord and its towering snow-covered peaks. After, continue your journey, stopping at the picturesque Mirror Lakes and Lake Gunn on the way, where on calm days the surrounding mountains and forests are perfectly reflected in the clear water. Then, drive back to Queenstown for the evening.
Day 4 - Queenstown
Enjoy a free day in Queenstown today, checking out what this small, yet bustling town has to offer. Maybe head to the ski and snowboard fields and spend a day on the slopes – don't worry, your leader will always be on hand to help you hire any gear you need, purchase lift passes and organise transport to and from the slopes. There are two ski fields close by – The Remarkables and Coronet Peak – and your leader can also help you decide where to go based on what you’re interested in. Or, take to the water on a jet boat across Shotover River. If you’re looking for a slower pace, you could join a local wine tour or take a boat ride across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm to meet the alpacas and Scottish Highland cattle, followed by a cosy afternoon tea.
Day 5 - Aoraki Mt Cook
Get an early start this morning! Drive through the Gibbston Valley, sandwiched between vineyards and mountains, over Lindis Pass and into Mackenzie Country before arriving at Aoraki Mt Cook, the country's highest mountain. Depending on the weather and fitness levels, your leader will take you on some walks to make the most of this spectacular landscape. Depending on the weather, you may opt to do the full Hooker Valley hike, a shorter portion of the trail or a walk on the Tasman Glacier View Track. Wherever you choose, the views will be incredible!
Day 6 - Queenstown
Make the drive back to Queenstown this morning. On the way, time permitting, stop in Arrowtown, one of New Zealand's most picturesque small towns for a morning coffee and stroll. Continue to Queenstown, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to spend some more time here, just chat with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-06-202702-07-2027AUD $ 2,930-
11-07-202716-07-2027AUD $ 2,930-
25-07-202730-07-2027AUD $ 2,930-
08-08-202713-08-2027AUD $ 2,930-
22-08-202727-08-2027AUD $ 2,930-
05-09-202710-09-2027AUD $ 2,930-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Lodge (1 night)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map