Be wowed from the moment you arrive in Queenstown flying through the snow-capped mountains and into a wintery wonderland. Meet your driver and be transferred to the luxurious Rosewood Matakauri Lodge also known as home for the next 4 nights. Your days are spent with minimal effort and maximum reward at Cardrona Alpine Resort and Remarkables Ski Area sliding through the snow and indulging in the apres vibes. Adventure can be found in the Garvie Plateau on your snowmobile experience cruising along the mountain tops. We've left the best for last with a hotel transfer like no other into Minaret Lodge. Situated in the Minaret Ranges we can't imagine anywhere better to spend your winter days. Your final day skiing is one for the bucket list with fresh turns all day as you heliski in the mountains around the lodge.
This suggested tour costs from NZD$32,625 per person (twin share, low season)
7 days/6 nights
Luxury Lodges
Pre and post tour options? YES
from (per person)
twin share/double
Viewed 18 times in the last 7 days
from (per person)
twin share/double
Sample experiences that our clients love
Map and Itinerary
Day by Day Itinerary
DAY 1 Welcome to Tāhuna-Queenstown
Renowned for its adrenaline inducing activities Queenstown is synonymous with adventure. Parked on the shores of Lake Wakatipu this small alpine town is nestled below soaring vistas of The Remarkables Mountain Range. While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand’s crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. Spend time on the Gibbston wine trail and end with a meal at Michelin star chef Josh Emett’s restaurant, Rata. Take a trip down memory lane on a 100 year old steamship the TSS Earnslaw. Soak in the scenery on your walk around the lake, or venture further afield into Fiordland National Park. Head over the hill to resort town Wanaka, or re-live scenes from Lord Of The Rings by four wheel drive. But - if you really do want that rush - head out on the Shotover Jet, dive off the Nevis Bungy, freefall on the Canyon swing or Zip line the Gondola. Just be sure it's done on an empty stomach – don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Your driver will meet you at the airport and drop you off at your accommodation
Queenstown known in Māori as Tāhuna, is home to many adrenaline-inducing activities. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this alpine town has very distinct seasons, and most adrenaline-filled activities can be accessed year-round. Queenstown is home to jet boating, bungy jumping, rafting, skydiving, paragliding, and even indoor thrills. If you want that rush - head out on the Shotover Jet, dive off the Nevis Bungy, freefall on the Canyon Swing, or Zip line the Gondola. While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand’s crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. If you’re looking for a slightly slower pace, there are plenty of recreational activities, including hiking and biking trails to explore, guided tours, boat cruises, scenic flights, or spa and wellness options to help you get away. Head to the lakefront, eat at one of the al fresco eateries, and soak up the local vibes; catch a ride on the iconic 100-year-old steamship the TSS Earnslaw; or take the Skyline Gondola and enjoy bird's-eye views of the Remarkables mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu. Pack a picnic and go for a hike, only 20 minutes from Central Queenstown, Coronet Peak opens for summer sightseeing. You can ride the Peak Gondola to the top for panoramic views and hike the trails, or go for a bike ride on many excellent biking trails. In winter, Queenstown becomes a world-class winter resort, with four ski areas and a range of activities, bars, restaurants, and ways to relax and unwind.
Your accommodation: Rosewood Matakauri Queenstown
Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views from every angle of the Remarkable, Cecil and Walter Peak mountain ranges. Just seven minutes from Queenstown the lodge provides an alpine lakeside retreat nestled in one of the world’s most serenely beautiful landscapes.
DAY 2 Meet your private ski concierge and hit the slopes at Cardrona
Explore the mountains with an expert guide for a personalised experience. Enjoy full-day flexibility with guide and vehicle services, including assistance with navigating the mountain, choosing the best runs, booking lessons, lunch reservations, and transportation. Benefit from luxury door-to-door transfers and in-house ski fittings for a seamless experience. Available at all local Queenstown ski areas.
Located near Queenstown and Wanaka, this ski resort boasts stunning Southern Alps scenery, extensive ski and snowboard terrain, and world-class facilities. Perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned pros, Cardrona offers everything from gentle learner slopes to thrilling freestyle parks and backcountry trails. Enjoy a vibrant après-ski scene and access to 600ha of terrain from 6 chairlifts.
Cardrona is New Zealand's fun and family-friendly ski resort with the most reliable snow conditions in the region. Its high elevation and southerly aspect mean dry natural snow is plentiful, which is further enhanced by snowmaking facilities. Cardrona is the perfect place for beginners and intermediates, with NZ's only combined gondola chairlift, easy-to-use surface lifts, specialised beginner packages and plenty of wide open trails spread over three basins. If you're up for a challenge, you'll find it in Arcadia, with secret powder stashes, chutes and cliff drops. Cardrona is home to the NZ Park & Pipe Team & offers the most extensive terrain park facilities in the Southern Hemisphere with four terrain parks, two half pipes and a gravity-cross course. Boasting eight distinctly different cafes, fully licensed kids' centres, on-mountain accommodation, retail; ski & snowboard lessons; and a fully equipped rental department, Cardrona is pure gold.
The tour includes a journey through the working distillery and barrelhouse and finishes with a tutored tasting of Cardrona Distillery's artisan spirits.
Your accommodation: Rosewood Matakauri Queenstown
Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views from every angle of the Remarkable, Cecil and Walter Peak mountain ranges. Just seven minutes from Queenstown the lodge provides an alpine lakeside retreat nestled in one of the world’s most serenely beautiful landscapes. DAY 3 Explore the mountains in style with a heli-transfer to snowmobile the Garvie Plateau
Your driver will meet you and transfer you to Queenstown Airport
This two and a half hour fully guided snowmobile adventure departs from Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters hangar at Queenstown Airport, taking you on an exhilarating 13 minute flight (approximately) across the western face of the Remarkables Mountain Range, over the Hector Mountains, and across the Nevis River Valley, where you land at the base of the Garvie Mountains.
After landing at the snowmobile base you will gear up (you will be provided with warm overalls, helmets, gloves, and boots) and have a safety briefing with your guide. Your guide will ensure you can operate your snowmobile safely and comfortably. You are then lead through the sparse backcountry, along the central most inland mountain range in New Zealand, cruising to an altitude of up to 6,000ft above sea level. Stunning scenery and views will astound throughout the whole experience. With stops along the way for some amazing photo opportunities of the spectacular landscape.
The snowmobile tour will move at a pace comfortable for everyone. The snowmobiles are modern Polaris machines, they are easy to operate and your guide is right there if you need any assistance. Upon arriving back to Snowmobiles base, finish your tour with a return helicopter ride back to Queenstown.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please click here.
Your driver will meet you at the airport and drop you off at your accommodation
Your accommodation: Rosewood Matakauri Queenstown
Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views from every angle of the Remarkable, Cecil and Walter Peak mountain ranges. Just seven minutes from Queenstown the lodge provides an alpine lakeside retreat nestled in one of the world’s most serenely beautiful landscapes. DAY 4 Another epic day is waiting up The Remarkables
Explore the mountains with an expert guide for a personalised experience. Enjoy full-day flexibility with guide and vehicle services, including assistance with navigating the mountain, choosing the best runs, booking lessons, lunch reservations, and transportation. Benefit from luxury door-to-door transfers and in-house ski fittings for a seamless experience. Available at all local Queenstown ski areas.
The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to ski and ride Queenstown’s closest mountains – Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Get more choice, more fun and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
The New Zealand 1 Day Superpass is your ticket to fun both on or off the mountains. The New Zealand Superpass can also be used as a Twilight Pass on applicable days at Coronet Peak (visit the Guest Services Desk to swap to a Twilight Pass). If you decide not to ski you can also swap your New Zealand Superpass for credit towards a selection of off-mountain activities, retail stores, bars and restaurants in Queenstown.
Want to ski a little longer, don't own your own gear or snow clothing, or not sure if your skills are up to scratch?
No worries, just get in touch and we can help you add additional days, rentals, or lessons.
Your accommodation: Rosewood Matakauri Queenstown
Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views from every angle of the Remarkable, Cecil and Walter Peak mountain ranges. Just seven minutes from Queenstown the lodge provides an alpine lakeside retreat nestled in one of the world’s most serenely beautiful landscapes. DAY 5 Today is a hotel transfer like no other soaring over the hills and into The Minaret mountain range
Your driver will meet you and transfer you to Queenstown Airport
This is not your normal hotel transfer. Flying through spectacular mountain valleys, over snow-capped peaks and across braided alpine rivers, the journey into Minaret Station is up there amongst some of the world’s finest scenic flights. And this we call a transfer!
Minaret Station Lodge offers a selection of off-the-beaten-path experiences for all interests and fitness levels, allowing you to make the most of your stay. Adventure activities include heli-skiing, heli-biking, heli-hiking, backcountry fishing or a guided hunting expedition. Wish to explore at a slower pace? Minaret Station also offers horse-riding tours or an exclusive look into the day-to-day operations of the 50,000-acre private farm.
Talk to our friendly sales consultants about arranging a day experience, or, bask in the sun and enjoy the incredible scenes at Minaret Station.
Your accommodation: Minaret Station Lodge
Minaret Lodge is a luxury retreat set in a remote glacial valley. Offering elegant accommodations, it blends modern comfort with alpine charm. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts, a cozy lounge, and personalised service.
DAY 6 A bucket list day spent with endless fresh turns that can only be found via Heliski
This one-in-a-lifetime experience will collect you from the lodge and take you into the mountains for 12-15 runs in some of New Zealand's best skiing conditions. You will be hosted by a professional guide and enjoy a fully catered lunch on top of the Southern Alps.
Your accommodation: Minaret Station Lodge
Minaret Lodge is a luxury retreat set in a remote glacial valley. Offering elegant accommodations, it blends modern comfort with alpine charm. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts, a cozy lounge, and personalised service. DAY 7 Depart the mountains and take with you memories of your epic winter escape
Bid farewell to your home in the mountains and you fly through The Minarets over Lake Wānaka back to Queenstown.
Your driver will meet you and transfer you to Queenstown Airport
Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!
All our New Zealand touring ideas are designed to inspire & inform you. Our speciality is tailor made touring vacations and experiences. So if you see something you like then contact the team via video call or send us an enquiry on the form below and we will call you back as soon as we can. We look forward to building the trip of a lifetime!
Real Experiences, Real Stories
We have already recommended Fine Tours New Zealand, and specifically Chelsea, to our family
and friends. Given the high likelihood that we will return to this wonderful country someday,
Chelsea and Fine Tours New Zealand will be our first call.
We are so grateful to have you as our travel agent. From our first conversation last August, your
knowledge and enthusiasm helped guide us to select the perfect first journey to New Zealand. It
included all the natural wonders and outdoor activities we liked and allowed enough time in most
places to relax and enjoy our surroundings.
Some of our most popular tour ideas
View All tours
Get in touch to discuss your journey
