See and Ski New Zealand’s Big Three
Fly a ski plane over Australasia’s tallest peak, ski New Zealand’s longest glacier and stargaze in the Southern Hemisphere’s only Dark Sky Reserve
A once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises endless exploration.
This is the ultimate Kiwi ski adventure, which kicks off with a helicopter flight over the magestic Mt Cook, Australasia's tallest peak. After a short briefing you'll take a ski plane to the top of New Zealand's longest glacier - The Tasman - and explore seracs and ice caves with your private ski guide followed by a picnic lunch on the glacier. Finish the day with a private stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Based in the impressive Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, you'll ski 8-10km long runs, accessed by the Southern Hemisphere's only ski plane. Explore the vast expanse of this UNESCO World Heritage Area.
This experience is a great introduction to backcountry skiing. The sweeping terrain is gentle, making it a perfect experience for mixed abilities looking for something totally different.
Whilst New Zealand's winter runs from June to October — this adventure is best experienced between July and September.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Your day starts with an exhilarating helicopter flight past the tallest peak in Australasia, Aoraki/Mt. Cook (3,724m), where you’ll gaze down at the spectacular Southern Alps. This goes way beyond your average alpine backdrop — rugged mountaintops frame the blue, cloudless skies, whilst dense forests and glacial blue lakes sparkle below.
The aviation thrills don’t stop there. A private ski plane will transport you to the top of the country’s longest glacier, where you’ll get to touch down onto soft powder before plummeting down an intoxicating 8km ski descent. Despite appearances, the pace of skiing is relaxed — the easy to moderate pitch provides a powdered playground for all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced.
With breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Area — skiers will be in true alpine heaven as they glide effortlessly, navigating themselves through glistening blue ice caves and dramatic ice formations, all set beneath a canvas of cloudless blue skies.
A backdrop so breathtaking it will quite literally take your breath away.
Experienced guides will lead the way through frozen seracs and aquamarine ice caverns, followed by an alfresco picnic lunch perched on the glacier. Lunch with a view doesn’t even cut it.
Finish your day with a flight back to Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat — the glistening blue waters of Lake Pukaki are enough to send anyone into switch-off mode — before spending the evening beneath the Southern Hemisphere’s only Dark Sky Reserve.
A bucket list alpine experience that will stay in your memory forever — this is a ski discovery with a difference, and an adventure we guarantee you won’t want to miss out on.
PRICING
Starting at US$2,700 per person based on 6 guests
Included for this price:
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat
- Breakfast & evening meals
- Private helicopter flight
- Ski Plane with glacier landing
- 2 Guided 8km ski runs
- Glacier picnic lunch
- Private wine tasting with winemaker
- Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve
Note that ice caves and seracs cannot be guaranteed as the glacier moves around 30cm each day and guest safety is our top priority
As with all of our ski adventures, this experience is just an example of what’s out there. You may prefer to travel by car, spend some time in Queenstown and Wanaka, or explore the country over a couple of weeks. Whatever you’re after, let us know and we’ll help you create a truly once-in-a-lifetime winter adventure. We’ve spent many years in both the North and South Island, so know all the hidden gems and the best guides in town.
