Spotlight: South Island Winter Adventure

Tips And Advice From Our Guide Steve Tulley

You don't have to be an experienced snow bunny to join this exciting itinerary that includes some of the best winter experiences NZ's South Island has to offer, you just need a passion for the outdoors, and of course some warm clothes.  

To give you a better idea of what our South Island Winter Adventure is all about we thought we'd ask the man who helped create the trip, legendary Adventure South NZ guide Steve Tulley. Steve has been guiding for us for over 10 seasons and is very passionate about all things outdoors, and loves heading up into the mountains. 

Where Does The South Island Winter Adventure Visit? 

Our South Island Winter Adventure isn't your typical ski holiday. 

Our aim was to design a trip that offered both beginners and advanced skiers the chance to enjoy the snow both on and off the ski's, and away from the crowded commercial fields. Our 7 day fully supported winter tour starts in Queenstown, from where we head up to Snow Farm NZ for some Nordic Skiing followed by a night in the famous Cardrona Hotel. We then head to Lake Ohau Snow Fields for a day of skiing before spending a day cycling on the popular Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. The fun in the snow continues with snowshoeing at the remote Rex Simpson Hut before finishing in in true Kiwi style with an exhilarating Jet Boat ride down the Rakaia Gorge. 

What Makes This Much More Than A Ski Holiday?

One of the best things about this trip is the local knowledge and stories you get from the guides and back country tour operators who have many years of experience in the NZ outdoors. From the weather, to mountain conditions, negotiating alpine ridges, or cooking up a gastronomic delight in a backcountry hut -  this is all taken care of for you.
 

What Excites You Most About This Winter Adventure? 

The variety of activities. From Nordic skiing, cycling a section of the very popular Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, downhill skiing on one of the best family owned ski fields in the South Island with its own amazing lodge - and HOT tubs - this trip packs in a lot of iconic activities in one week.

Venturing into the Mt Cook National Park is something not many people do in the winter time and we have some great accommodation there with amazing views. Snowshoeing up to the private Rex Simpson hut in the Two Thumb Range, where the night skies are amazing, is always a treat. The snow capped ridge beyond the hut offers unparalleled views of the Southern Alps, and maybe even a great place to build a snow cave. I can't wait to get out there!