Wānaka Ski Itinerary

You’ll be mesmerised as your plane descends between the sky-piercing Alps and lands at New Zealand’s most picturesque airport, Queenstown. Enjoy the beautifully scenic drive over the Crown Range to Wānaka or take the longer route through Gibbston Valley wine country.

Wānaka is a boutique-style town giving you the freedom to do your own thing, away from the crowds. Enjoy your evening relaxing beside a roaring open fire at one of the excellent bars or restaurants and watch as the sun sets over the lake.

Today head towards Cardrona Alpine Resort, approximately 40 minutes' drive from Wānaka.

Cardrona Alpine Resort is characterised by wide-open basins, with beginner trails, long blue runs and off-piste slopes, offering excitement for all. Freestylers are spoilt for choice with four terrain parks, two halfpipes, a gravity cross course and a big air jump. There are also some great kids’ programmes, with facilities to look after the tiniest tots – from 3 months of age – and the Kids Ski and Snowboard School for those up to 14 years. At lunchtime, you can choose from one of eight eateries, all offering amazing views across the slopes.

Relax in the evening with a visit to Wānaka's boutique Cinema Paradiso.

Off the slopes, Wānaka has plenty of amazing things do. Take a half-day cruise on the lake to Mou Waho Island and enjoy a unique nature walk. Say hello to the cheeky weka birds as they try to scrounge for your lunch. Or if you're feeling adventurous, many skydivers consider this one of the most beautiful drop zones in the world or try a Wildwire climbing adventure up twin waterfalls.

For quirkiness, at every turn, you can’t go past Puzzling World. Filled with optical illusions, a great 3D maze, eccentric architecture and the intriguing Psychic challenge, this is definitely a brain-teaser of an attraction.

Today you'll head for the South Island’s largest ski field, Treble Cone. It boasts the longest vertical rise, at 700 metres, compliments of a leg-burning 4km downhill run. With two basins to explore, The Saddle and Home Basins, it's no wonder that Treble Cone has become famous for its long, uncrowded, groomed slopes.

Treble Cone’s position and elevation provide the most amazing views of Lake Wānaka. If you're a first timer on the snow, Treble Cone offers small group lessons with a qualified instructor, ensuring your progress.

This morning you'll depart Wānaka and travel back to Queenstown.

Before you leave, be sure to check out some of Queenstown's many attractions. Along with the excellent wineries in Gibbston Valley and fascinating history in Arrowtown, Queenstown offers a huge number of activities for you to try. There's a reason we call it the adventure capital.