New Zealand offers a myriad of snow sports suited to all levels. If you love experiencing the outdoors in winter, it has everything you’re looking for.
Explore New Zealand’s winter landscapes snowshoeing through pristine and peaceful landscapes. This winter sport is accessible to all, with a great variety of trails and tours to choose from.
Dog sledding in New Zealand is the perfect winter adventure if you seek to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Learn how to manoeuvre the sled and bond with the friendly huskies, while enjoying the beauty of majestic peaks and remote terrain. Over the Top Helicopters offers signature tours that include scenic flights over Lake Hayes and Arrowtown and dog sledding high country trails.
Ice driving is an exhilarating experience that will provide goosebumps to adrenaline seekers. SHPG(opens in new window) in Wānaka offers a fully catered ice-driving experience that includes the full-day driving experience, professional instruction, as well as luxury cars. Minimum numbers apply.
Heli-hiking or glacier climbing will take you to remote, untouched landscapes for an experience like no other. Enjoy the helicopter ride, overlooking white breath-taking topography. Many providers offer expedition packages, including The Cool Climber and INFLITE Experiences(opens in new window) at the Tasman glacier. If you wish to explore Franz Joseph, you might want to check Franz Josef Heli Hike and Fox It Up. For Mount Cook, check out Glentanner(opens in new window) heli-adventures for heli-hiking, heli-snowshoeing or heli-skiing.
Snowmobiling is the perfect experience for those looking for a fun adventure while enjoying the outdoors in winter. Queenstown Snowmobiles offers heli-snowmobiling packages that will take you on a scenic flight before riding the snowmobiles. SnowMoto near Queenstown will take you on half-day, full day tours or overnight expeditions for challenging rides off the beaten paths.
Tobogganing and sledding are the perfect family-friendly winter experiences. Toboggans and sleds are available for hire in most ski areas such as Mt Ruapehu(opens in new window), Mt Hutt(opens in new window), Coronet Peak(opens in new window), (opens in new window)Treble Cone(opens in new window). You can also go down Tekapo Springs Snow Tube Park’s 150m snow slope or wonder around the Snow Farm’s snow fun zone(opens in new window).
If you're adventurous, hire a yooner at Mt Hutt(opens in new window), to have a go at the combination of skiing and sledding.
Snow Farm(opens in new window) in the Cardrona Valley is the only area in New Zealand dedicated exclusively to cross-country skiing, with 55km of scenic trails and half-day or full-day experiences on offer. All-inclusive cross country skiing tours are available in Lake Tekapo/Tākapo’s high country from July to September with Alpine Recreation. Note that a high level of fitness is required.