Steep, untracked pow in New Zealand’s most advanced heli terrain.
Our Methven Heli Tour is one of our longest running trips, focused on riding steep, untracked pow in New Zealand’s best and most advanced heli-ski terrain.
Over 6 nights in Methven, you’ll have 4 heli days riding across the Arrowsmith, Ragged, or Palmer Ranges. These are big mountain zones with long, technical lines, and we operate in small groups with experienced local guides who know how to make the most of each day. The 6-night format gives you more time around the 4-day heli program, allowing for weather, and the option to add an extra heli day or ride at Mt Hutt. New this season, a dedicated filmer joins your heli for one day, so you leave with footage from the trip.
The trip is fully hosted, with the same group for the duration, which shapes the experience as much as the terrain itself. You’ll stay in our centrally located Methven lodge in your own private room, with daily breakfast and 2-course gourmet dinners featuring locally sourced produce. Lunch on heli days, airport transfers, and full hosting are included throughout.
Why Travel With Mint
In a rapidly changing travel industry, it’s important to know your travel provider is accredited, accountable, and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA, and operate in line with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint, you can have confidence you’re booking with a qualified and established operator with over 20 years of experience. As a full-service travel agent, we can also assist with flight recommendations, insurance, stopovers, and pre or post tour arrangements.
Methven Heli Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
ABILITY & PACE
This trip is suited to advanced riders only. You should be confident riding steep terrain in variable snow conditions and able to keep pace with the group across a full day in the mountains. Previous experience riding backcountry terrain is required. This is not a trip to learn or build fundamentals, and all riders should be comfortable moving through technical terrain with consistency.
TOUR STYLE
This trip is focused on heli-snowboarding, with 4 days in the heli riding across the Arrowsmith, Ragged, or Palmer Ranges. Each day is guided by experienced local heli guides, with terrain selection based on conditions. The 6-night format gives you time around the heli program, with the option to add an extra heli day or spend time riding at Mt Hutt. A dedicated filmer joins your heli for one day, to provide all guests with clips from the trip.
ACCOMMODATION
You’ll stay 6 nights in Methven at a centrally located lodge in your own private room with ensuite. Daily breakfast and 2-course dinners featuring locally sourced produce are included, along with lunch on heli days. The lodge includes an in-house bar and sits directly across from Opuke Thermal Hot Springs, making it an easy place to unwind after a full day in the mountains.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
This trip is scheduled during one of the most reliable periods of the New Zealand heli season, when colder temperatures help preserve snow quality across the ranges. The Arrowsmith, Ragged, and Palmer zones offer a wide variety of terrain and aspects, allowing guides to adapt each day and make the most of prevailing conditions.
FULLY HOSTED
This trip is fully hosted by Mint Tours, with support from experienced local heli guides on each flying day. The local guides bring detailed knowledge of the terrain and conditions, while your Mint host manages the flow of the trip and looks after the group throughout.
GROUP SIZE & EXPERIENCE
This is a small group tour, allowing for a consistent crew across the week and an efficient experience in the heli. Smaller groups mean less waiting, better flow, and more time riding. Keeping the same group for the duration also shapes the overall experience, both on and off the mountain.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUDES
✔ 4 heli days (5 runs per day)
✔ Experienced heli guides on all flying days
✔ Use of safety equipment on heli days
✔ Return transfers to the heli staging area on heli days
✔ Dedicated filmer in your heli for one day
✔ Video clips from your trip
✔ 6 nights in a private single room with ensuite
✔ Daily buffet breakfast
✔ Lunch on heli days
✔ 6 dinners at the lodge, 2-course gourmet meals with locally sourced ingredients
✔ Group airport transfers on arrival and departure (Christchurch Airport)
✔ Comprehensive pre-departure guide and trip planning support
✔ Fully hosted Mint Tours experience from arrival to departure
EXCLUDES
✖ Flights to and from Christchurch International Airport, visas, and travel insurance
✖ 2 lunches
✖ Mt Hutt lift ticket if required (Ikon Pass destination)
✖ Drinks and snacks not listed above
✖ Rental equipment
✖ Personal expenses
DATES
August 9–15, 2026
ROOM OPTIONS AND PRICES
Single Room – USD $6,490 per person
Private room with a King bed for one guest.
PAYMENT TERMS
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
Places are limited and bookings are confirmed on receipt of deposit.
View our terms and conditions HERE
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry, it’s important to know your travel provider is accredited, accountable, and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and operates in line with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. With over 20 years of experience, you’re booking with a qualified and established operator.
Our trips are fully hosted and run end-to-end, with everything taken care of from the moment you arrive. From accommodation and transfers to daily logistics and on-the-ground support, you don’t need to think about anything other than riding. In the lead-up to your trip, you’ll have a dedicated tour manager to assist with planning and answer any questions, and once you’re on the ground, a Mint guide is with you from start to finish.
As a full-service travel agent, we can also assist with flight recommendations, insurance, stopovers, and pre or post tour arrangements.
WHAT IS A HELI TOUR?
Our Methven Heli Tour is a fully hosted heli-snowboarding trip, giving you 4 heli days over a 6-night stay. This format allows time around the heli program, with the flexibility to work with conditions and the option to add an extra heli day if available. Terrain and locations are selected daily by the guides based on weather and snow conditions, and guests should be prepared to ride a range of snow conditions throughout the week.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Before you travel, you will receive a pre-departure guide with everything you need to know. This includes arrival and departure information, where to meet, recommended flight timings, and travel details for getting to Methven from Christchurch.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
Most of our guests travel solo, so you’ll be in good company. Groups tend to come together quickly through a shared focus on riding and being in the mountains. All guests have their own private room throughout the tour.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This trip is suited to advanced riders who are comfortable in backcountry terrain. You should be confident riding steep lines, variable snow, and able to keep pace with the group across a full day. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we can help determine if it’s the right fit.
WHICH MOUNTAINS WILL WE VISIT?
The exact zones are selected by the head guide each day, based on weather, snow conditions, and group ability. Expect to ride across the Arrowsmith, Ragged, and Palmer Ranges.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
Yes, we can help tailor your trip to suit your travel plans. Whether you want to arrive early or extend your stay, speak with one of our tour specialists when booking.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
You’ll be guided by experienced local heli guides with in-depth knowledge of the terrain and conditions. Your Mint host will be with the group throughout the trip, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
Flights are not included. We can provide flight recommendations and assist with bookings if required.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We recommend purchasing a comprehensive snow-specific policy once your booking is confirmed.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
After booking, you’ll receive confirmation and ongoing updates, including arrival details, travel information, and preparation notes. A full pre-departure guide is sent 30 days prior to departure, and you’ll be added to a group chat with your host and guides ahead of the trip.
HOW CAN I CHECK MY ABILITY LEVEL?
If you’re unsure whether this trip is right for you, speak with one of our tour specialists. We’ll help assess your ability and recommend the best option.
HOW DO I GET TO METHVEN?
We’ll provide clear instructions on getting to Christchurch and meeting your host. If needed, we can help coordinate travel with other guests.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
This is a small group tour with limited spots. Get in touch with one of our team to check availability and secure your place.
DO YOU TAKE SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS?
Yes, this tour is open to both skiers and snowboarders.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE CAN’T FLY DUE TO WEATHER?
Any unused heli days are refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
No. We recommend bringing your own equipment for the tour.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Conditions in the New Zealand mountains can vary. We recommend quality outerwear, layering for warmth, goggles for different light conditions, and your own snowboard or ski setup.
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of like-minded riders from a range of backgrounds. Groups tend to come together quickly through a shared focus on riding and being in the mountains.
HOW MUCH DO YOU RIDE EACH DAY?
Each heli day typically includes around 5 runs, with exact vertical depending on conditions, terrain, and group pace. Your guides will aim to make the most of each day based on what’s available.
WHAT IF I CAN’T KEEP UP?
This trip is designed for advanced riders who are comfortable in steep and variable terrain. If you’re unsure, we recommend speaking with our team before booking to make sure it’s the right fit.
CAN I ADD MORE HELI DAYS?
Yes. Additional heli days can be added. We recommend pre-booking when you book the tour as peak times can sell out quickly.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE HELI?
Each heli group includes 4 guests plus a guide. This keeps the group small and allows for an efficient day in the mountains.
CAN I ADD EXTRA RUNS?
Yes. Additional runs are typically available at a rate of NZD $165 per run, payable directly to the heli operator.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER TYPICALLY LIKE?
Heli-snowboarding operates in fine weather, so flying days depend on conditions. Over the course of the 6-night trip, we typically expect to get at least 4 heli days, with exact timing determined by weather and snow conditions throughout the week.
WEATHER AND CONDITIONS
The Southern Alps have a maritime snowpack, so you can expect a range of snow conditions throughout the trip. Storm cycles can deliver quality powder, particularly in early to mid August, while other days may bring firmer or more variable snow depending on weather and aspect.
QUESTIONS OR READY TO BOOK?
We’re here to help. If you’ve got questions or need more info, just get in touch and we’ll talk you through the details. Ready to lock in your spot? Give us a call or send us an email.
EMAIL [email protected]
PHONE +1 503 994 1919
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your tour begins.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Click HERE to view our full terms and conditions.