Wanaka is home to the South Island's largest ski and snowboard resorts
Located at the foot of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Wanaka is the perfect base to experience the best skiing & snowboarding in New Zealand, with two world class ski areas on our doorstep – Cardrona & Treble Cone.
Cardrona boasts consistent snow and reliable weather making it perfect for mellow freeriding across the three main basins. On a powder day we head straight to Arcadia for the many chutes and rock drops, then every other day ‘Cardies’ is arguably the best destination for terrain parks and halfpipes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Treble Cone is located only 30 minutes from the Wanaka township via a stunning lakeside drive with amazing Southern Alps scenery around every corner. Known as ‘TC’ to the locals, the ski area is the largest in the South Island and famous for long runs, steep off-piste terrain with fewer crowds and lift lines compared to Queenstown.
You’ll spend 4 full days skiing & snowboarding both Wanaka ski areas with our experienced Mint guides who will take you under their wing and show you the unique terrain each resort offers. All transportation is included and you’ll travel in comfortable 4WD vehicles daily from our centrally located Wanaka accommodation.
Dates
29 August - 4 September, 2021
Guest to Guide Ratio
6 guests : 1 guide
Price
AUD $2,690 PER PERSON
Tour Type
Freeride - For intermediate and above riders
Why Travel With Mint
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
Wanaka Freeride Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
FLEXIBLE ITINERARY
Our base for this tour is Wanaka, which gives us easy access to Wanaka and Treble Cone. We keep the itinerary flexible so your guide can hunt down the best conditions all day, every day. Each day your guide will assess the conditions and decide which is the best place to ride based on weather and snowfall. Each day we’ll load up our van’s and drive to our chosen area. This flexibility ensures that we will find you the best snow and conditions all day, every day.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
This tour is running at the best time of the season for snowfall and optimal heli-ski conditions. Your guides have an in depth knowledge of the local area and will be able to find any type of terrain to suit your ability. Even if we don’t get fresh snow overnight, our local knowledge will ensure you’ll be able to ride light quality snow days after a storm.
EASY TRANSFERS
We take the hassle out of travel and make it a stress-free trip, especially if you’re travelling solo or it’s your first time to New Zealand. Once your flight arrives in Queenstown, grab your bags and your guide will meet you at the airport. We’ll then load the van and make a short door-to-door trip, from the airport. Grab a seat in our 4WD van and we’ll take you to our hotel, check you in, and make sure you’re set up for the adventure ahead.
COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION
We make sure all our guests stay in comfortable accommodation that’s in the best location. Throughout the tour you’ll stay in a lodge just steps away from the shores of Lake Wanaka and close to all the action in town. Our comfortable twin share rooms are equipped with a 2 single beds and everything you need for your stay. Each room has heating, TV, and free WiFi.
PRE-TOUR SUPPORT
After you sign up for a tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
SMALL GROUPS
We offer one of the smallest client to guide ratio’s in the industry which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. Our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best areas a destination can offer. When we are on mountain, our guest to guide ratio is 6 people per guide. This also makes for a more personal experience between our guests and guides.
ESSENTIAL INFO
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
- 6 nights twin share accommodation at Aspiring Lodge, Wanaka
- 4 day lift ticket valid at Cardrona Alpine Resort & Treble Cone
- 4 days resort guiding at Cardrona or Treble Cone with qualified guides
- Daily private transfers to and from the resort in 4WD vehicles
- Arrival day pick-up from Queenstown Airport
- Departure day drop-off to Queenstown Airport
- Mint Tours guides on hand throughout tour.
The Wanaka Freeride Tour is a 6 night tour. If this isn’t enough, then why not book one of our multi-tour combo’s. Ask us about tour combo ideas and multi-tour discounts.
29 August – 4 September, 2021
PRO-TIP – GO PRIVATE!
Book this tour as a private departure – with your own guide and all the benefits of a Mint group tour – for any group, big or small (even just one traveller). Get in touch to discuss.
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conducts business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we can take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.
WHAT HAPPENS IF BORDERS ARE CLOSED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?
The global health crisis has impacted everyone enormously, so we want to make sure your future travel plans are safe and reassure you that we are committed to supporting our customers in the best way that we can. You can view our latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates HERE
WHAT IS A FREERIDE TOUR?
Our Freeride Tours offer you the best chance to ride a variety of terrain from parks through to steeps and trees. Our experienced guides have an in-depth knowledge of the Wanaka ski areas which gives you the ultimate advantage when chasing un-tracked snow or looking to challenge yourself. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride anything.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Once you’ve signed up for the tour we will send you through a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
About 99% of our guests are travelling solo, so you’ll be in good company. If you are travelling solo, you will be paired with another guest to room with. The accommodation for this tour is twin share i.e. 2 beds per room. Your group will be made up mostly of solo travellers. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that New Zealand has to offer.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
Each tour is different, but we know that by offering one of the smallest client to guide ratio in the industry allows you to ski or snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. We have a maximum of 6 people on this tour. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time riding powder.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This tour is best suited to skiers and snowboarders who can link turns in powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse, hold speed and is adventurous when skiing and snowboarding the entire mountain including side-hits and jumps. If you’re not sure, give us a call. Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything.
WHICH MOUNTAINS WILL WE VISIT?
We visit both Wanaka ski resorts – Cardrona and Treble Cone.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
For most tours you can arrive earlier or stay later. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
All of our tours are guided by friendly, knowledgeable and expertly trained guides who are passionate about the mountains. Most of our guides work for us season after season.
CAN YOU BOOK FLIGHTS?
Yes. Let us take the hassle out of selecting the right flights for the tour. We can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
Flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests on tour need to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We offer all of our tour guests discounted snow specific travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot on tour, we will send you through a booking confirmation and provide updates about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information. We will send out a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure. Prior to the tour commencing we will invite you to a group chat which is managed by your tour manager and guides.
HOW CAN I CHECK MY ABILITY LEVEL?
The best way to check if a tour is suited to your ability is by speaking with one of our tour specialists. They will be able to determine if the tour you have selected is a good fit for your ability, as well as suggesting other tour options.
HOW DO I GET TO WANAKA?
We’ll provide you with a guide with details on how to get to Queenstown Airport and where to meet your hosts. If it’s your fist time to New Zealand or if you’re unsure about travel arrangements, often we can link you up with other tour guests to travel with.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Speak with one of our tour specialists. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
DO YOU TAKE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS?
Yes! We are ski and snowboard friendly. Please note that the majority of our tours are led by snowboard guides.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes. A 4 day lift ticket valid at Cardrona Alpine Resort & Treble Cone is included in the tour price.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
Yes! We can arrange rental equipment for most destinations, however we do recommend bringing your own equipment.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand is like nothing else. Expect all kinds of weather and snow with temperatures typically ranging from +10 to -10. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight insulated layer, merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. We recommend that all guests bring their own ski or snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear).
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore all that New Zealand has to offer.
PRICE PER PERSON
The Wanaka Freeride Tour is AUD $2690 per person.
SINGLE SHARE SUPPLEMENTS
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this tour. The single supplement applies to all nights on your tour and is subject to availability. Please speak to your tour specialist for further information.
RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT
To secure your spot on tour, a non-refundable 25% deposit is payable within 3 days of booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
If you would like some more information or a quote for the tour you can contact us by:
1. ONLINE
Click on ‘Enquiry’ below and send us your details. Once we receive your request one of our New Zealand Tour Specialists will be in touch with a with a quote, availability and further details about the tour.
2. OVER THE PHONE
Call us and follow the prompts to speak to one of our New Zealand Tour specialists.
Within Australia (03) 8563 9437
International +61 (03) 8563 9437
3. EMAIL
Drop us an email and one of our New Zealand Tour Specialists will be in touch with a with a quote, availability and further details about the tour.