4 NIGHTS I INCLUDES HELISKI DAY
Join us on our quest to find New Zealand’s finest freeride terrain. Our tour is based at Mt Taylor Lodge in Methven, just over an hours drive from Christchurch International Airport. This small country town is the perfect staging area for some of New Zealand’s best resort and backcountry riding. Home to the legendary heli operation, Methven Heli, where we spend a full day heli-skiing, accessing their huge tenure across 3 mountain ranges; The Arrowsmith, Ragged, and Palmer Ranges. These mountains catch snow from every winter storm to deliver NZ heliskiing’s most consistent snow conditions and quality. Nowhere else in NZ (outside of the Mt Cook area) can you find the glaciated high-alpine terrain that Methven Heliski offers. We also spend a day riding at Mt Hutt where we can access incredible terrain right off the lifts or further afield if you’re ready to earn your turns.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival Day
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival at Christchurch Airport proceed to the meeting point to meet your driver. You will travel by shuttle to our Methven accommodation, Mt Taylor Lodge where your guides will greet you and check you in. Relax and meet the crew in the laid back and scenic lodge. In the evening we’ll head out for dinner to enjoy some great local food.
Day 2 – Mt Hutt Warm Up Day
Our first day on snow will be focused on getting our legs warmed up for our Heli Day. We will head up to Mt Hutt, a must do for any NZ snow tour. Stick to the groomers or hit the impressive powder bowls to get prepared. We return in our private transport, then head out for dinner in Methven. We will generally hit the town to check out the Blue Pub or Brown pub, located conveniently across the road from each other.
Day 3 – Heli-ski Day
We have an early start with a home cooked breakfast at the lodge. We’ll load our equipment into the van and then make the drive to Glenfalloch Station which is our heli staging area. We make our way up the Rakaia Gorge on unsealed roads until we reach the high country sheep station which is at the foot of the Arrowsmith and Ragged Ranges. Once at the station your guides will conduct a safety briefing which includes rescue training and how to use your avalanche safety equipment. They will also brief you on Helicopter Safety. All of the Methven Heliski guides are trained in avalanche rescue and have a wealth of knowledge that they are happy to share with you. Questions are welcomed and encouraged. Methven Heli is unique in that it is the only operator in the area and they have the choice between the super long runs in the Arrowsmith Range or the epic, steep and challenging runs in the Ragged Range. This decision on where we ride will be based on snow conditions and overall group ability levels. In the mornings we typically do 3 – 4 runs before breaking for lunch on mountain. We will have a picnic style lunch in the mountains with sandwiches, snacks and plenty of hot tea and water. In the afternoon we’ll complete our remaining runs, and if there is the opportunity to do more runs, your guides will advise the group. After we have finished riding we will return back to Glenfalloch Station where you can have a few well earned drinks. We’ll then load the vans and head back to Mt Taylor Lodge.
Day 4 – Weather Contingency Day / Optional 2nd Heli Day
Our fourth day gives us a window of flexibility if weather prevents a fly day or to add an extra day of Heli if you’re still up for it. You can also decide to head back to Mt Hutt for another day of riding or just take it easy and relax around the lodge and check out Methven.
Day 5 – Departure Day
Reminisce one last time on the past few days of riding before we drop you back at the airport with your luggage and a ton of life long memories!