Luxury travel: take your ski vacation to the next level

Live the high alpine life this winter with New Zealand’s coolest ski and snowboard experiences in the Southern Alps, designed for the discerning who loves their snow sports served with a touch of style.

Chalet Whare Kea

You’re no further than Whare Kea Chalet, a 15-minute helicopter ride from Wānaka and a world far from civilization, perched on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. You and five of your friends can sleep in this mountain top chalet with two staff members to create an experience like no other as you dine on fresh dishes and sleep soundly breathing the mountain air at 1750 m above sea level.

In the morning and a hearty breakfast, the chopper will take you to exclusive heli-skiing trails where you ski in pristine powder. Spend the afternoon sipping house cocktails while gazing out of the framed windows with views of Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring.

From NZ $ 4,340 for two, per night, including helicopter transfers, three-course dinner and breakfast. Heliski not included.
aspiringhelicopters.co.nz

The Redefined Soho Basin

What do you get when you combine one of New Zealand’s most famous vineyards and dining experiences with over 1,000 acres of private, unspoiled snowy land? Soho Basin cat skiing near Queenstown.

This private rental experience allows you and 9 friends to board a heated private cat that transports you to a new ski slope every time. Let yourself be guided by experts as you hurtle down rolling basins, open bowls and powder falls.

At lunchtime, you’ll be seated on the deck of a specially designed hut for a three-course meal with assorted wines from the gourmet Amisfield Winery crew. Spend the afternoon skiing more or just continue to dine on the best of New Zealand.

10,000 NZD for 10 people including transport, ski cat, lunch, wines and après-ski.
sohobasin.com

Heliskiing at Minaret station

There’s luxury and then there’s Minaret Station, a helicopter-accessible lodge on a 50,000-acre workstation, with private cabins located deep in a glacial valley near Wānaka. Fly away and lie down in one of the four luxury chalets surrounded by endless wilderness with a breathtaking starry sky.

Relax in the main lodge with living areas, log fires, library, cellar and dining room where Minaret Station’s open-air raised venison, Te Mana lamb and Angus beef are at your fingertips. honor. The chefs use the best of the region, including seafood from Fiordland and wines from Otago.

With a private helicopter rental, you can even take a few turns at sunrise and return for breakfast before an extra day of skiing and even a trip to the West Coast to pick up a crayfish for dinner.

From NZ $ 2,950 per chalet.
minaretstation.com

The Dacha Residence, Wānaka

On the way to Treble Cone and Cardrona for skiing? Then you will need some sophisticated digging and you will not get any more fancy than The Dacha (“house” in Russian).

This Wānaka-based private residence is a designer lakeside sanctuary with breathtaking lake views and mountain silhouettes. Expect shale stones, glass walls, high ceilings, a swimming pool, hot tub and even a private guest apartment, The Banya, tucked away in the garden with more of those breathtaking views .

Release NZ’s concierge team can organize a private chef, driver, ski guides and whatever your winter heart desires.

From NZ $ 8,000 per night, minimum stay of 3 nights.
releasenz.com

Cardrona and Treble Cone

And the luxury doesn’t stop while you’re on the mountain – Cardrona and Treble Cone both offer fabulous exclusive experiences to ensure your vacation continues the way you’ve become accustomed to it.

Book private lessons for fully customizable tours, whether you’re looking for drop-offs, unique local guides, or technical masterclasses. You can also call on the intelligence of your instructor for great local advice on what to do outside of the mountains.

Both Mountains have retail stores featuring premium snow gear from brands like The North Face, Moon Boot, Eivy, Mons Royale, icebreaker, Burton and more.

Once you’ve fueled up on the slopes, head to Mezz at Cardrona for an a la carte dinner with locally sourced ingredients, or Vista Bar atop McDougall’s Chondola for hot chocolate or Mumm champagne. At Treble Cone, the elevation atop Home Basin offers invaluable views of the Matukituki Valley and Lake Wānaka.

cardrona.com; treblecone.com

The Peak Club, Coronet Peak

Avoid the crowds and experience the exclusive Peak Club while skiing and snowboarding at Coronet Peak near Queenstown. With a Peak Club Day Pass, you’ll enjoy priority parking, access to the member’s private lounge, free drinks and lunch, and priority elevator access. Day pass numbers are available throughout the season, but their number is limited (there is a waiting list for Season Peak Club membership).

From NZ $ 450 per day
coronetpeak.com

Ski the Tasman by alpine guides

One of the most unique ski experiences on offer, Ski the Tasman takes skiers-only helicopter up to the Tasman Glacier for a day of glacier skiing with a guide. Guests take off from Mount Cook for a scenic flight over azure lakes and mountain peaks and a glacier landing. The skiing is intermediate with two long runs of around 10km each, and there is time to explore a few ice caves and enjoy a relaxing lunch before a second glacial takeoff and landing for more skiing. Settle into the village of Mt Cook or take a scenic plane flight from Queenstown or Wanaka for a day of adventure.

From NZ $ 749 per person (from NZ $ 1,249 from Queenstown)
skithetasman.co.nz

Pacific Jemm

Start and end your day of skiing in Queenstown on a private yacht on Lake Wakatipu. The team behind Eichardt’s upscale hotel and private residence experience also offers the keys to the Pacific Jemm, an 80-foot yacht for navigating the waters of the lake. With four elegant cabins, four and a half bathrooms, a living and dining area, a private chef and crew, and a secluded cove in which to drop anchor, the Pacific Jemm offers unique accommodations for the intrepid luxury traveler.

From NZ $ 1,800 per night.
pacificjemm.com

Private ski rental

It’s the little things that count and there is nothing better than having your top-of-the-line gear fitted for you from the comfort of your own accommodation in Queenstown and Wānaka. The Snopro team comes to you with ski and snowboard gear, snowboard boots, accessories and outerwear if you need them. Qualified technicians will put themselves in your place in your living room and collect them at the end of your stay. No fighting with queues or lines or fighting for service.
snopro.co.nz

For more New Zealand travel ideas and inspiration, visit newfinder.co.nz and newzealand.com