A group of 20-39 travellers on a snowy mountain in Queenstown while on a ski trip in New Zealand with Wild Kiwi.

Ski and Explore: The Ultimate Winter New Zealand Adventure

By Ryan Brown published on 19 May 2025

Dreaming of a New Zealand winter packed with epic ski days, snowboarding adventures, and bucket-list destinations? Forget the same old ski package or coach tour—this is more than just slopes. Think glacier-fed lakes, alpine towns, adrenaline-packed days, and hot chocolate-fuelled nights with your new travel crew.

Wild Kiwi’s Ski Southern Voyager is the ultimate small-group winter tour of New Zealand’s South Island.

This isn’t just skiing. It’s adventure travel meets alpine paradise—a hand-picked mix of powder days, glacier hikes, starry nights, and good times with like-minded travellers. And ample activities to choose from for every type of traveller.

Whether you’re searching for the best New Zealand ski tours, Queenstown snowboarding packages, or a winter group tour with variety, this one has it all.


Carve the Slopes in Queenstown’s Legendary Ski Fields

A selfie of a group of adventure travellers on a ski life at golden hour on a mountain in Queenstown, while on a ski tour with Wild Kiwi.

Queenstown is the winter capital of New Zealand—and for good reason. You’ll hit The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, two top-rated ski resorts in the Southern Hemisphere, with stunning alpine views and terrain for all levels. Whether you’re snowboarding for the first time or shredding double blacks, this is peak powder perfection.



Go Beyond the Slopes: Glacier Hikes, Kayaking & More

Two young woman smiling and kayaking on a mirror lake in Franz Josef, the South Island of New Zealand, during winter while on a ski and explore tour with Wild Kiwi.

What makes Wild Kiwi the best choice for New Zealand winter tours? You’re not limited to the ski fields. Between mountain runs, you’ll have heaps of awesome optional winter activities and experiences to hop on. Besides the numerous stops and free activities with your guide, here are just a few of our favourite winter optionals:

  • Unforgettable Glacier Heli-Hike: Take a scenic helicopter ride and trek across ancient blue ice. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is only possible in New Zealand's glacier country. Crampons on, you'll hike through valleys of shimmering ice, experiencing this wonder of nature first-hand.

  • Mirror Lake Alpine Kayaking: Paddle through misty waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The silence? Unreal. And the perfect activity for a more low-key traveller, and a stellar way to learn about the unique flora and fauna of Franz Josef.

  • Mark Your Trip with Jade Carving: Craft your own pounamu (NZ greenstone) to commemorate this adventure as a unique souvenir of your winter journey. Greenstone is a sacred part of Māori heritage and an intimate way to learn more about their culture and traditions in the region.

  • "Chill out" in Hot Springs: Soak under the stars with your new Wild Kiwi family in steamy pools while snowflakes melt on your eyelashes. Pure bliss. Tekapo is a Black Sky Reserve, so you'll get the chance to witness the universe in all its glory while relaxing in the thermal hot springs with the crew.


Explore Iconic South Island Destinations Along the Way

A group of young adventure travellers making goofy faces and laughing while posing in front of snowy mountains near queenstown, while on a winter New Zealand tour.

Like we said — skiing, but with all the other South Island goodness along the way. You’ll hit all of the winter hotspots that become pure magic in colder months:

  • Experience the Wild Winter Wonderland of Queenstown: Winter and adventure capital of New Zealand, paired with stunning surrounding landscapes and unforgettable nightlife. Sit by the lake on a crisp afternoon for sunset, cosy up with the Wild Kiwi crew in a pub, or take on an adrenaline activity in between runs on the mountains.

  • You'll Never Forget Franz Josef: Glacier country magic, rainforest-meets-ice beauty, and Māori heritage. Franz Josef holds unmatched natural beauty, and you'll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace or jump on a couple of amazing winter activities.

  • Discover The Awe of Lake Tekapo: A stargazer’s paradise in the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, home to iconic snowy landscapes and natural hot springs. You'll have ample time to walk or bike around this breathtaking lake before a night to remember under an infinite blanket of stars.


Stress-Free, Fully-Guided, and Totally Flexible

A photo through the windshield of a Wild Kiwi premium New Zealand tour van looking out at snow-capped mountains and a straight highway.

From transport and accommodation to ski lift passes and gear rental, everything is streamlined. Want to spend more time on the slopes or add a bucket-list activity like skydiving or canyon swinging? Go for it. With optional add-ons and local guides, you’re free to customise your perfect New Zealand winter trip instead of being stuck on the slopes.


Small Group Travel for 20–39s (Without the Coach Tour Vibes)

Travel with other adventure-seekers who want more than just bars and buses. Wild Kiwi keeps group sizes intimate, so you’ll bond quickly, move freely, and share epic memories without the chaos of massive tour groups. Your guide has all the local knowledge and cultural snippets you can want, and knows the best off-the-beaten-path spots along the way.

So whether you're carving it up in Queenstown or warming up over card games after a day exploring, you'll be a part of an adventure family that makes the experience all the more unforgettable.


Ready to Chase Winter in New Zealand?

If you’re planning to travel New Zealand in winter and want the perfect mix of skiing, adventure, culture, and epic scenery, there’s no better way to do it than with Wild Kiwi’s Ski Southern Voyager.

Don’t miss out on the ultimate winter tour of New Zealand, book your Ski Voyager trip today!

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