25th June 2019

Here at MajorDomo, we have put together a list of the coolest winter experiences for your New Zealand snow vacation – try something new with these ultra-cool and ultra-unique activities during your NZ winter holiday.

Heli Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is one of the ultimate winter experiences – if you’ve never tried it, it’s a similar sensation to jet skiing or quad biking, but on snow. In Queenstown (aka adventure capital of the world) this has been stepped up a notch to Heli Snowmobiling, and it is just as cool as you would imagine. Catch your 15-minute helicopter transfer up to a remote alpine location before jumping onto your snowmobiles to explore some high-country terrain.

Each guest will drive their own machine, although if you are traveling with a family, the little ones aged 4-15 will ride “pillion” (on the back on the snowmobile). The time on the snow is normally around 90 minutes before you are whisked back to reality with a big smile on your face.

Ice Driving

Cardrona Valley boasts the only ice driving experience in the Southern Hemisphere and offers the ultimate driving experience. Drive a luxury Audi amongst the pristine mountain environment of this unique international proving ground. You’ll get expert tuition before turning your attention to the main events – navigate the giant slalom and experience a snowdrift circle from behind the wheel. Such a thrill and one of the most unique winter experiences – available in July and August.

Heli-skiing

Contrary to belief, you don’t have to be an expert skier or snowboarder to enjoy a New Zealand heli-skiing experience. With a whole range of terrain available in the Queenstown and Wanaka regions, anybody who is intermediate or above can take full advantage of this activity which showcases New Zealand backcountry, the mountains, skiing/snowboarding, and an exciting scenic helicopter flight.  If you’re an intermediate snow bunny, we’d recommend 4-6 runs, but if you’re a seasoned powder hound consider a private charter and max the vertical runs until your legs turn to jelly.

This one really is a bucket list item, and New Zealand is the perfect location for you to enjoy this rock star experience.

Treble Cone Tee Cee

Fondly known to the locals as “TC”, Treble Cone has ‘teed’ up something very special for those with limited time in the region, and multiple activities to tick off the list. One of the best things about the Otago region in winter is that the snow line rarely makes it to town level – whilst it’s exciting to see the lake bordered by snow, this higher snow line means that all of the other amazing activities around the region are normally still available to winter guests – you really do get the best of both worlds.

The Tee Cee package will fly you to Treble Cone via helicopter for a morning of guided skiing and first tracks, followed by a gourmet BBQ lunch on the mountain. After lunch, you’ll be whisked away by helicopter to Jacks Point golf course for an afternoon on the fairway. Yup, that’s right – helicopter, skiing, mountain lunch and golf all jam-packed into one very special day.

Cat Skiing

Akin to heli-skiing, but without the helicopter – cat skiing allows you to enjoy fresh backcountry snow, and with a daily maximum of 24 guests you are guaranteed big empty runs without the need for the helicopter.  With this activity, a snowcat (the machines used for grooming) takes you to the top of the piste for your run down.  No more lift lines, and a warm heated cabin to sit and relax in with your friends for the journey up the hill.  You will also enjoy a gourmet food and wine experience at Soho Basins Alpine Hut as part of this day trip to nourish you after a tough day!