Have you got that need for an adrenaline-pumping winter activity, plus a bit of cash to spare? Heli-skiing will get you to the more remote but equally stunning alpine environments of New Zealand. The South Island is home to 24 named peaks, 3,000 glaciers and due to their location, many permanent snowfields. Fly over mighty snow-capped mountains before getting immersed in the winter wonderland by tackling these slopes yourself. Be sure to pack your warm clothing, camera and desire for adventure to fly in the skies to your slopes. Here are the best places to heli-ski in the South Island of New Zealand.
1. Queenstown & Wanaka
Get amongst this spectacular winter experience in one of the most popular holiday destinations all year round. Spend the day in Queenstown with your own specialised mountain guide, hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard with terrain suitable for beginners and pros and refuel with some après-ski in town. Buchanan’s Range, Centaur Peak, Headlong Spur. It’s no surprise Queenstown and Wanaka are highly frequented holiday destinations. Here you’ll find some of the best slopes and vertical drops to heli-ski in the backcountry of New Zealand. If you’re wanting those high-intensity drops don’t miss Centaur Peak in Queenstown and Headlong Spur in Wanaka. Depending on how much time you have to spend out on the snow, check out the 3-10 run heli-ski day packages on offer to get the most out of the magnificent mountains. Find yourself skiing through stunning basins, bowls, chutes, flanks and glaciers.
2. Aoraki / Mount Cook
Just a 4-hour drive from Christchurch is the highest point of the Southern Alps at Mount Cook, standing at over a mighty 3,000 metres! This is the ultimate in heli-skiing, with 5-run heli-ski day packages on offer to experience the vast alpine landscape. This includes seracs, glaciers, bowls, chutes and 6 mountain ranges. Opt for more freedom to plan your slopes with a private charter. If you’re staying in Queenstown or Wanaka you’ll even find packages that can get you to Aoraki / Mount Cook to ski the very same day if you’re not staying locally. A picturesque flight from Queenstown or Wanaka will only add to the fantastic winter experience. You definitely don’t want to miss this terrain that boasts the longest glaciers and stunning snowfields.
3. Methven
2-hours drive from Christchurch, immerse yourself in the magnificent glacier mountain range of the Southern Alps. While heli-skiing the ranges here you’ll be treated to stunning views of both the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, with runs for experts as well as newbies. Just one day out on the slopes will give you 5 runs that can equal up to 1,000m in vertical drops! If you want a more personalised heli-ski experience you can opt for a private charter that will give you more freedom to plan your winter playground runs and take advantage of the terrain to your liking. You can find guides offering heli-skiing at three mountain ranges of the Arrowsmiths, Ragged and Palmer Ranges with over 200 named runs. For adrenaline junkies, the ‘Wilderness Experience’ is not to be missed, with a landing at 2,500m and a vertical drop of 1,200m. If you’re wanting a long run then check out Reischek Glacier. That’s over 3km with a descent of 1,100m. Boasting over 1,000 square km’s of terrain, often draped in sun, you’re sure to have a spectacular heli-skiing experience.
Cover Image Credit: Harris Mountains Heli-Ski
