We are based in Wanaka, one of the premier mountain resorts of New Zealand. Wanaka is a smaller and more laid-back version of the bustling hub of Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wanaka and at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.
Ski and Splitboard Touring
Custom Wānaka Backcountry Package
Overview
Experience the ultimate New Zealand winter adventure with a Custom Wānaka Backcountry Package. Featuring a fully tailored itinerary utilising a strategic mix of resort ski-lift access and remote helicopter drop-offs, we leverage our deep local knowledge to follow the weather and track down the region's best snow conditions on any given day. Whether you want to escape the crowds in the legendary Treble Cone backcountry, explore the rolling terrain of the Pisa Range, or score fresh lines via a heli-accessed peak, our guided day tours deliver an unforgettable backcountry experience with the flexibility to match your preferred duration and accommodation preferences.
Our all-inclusive packages handles every logistical detail from the moment you arrive, allowing you to focus entirely on world-class ski and splitboard touring alongside a professional guide. Choose the comfort of returning to local town lodging each night, or upgrade your experience with premium optional extras, including accommodation at our private Kea Lodge, heli-skiing packages, or overnight stays in remote mountain huts and luxury alpine chalets.
Our all-inclusive packages handles every logistical detail from the moment you arrive, allowing you to focus entirely on world-class ski and splitboard touring alongside a professional guide. Choose the comfort of returning to local town lodging each night, or upgrade your experience with premium optional extras, including accommodation at our private Kea Lodge, heli-skiing packages, or overnight stays in remote mountain huts and luxury alpine chalets.
Itinerary
Lift accessed ski and splitboard touring
The resorts give us lift access to a variety of backcountry terrain to suit all levels of previous experience, ability and goals. Escape the crowds in the legendary Treble Cone backcountry or explore the rolling terrain of the Pisa Range.
Helicopter accessed ski and splitboard touring
We also have helicopter accessed touring options available. Air access gives you the opportunity to explore the peaks of the Harris Mountains and Buchannan Mountains, just west of Lake Wanaka. These are a short flight from the Matukituki Valley and provide excellent viewpoints over Lake Wanaka and the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. They are seldom travelled ski and splitboard touring venues so flying into these remote locations allows an uncrowded and remote day trip from Wanaka.
Heli-skiing
Heli-skiing packages can also be coordinated with Harris Mountains Heliski throughout the Harris, Buchanan Mountains and Aspiring National Park.
Lift accessed skiing and snowboarding
The ski resorts of Treble Cone and Cardrona are with 45 minutes drive. Cardrona is great for families with a range of beginner and intermediate terrain. Treble Cone is for more advanced skiers and riders with the majority of off-piste terrain. With a local guide, you can explore the whole mountain, escape the crowds and find the secret stashes.
Other activities
Rest day activities that can be organised include wine tours, mountain biking or just relaxing by the lake.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available in Wanaka Mountain Guides’ Kea Lodge, a private serviced house with 3 bedrooms and accommodation for up to 6 people.
It is possible for groups to arrange their own accommodation through platforms like AirBnB and just book the guiding days.
During the time, it is possible to arrange overnight stays in the mountains. Options include mountain huts, expedition camps, or the luxurious Whare Kea Chalet, high mountain huts in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park or our heli-camps in the Harris and Buchanan Mountains near Lake Wanaka.
Difficulty & Fitness
Fitness
Options are available for all levels of fitness. For more advanced locations, tourers require good fitness to make the most of the full day out. This includes ascents of up to 1000m.
Ski and Splitboard Ability
This trip is accessible to a wide range of ski and snowboarding abilities from intermediate to expert. For helicopter accessed options, participants must have some ski or split-board touring experience including avalanche training. We strongly recommend a warm-up day at Treble Cone the day before
Dates & Pricing
Availability
Custom ski and spitboard touring itineraries can be arranged during July, August and September.
Book Now or Register Interest your interest below and a member of our team will be in touch with more information.
Pricing
Daily customized private guiding: NZ$1190 / $690 / $490 / $390 per person per day for 1 / 2 / 3 / 4+ people.
Contact us with your specific requirements for bespoke pricing.
Packages can include:
Airport transfers
Serviced accommodation in Wanaka
Lift passes
Half board (breakfast and lunches) or fully catered
Inclusions & Exclusions
Daily guiding rates:
Include: Applicable taxes, guide fees, compliance costs, transport from Wanaka, and avalanche safety equipment.
Exclude: Lunch and snacks, touring equipment hire (if required), Treble Cone lift pass.
If you don't have a Treble Cone season pass, a backcountry pass can be brought on the day for $75.
Booking Conditions
5% discount on daily guiding rates for private bookings more than 7 days in advance.
Testimonials
Wanaka Mountain Guides made the trip of a lifetime possible! They were the perfect blend of knowledge and structure for a group of 8. We have been travelling all the continents of the globe as backcountry ski tourers. We got great experiences, education and local info from our guides. From glacier ski touring to heli-touring, WMG were the ultimate guides and facilitators! Our accommodations were amazing with hot tub views of the mountains we rode, and fully stocked kitchens. No detail was spared by WMG on our visit!
— Kirk, Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Week 2024
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