8 Ways to Winter Different

Quintessential Kiwi skiing, without the queues. With four ski fields and a range of epic bucket list ski experiences, the Mackenzie has something for everyone.

• Roundhill Ski Area
• Mt Dobson
• Ōhau Snow Fields
• Fox Peak Ski Area

There’s never been a better time to try something new. The Mackenzie is home to a number of ‘must do’ guided ski experiences on natural snow, with many catering for the intermediated skier and beyond. Ski the Tasman, NZ’s largest glacier, snowshoe to private huts, and discover NZ’s largest heli-ski area.

• Alpine Guides
• Mt Cook Skiplanes & Helicopters
• Alpine Recreation
• Southern Alps Guiding
• Helicopter Line
• Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

Tekapo Springs has your family fun covered this winter! Take a thrilling snow tube ride down a 150-metre snowy slope! Or experience the fun and freedom of ice skating on a international-sized outdoor rink. Wooden tables and an open fire are situated rink-side so you can take a break and warm up. You can also frolic in their brand-new snow play area! Make snowmen, snow angels and slide down the hill on a toboggan. Fun for all ages!

The Mackenzie is ideal for stargazing as it is home to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Reserve, New Zealand’s largest reserve at 4,367 square kilometres. Winter is an excellent time for stargazing as its darker earlier, and the galactic core of the Milky Way is right above New Zealand at this time of year. There’s a wide range of stargazing tours to choose from: a world-renowned astronomical observatory, floating in hammocks in hot pools, a luxury wine cellar observatory, farm tours, and small group tours that deliver a bespoke experience at your accommodation. You can also try your hand at astrophotography with one of the region’s talented guide/photographers.

Scenic Flights

Surrounded by seemingly endless mountain ranges, scenic flight tours of the Mackenzie Region are an absolute must-do to get up close to the highest peaks, including Aoraki/Mount Cook and capture the ultimate view. For something different take to the skies in style in an open-cockpit plane with Aviation Adventures!

Glacier Experiences

Explore the country’s largest glacier – the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park with a variety of glacier experiences such as skiing the glacier (8-10km blue/green runs!), hiking, boat tour amongst icebergs, and glacier landings.

Whisky Hut

Fancy a dram of whisky hut on top of a mountain? Embark on a majestic flight with Mackenzie Helicopters to New Zealand’s most exclusive whisky hut where you can indulge in a tasting platter of fine local produce while soaking in the serene alpine scenery. Surrounded by towering mountains and majestic valleys, this unique experience offers whisky connoisseurs a selection of complementary fine whiskies, pure mountain air, and breathtaking 360-degree vistas.

Or opt for a 4WD & helicopter exclusive combo with Air Safaris & Tekapo Adventures. This journey offers breathtaking landscapes travelling through Glenmore Station, one of New Zealand’s finest Merino wool providers and incredible high country stations. 4WD with Tekapo Adventures into the remote and private Cass Valley. Finish the 4WD tour at a historic shepherd’s hut by a waterfall. Then get picked up by an Air Safaris helicopter and continue onto the whisky hut for a drink and a return scenic flight back to Lake Tekapo.

Soak away your worries! No trip to Tekapo Springs would be complete without a soak in their hot pools. Experience the total relaxation of soaking in hot water in an alpine environment 720 metres above sea level. Temperatures range from 36.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius.

Or opt for a relaxing soak at your accommodation in your own private outdoor hot tub. Check out our ‘outdoor hot tubs‘ list  and book your stay somewhere special. Add in some wine and perhaps a platter and you’ve got it made!

Winter is a great time to go for a walk. One of the most famous in the Mackenzie Region is the Hooker Valley track at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. This is a 3-hour return walk amongst epic scenery, suitable for families. Marvel at Aoraki/Mount Cook, massive glaciers, cross swingbridges suspended over glacial-fed icy rivers, see waterfalls tumbling off the mountainsides and stroll amongst the hardy alpine plants and trees that have made this area their home.

View more walks & cycling trails here.

The Mackenzie Region is home to the ‘high country’, an elevated basin surrounded by mountains. This unique environment has plenty of unique experiences that get you amongst the natural splendour and away from the crowds.

4WD Tour

Take a 4WD tour into the backcountry and discover the remote valleys and mountains away from the highway. Both 4WD Tekapo & Tekapo Adventures have access to private high country stations, far away from the tourists. You’ll have your own personal guide as you explore historic shepherd’s huts, waterfalls, mountain tarns, braided rivers and more.

Heli-Hike

Walking downhill is the easy part, let a helicopter take care of the hard part! Get dropped off at the top of a mountain and enjoy a guided downhill walk with Glentanner Heli-Hike. Learn about the unique environment, the history of the farm, flora & fauna, and enjoy refreshments in historic huts.

Fishing

Did you know the Mackenzie Region is one of the best spots to catch a fish in New Zealand? With a wealth of waterways from fast-flowing mountain rivers, hydro canals, streams and lakes the region has an abundance of trout and salmon. Choose from a wide-range of guided fishing expeditions.

Horse Riding

Cars are so fast, why not slow down and take in the spectacular scenery perched on a saddle? Experience the Mackenzie Region from horseback and savour the slower, gentle pace of life. Real Kiwi Horse Trekking and Mackenzie Alpine Horses both offer a variety of guided tours ranging from 30-min to a half-day.

Farmstays

Staying on a high country station is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the rural lifestyle – fresh air, clean water, wide-open spaces, animals and epic scenery. Many of the farmstays offer farm tours which are a great chance to learn about innovative farming practices and witness the daily routine involved in running a successful farm.

Check out our list of Mackenzie Region Farmstays here (select ‘farmstay’ to filter categories).