With soaring mountains and shimmering icy lakes and snow dusted forests, New Zealand’s Southern Alps become a winter paradise from June through September. Whether you are looking for new adventurous thrills or an exciting family ski trip, our experts at Majordomo and Touch of Spice share these excellent tips for the perfect winter escape to New Zealand. They are also offering a range of special offers to further tempt you to plan your next luxurious wintery getaway to New Zealand. Start dreaming of fabulous wintery adventures below!
Wanaka
According to our experts at Touch of Spice, Wanaka is one of the best places in the Southern Hemisphere to enjoy everything winter has to offer.
“The tranquil lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains offers peaceful serenity, while three surrounding ski fields offer an endless sense of adventure from cross country skiing, tubing, tobogganing, fat biking, dog sledding, and even snowshoeing,” explains Kelcey Radford, Touch of Spice’s marketing director. “When night falls, the town comes alive with a vibrant après ski scene with plenty of local beers, wines and spirits to sample.”
For thrill seekers looking for a different experience other than extreme skiing, Touch of Spice recommends Wanaka’s Ice Driving Experience.
“As the only ice driving experience in the Southern Hemisphere it’s an absolute must-do,” says Radford. “anyone who tries it loves the thrills of drifting on the snow circle and driving along the expertly crafted ice tracks.”
Located at a world leading testing ground and encompassing some of the best cars available today, it’s a fantastic activity – not only reserved for car enthusiasts. This unique experience, that Touch of Spice can arrange for guests staying in their stunning Wanaka luxury rentals, includes helicopter transport to an architecturally designed event centre, a two-course buffet lunch, afternoon tea, canapés and three course dinner.
Where to Stay in Wanaka
Ridge Retreat
With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, Ridge Retreat can comfortably sleep up to 13, the perfect spot for a winter getaway with the extended family and a group of friends.
The large, open plan living, kitchen and dining area ensure you’ll have plenty of space to relax and entertain. The high ceiling and large windows allow for expansive views of Lake Wanaka, and the large chef’s kitchen is a dream. There is also a covered portico with a large open fire and BBQ which can be enjoyed all year round.
Learn more about this beautiful and cozy villa by contacting Touch of Spice here.
Whare Kea Lodge
Strikingly designed in timber and glass, Whare Kea Lodge appears to float on the edge of Lake Wanaka against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps. The inviting lodge, with its light-filled interior and spectacular vistas, was among the first of New Zealand’s luxury lodges and continues to attract sophisticated adventurers looking for exclusive luxury holiday accommodation.
Whare Kea’s superbly comfortable, spacious living and dining area with open fire and bar, its two master suites and four deluxe suites, each with a veranda and en-suite bathroom, offer an ideal combination of shared and private spaces well suited to accommodate small groups of up to 12 guests.
The interior is warm and welcoming, decorated with a mix of antique and contemporary furniture, with artworks and sculpture by local New Zealand artists. There is also a Billiards and Games room, guest office, massage room, sundecks overlooking a vast lawn where helicopters can land, and an outdoor hot tub hidden nearby among the spinnaker grass.
Design your perfect winter getaway at the Whare Kea Lodge with Touch of Spice at this link.
The Remarkables. Photo Credit: Edward Hyde / Flickr
Queenstown
Located around 70 kilometers from Wanaka, Queenstown is another key base of the Southern Alps. Sitting at the edge of beautiful Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the spectacular Remarkables Mountains, our experts at MajorDomo recommend this area as the best place for family ski holidays.
Both of Queenstown’s ski fields, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, offer a range of ski and snowboard lesson packages for children, special lift pass, childcare options and other activities geared towards kids. Children aged five years and under ski for free at both resorts. Beginner skiers can gain confidence on the Remarkables’ two learner areas serviced by three conveyor lifts and take lessons via their Mini-Kea program for four to five year old kids. Coronet Peak has gentle learner slopes, some of which are also open at night.
MajorDomo has a variety of villas within 15 to 20 minutes of the ski area and can have boot fitters arrive to the house with rental equipment and transfers arranged for those not comfortable with winter driving. See some of these below, including the fabulous Mahu Whenua where you don’t even have to leave the property to enjoy the best of winter in Queenstown.
Discover more of our insider tips on extreme skiing in New Zealand in this article.
Where to Stay in and around Queenstown
Mahu Whenua
Staying at the Ridgeline Homestead and Cottages at Mahu Whenua, guests will be perfectly located between New Zealand’s favourite ski towns, Wanaka and Queenstown.
For winter lovers, there is no other location quite like it in New Zealand or Australia. With on-site heli-skiing available, as well as Cardrona, Treble Cone, Snow Farm and Coronet Peak Ski Fields and Soho Basin Cat Skiing literally bordering the property, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The Ridgeline Homestead truly is a luxurious winter lodge experience in the New Zealand mountains. Nearby there are also plenty of options for non-skiers like dog sledding and snowmobiling. Guests can come back to the Homestead after a day in the snow to après canapés and drinks prepared by Mahu Whenua chef and soak in the spa surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Read more about Mahu Whenua in this feature on this unique property or contact MajorDomo here to enquire.
Absolute Lakefront
Soak up the winter sun and stunning views of the Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables at this gorgeous brand new, very private, lakefront villa. With four bedrooms, excellent open plan living and only 30 minutes away from the Remarkables Ski Area, it’s an ideal option for families on a ski holiday.
Sleek contemporary design and large folding glass doors create a wonderful indoor/outdoor flow out to the balcony where the views can be absorbed next to the pool. The villa has access to a jetty, providing convenience for water taxi pick up and drop off to the center of Queenstown, a quick 10-minute ride.
It’s well equipped with modern furnishings, including a spacious Gaggenau-fitted kitchen, a dream for cooking and entertaining, or a personal in-house chef to cook for you and your family. Each bedroom has king-sized beds, luxurious en-suite bathrooms and views of the lake. In addition to skiing, guests can enjoy hiking around the lake and a variety of other winter activities in and around Queenstown.
Enjoy an amazing family winter vacation to Queenstown by reaching out to MajorDomo at this link. Plus, you could get 20% off thanks to MajorDomo’s special offer. See details below.
Special offers!
Need more convincing to plan an upcoming holiday to New Zealand? MajorDomo and Touch of Spice have these current special offers:
MajorDomo is offering up to a 20% discount on a selection of rentals, including the Absolute Lakefront, for any early-bird skiers, or late autumn travelers. This is valid for stays from now until June 24th. Read more here.
Touch of Spice is offering a $100 rate reduction at another great ski base, their Taimana Central Apartment. The offer is valid for stays from 1st July to 8th October 2017. See further details on our Secrets Page here.
They are also offering a complimentary night at their Queenstown Lakefront Luxury for stays from now until June 30th 2017. Scoop up this great deal at this link.
