New Zealand’s Ultimate Winter Destinations

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.

 

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.

 

The ski season is just kicking off in New Zealand, one of the world’s premier snowsports destinations. But we aren’t talking about any old skiing here. We travel to Queenstown and Wanaka to soar to the top of jagged peaks for some daredevil heli-skiing, zoom down the best off-piste terrain, venture into the backcountry for some cat skiing, and end our adrenalin-fuelled days relaxing in luxury at the finest villas, chalets, and lodges in New Zealand. Read on for the best insider tips from our experts at Majordomo and Touch of Spice.

“Offering plenty of sunshine, majestic lakes, snow-capped alpine beauties, and an unrivalled selection of activities and attractions, it comes as no surprise that Queenstown, New Zealand, is as popular a winter destination as it is a summer one,” enthuses Jacqui Spice, founder and owner of Touch of Spice.

“Queenstown is nestled in the Alps close to four ski resorts and fabulous backcountry terrain,” explains Jacqui. “Typically the ski season starts on piste by mid-June with helicopter access to the Southern Alps being mid-July through to October. Touch of Spice can offer exceptional skiing and boarding on exclusive terrain with untracked, virgin snow. On and off-piste, the extensive range of activities has been designed to suit everyone’s ability and desires.

“To help you out further, Touch of Spice can offer professional in-house ski fitting when renting equipment, free chains and GPS with Thrifty car rentals for the month of August, and complimentary value-add recommendations such as spa upgrades, two-for-one offers and complimentary drinks.”

Whare kea

Accessible only by helicopter, this luxury chalet offers unparalleled accommodation and a spectacular base for those seeking the ultimate alpine adventure in an exclusive location—high in the mountains on the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park. It sleeps eight in four bedrooms with four bathrooms.

This is one of the few places in New Zealand with ski-in, ski-out mountain access, which makes for the ultimate ski experience. With striking natural beauty in every direction, your photo-posting on social media will make you the envy of all your friends. From here, you will be heli-ed onto exclusive untracked virgin snow, be taken on 10–12 runs, and then led back into the chalet for morning tea, gourmet lunch, and après-ski drinks.

You can completely tailor the chalet experience to suit your requirements, from a short day trip with a relaxing lunch and a glass of wine on the balcony to multi-night accommodation with action-packed alpine adventures. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime experience in this secluded mountain paradise. Whare kea starts from NZD$2,000/night.

Kumanu

Kumanu is a faultless luxury retreat in rural Queenstown, with stunning views across the Wakatipu Basin and beyond. Being at the centre of Queenstown’s three elite ski resorts, you have the opportunity try a field each day. With the perk of huge lawn space, heli-skiing is an obvious choice.

Kumanu sleeps eight in four bedrooms with five bathrooms. Every room provides a feeling of serenity and calm yet draws you in seamlessly to the landscape. From the airy dining room with its ambient open fireplace, to the magnificent chef’s kitchen, which adjoins a cosy lounge. It is well equipped and appointed for winter with its large spa pool, ski storage, Cinema room plus indoor & outdoor fires. Kumanu starts from NZD$2,000/night.

These great chalets and skiing tips were provided by Jacqui. For more on these skiing experiences, contact her and the Touch of Spice team here.

We also spend some time heliskiing, heliboarding and cat skiing with our experts at MajorDomo.

“Queenstown and Wanaka are fabulous locations to base your family and friends for the ultimate heliski experience,’ informs Lisa Hayden, co-owner of MajorDomo. “Our villas are all located within five to 20 minutes from a helicopter pickup zone with some of the villas and lodges able to have helicopter landings on the property.

“Heliskiing or boarding packages range from group to shared excursions with two to five runs, to private charters with ‘unlimited daily vertical’. The operators and guides we deal with are very experienced with the relevant certificates, safety equipment and top-end powder ski and board equipment. The scenery and terrain is as varied as it is magnificent!”

The MajorDomo team highly recommend the experienced pilots and guides from Alpine Helicopters to provide your exclusive heliski and heliboard adventures in the New Zealand Southern Alps. Stay at the stunning Minaret Lodge and your helicopter will pick you up directly outside your chalet after your mountain kitchen breakfast. You will be the first to ski this heliski dream arena every day.

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge

Situated on 50,000 acres of Minaret Alpine Station near Wanaka, the lodge comprises four chalets and a mountain kitchen to provide you with a luxurious escape within an untouched landscape. A private hot tub on the deck your chalet, open fires, library, cosy living areas and first-class dining facilities with stunning meals prepared by gourmet chef complete a thigh-burning day in the backcountry powder bowls.

Find dynamic terrain in and around Minaret Alpine Station and lodge to suite any intermediate or expert skiers and boarders, with pristine snow covering wide open bowls, natural half-pipes and chutes. Beautiful long runs will maximize your ski time and guides are there to direct you on to the best snow in the region.

Soho Basin

If Heliskiing is not your thing, then cat skiing could be your calling. Soho Basin is a private ski area offering pristine high-country terrain, world class views and gourmet dining in an atmosphere of relaxed and understated luxury.

After reaching Soho Basin via a 60-minute drive or 10 minute helicopter transfer from Queenstown, you will access 650 acres of skiable terrain from the comfort of a heated cabin, atop a state-of-the-art snowcat. The Soho team will show you the best lines, deepest powder, steepest chutes or gentle slopes – whatever is your thing. With the number of skiers or boarders limited to 24 per day, you will be able to experience this unique area of beauty and serenity within the Southern Alps almost exclusively.

Soho is suitable for early intermediate skiing ability and above, with some great options for the more adventurous skiers or boarders. Your day, your pace, your mountain. When you are ready for a break, you’ll enjoy food and wine on the deck of Soho’s Alpine hut prepared by the chefs of the award-winning Amisfield Bistro. Self drive from Queenstown or MajorDomo can arrange luxury transport with a private driver.

MajorDomo’s villas or partner lodges in Queenstown, Arrowtown or Wanaka would provide the perfect accommodation base for your Soho Basin Private Ski Area experience.

Learn more about these ultimate skiing holidays and gain more of their fabulous local insight by reaching out to MajorDomo at this link.

 

By Andrew Loyd

There is nowhere more fun for New Year than Scotland, where the last day of December is known as Hogmanay. A lot of my fellow countrymen consider New Year as a more important time to celebrate than Christmas, and the consumption of “Scottish water” takes on a life of its own. The traditional form of celebrating (apart from the consumption of huge amounts of “refreshments”) is either slumped in front of the telly watching the annual New Year programs or for those more lively by nature, to go dancing. The ceilidh band (squeezebox, fiddle, and drums) is the traditional source of music for dancing highland reels, with names like the Dashing White Sergeant, the Duke of Perth, the Reel of the 51^st and the Gay Gordons. It’s a lot of fun to gather with friends and family of all ages (teenage to dotage) in a village hall or large house and dance until the wee hours these wonderful reels. Everyone stops to listen to the clock chime midnight, then there is much shouting and kissing and everyone joins hands in a circle and sings “For Auld Lang Syne,” the Robbie Burns ballad. Some people like to then go “first footing,” which is when you grab a bottle and walk around the village having a wee tot with all your neighbors. This can go on for some time! The Scots are a hospitable nation but never more so than on New Year’s Ave.

Andrew is the director of Loyd & Townsend-Rose Ltd., and UltraVilla’s specialist for Scotland.