New Zealand Heli Skiing

In the southern hemisphere New Zealand heli skiing locations are one of the most popular destinations for holidays, including snow boarding, and ski vacations. There are numerous NZ heli ski operations that are popular for international enthusiasts of this sport. Suitable locations can be found both in the north and south islands.

Heliskiing in NZ is a brilliant way to enjoy your ski or snow board experience while in a landscape that provides stunning scenery... and it's also a great way for avoiding the queues at popular resorts!

If you have a budget that can afford you to be transported to the top of the ski fields, you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable experience of a lifetime!

Heli Skiing Field Locations

The largest concentration of commercial Heli-skiing fields are available in the Wanaka and Queenstown areas. These are considered among the most favourite locations to get your ski, heliski, or snow board fix in NZ.

New Zealand Heli Skiing Queenstown

New Zealand Heli Skiing Wanaka

Although the widest range of suitable heliski fields are in the South Island, they can also be the most expensive. If you are on a tighter budget also consider looking at bookings for the less expensive fields that are growing in popularity on other regions.

The Remarkables Range and Coronet Peak can be accessed from Queenstown. Treble Cone, Cardrona, and the Waiorau Nordic Ski Area are located in the Wanaka area.

Heli-skiing can be enjoyed on Mt Aspiring and the Mt Cook Mackenzie region is also host to a few heli-skiing operations.

Canterbury is another South Island region where you can find backcountry heli-skiing with at least two companies providing the services.

The North Island Tongariro National Park, Mt Ruapehu and region, is also host to some of the finest facilities for New Zealand heli skiing.

The main commercial ski fields are at Whakapapa and Turoa, located on the active volcano Mount Ruapehu. There are world-class facilities available and excellent accommodation and other activities in the area, as well as Ski clubs.

New Zealand Heli Skiing Season

The New Zealand heli skiing season is ideal for snow sports seekers who are from the northern hemisphere. The NZ seasons are the opposite which makes this the location to head for to continue to follow your sport when the northern hemisphere resorts have closed for the ski season.

The Ski season in NZ runs from around the beginning of July through to at least early October. Although when I visited Mount Ruapehu, Whakapapa and Turoa, in late October there was still time to get a last ski in before the end of the season. We watched a steady stream of skiers making the most of the last snow fall.

If your holiday is absolutely dependent on there still being an abundance of snow for you to enjoy, just in case the season ends early, be sure to go in the main ski season window of July, August, and September.

You are also advised to go on New Zealand heli skiing vacations outside of the NZ school holiday. This school holiday is likely to be for two weeks in early July and will have an impact on the length of queues for lifts and equipment hire. Basically, it's a good idea to take the school vacations into consideration before you book and you will avoid the domestic market competition for facilities at the ski fields. The NZ Ministry of Education web site will be able to provide exact dates for the school holidays for each year but also visit my page on NZ public holidays for dates during the next four years.

Snowshack:Ski, Snowboard and Snowsports Accessories

Ski Club Fields

There are an abundance of ski club fields for the domestic market of snow sports related vacations, most of which are on the eastern slopes of the Southern Alps in the South Island.

Although there aren't the huge resorts you can find in countries such as Europe and North America that cater for a large commercial market, there are commercial resorts in NZ that have well maintained slopes, hire out ski gear, include ski schools, and run high speed chair lifts.

Equipment Hire

Skiers on New Zealand heli skiing vacations commute to the slopes from the nearby towns and can rent ski gear from outlets in the nearest town or on the ski field. Equipment for hire ranges from snow boarding gear for high performance to full sets of everything you need for a good day on the slopes.

You don't need to worry about taking all the equipment you need with you on international travel but in the high season it may be advisable to book in advance, particularly in the school vacation period. Having said that, local ski enthusiasts will more likely have their own gear.

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