There are traditions worth upholding – the Australian value of mateship, for instance – and there are traditions it’s time to shed. Such as only going to Queenstown to ski or board when the Snow Highway exists! ANZCRO have everything you need to book your clients on the new Aotearoa New Zealand skiing tradition, road tripping from Christchurch to Queenstown on one seamless snow adventure.
We love Queenstown for its epic powder, stunning vistas, and brilliant après ski scene, of course, but it’s not the only way to experience the snow in Aotearoa New Zealand. Particularly when you’ve been before.
This year, help your clients break the norm and embark on an incredible Snow Highway self-drive winter holiday.
What is the Snow Highway?
In 2022, Christchurch Airport’s regional tourism partnership South collaborated with Olympic gold medallist freestyle skier Nico Porteous to design the Southern Hemisphere’s premier winter road trip. The Snow Highway was an ideal concept to connect the South Island’s top ski fields.
ANZCRO were there from the beginning, too, creating flexible, fully customisable, self-drive itineraries.
For Australians, the Snow Highway experience is effortless: fly to Christchurch, collect a rental car, then tour the diverse ski fields en route to the departure point, Queenstown.
Connecting the two international airports, both with ample flight connections and one-way car rentals, ensures a smooth winter road trip that surpasses any other.
NZ skiing is more than Queenstown
It’s time to challenge the perception that Queenstown is the only snow destination worth going to (and selling).
If your clients think they’ve ‘done’ New Zealand snow because they skied Coronet Peak, Cardrona, The Remarkables, and Treble Cone, you can gently let them know to think again.
There’s Mt Hutt, New Zealand’s most awarded ski resort, with its wide-open terrain and true alpine experience.
Additionally, last year, NZSki announced the expansion of the NZ Superpass Lift Passes to include four additional ski fields. With Porters, Roundhill, Mt Dobson, and Ōhau joining the line-up, the terrain variety is better than ever. Read up on the Superpass ski fields here.
Self-driving the Snow Highway reveals the South Island’s diverse slopes – many with fewer crowds – and more cost-effective ski stays.
Road tripping Christchurch, Methven (near Mt Hutt), Tekapo/Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown and Wānaka, you gift your clients balanced skiing and boarding across some of New Zealand’s most picturesque landscapes.
The Snow Highway, your (client’s) way
ANZCRO are clearly your wholesale partner of choice as they recently won the NTIA Most Popular Reservations award. They’re skilled at crafting inspiring itineraries that support your sales.
Their 8-night Snow Highway hero itinerary can be a one-and-done easy-book ski trip or the base from which to design the perfect New Zealand winter holiday.
If your clients are looking for an itinerary beyond the slopes, the inclusions in this flagship package complement their time on piste – especially the hot pool soak at Opuke in Methven.
If they’re only into skiing, boarding, and a spot of après ski, it’s easy to remove trip elements until they have exactly the winter trip they’ve been dreaming of.
Snow Highway Inclusions are:
- 1 night at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch in a Standard Room
- General admission to the International Antarctic Centre
- 2 nights at the Brinkley Resort Methven in a Studio Room
- Discovery hot pools entry at Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa
- 2 nights at the Godly Resort Hotel Lake Tekapo in a Standard Lakeview Room
- Entry to Lake Tekapo Hot Springs
- 3 nights at Garden Court Suites & Apartments Queenstown in a Studio Room
- 4-day early bird lift pass to Ski Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak & The Remarkables
- Plus, 9 days one-way car hire in a medium automatic SUV with basic insurance
From $2,699 per person twin share. Check availability here.
Adapt, upgrade & impress
Looking for something else? ANZCRO’s full Snow Highway product range includes five additional packages:
- Luxury on the Snow Highway: For Australians seeking a more elevated Snow Highway experience, upgrade their accommodation and rental car on this 9-day luxe itinerary. Three nights at Fable Terrace Downs in the Southern Alps is going to be one of their key trip highlights. From $3,819 per person twin share.
- Mt Hutt Snow Haven: For an affordable ski trip away from the crowds, this week-long snow adventure includes six nights’ accommodation in Methven and a 4-day lift pass. From $1,179 per person twin share.
- Snow & Rail Explorer: Why only visit New Zealand for its famous powder when you can make a bigger adventure on the ultimate winter vacay? There’s time on the iconic TranzAlpine Rail Journey, the majesty of Franz Josef, a heritage stay at The Hermitage Mt Cook, and so much more. From $3,559 per person twin share.
- Snowy Peaks Road Trip: Discover how the Southern Alps scenery can seem airbrushed even in person on this 15-day mega ski/boarding journey. Your clients will relish discovering nine unique ski fields as they road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown. From $5,349 per person twin share.
- Snow Fun at Mt Hutt: The whole family can enjoy one of New Zealand’s winter hidden gems by skiing Mt Hutt on this 7-day family package. Mt Hutt is ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From $3,629 per family.
Discover more
Learn more about the Snow Highway with ANZCRO or contact the award-winning reservations team at anzcro@anzcro.com.au.
This article is brought to you by ANZCRO & Christchurch Airport.
