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Reviews
Kathy Torzsok
NZ Snow tours and particularly Bob (snow guide and sports person extraordinaire) and Paula (trip organiser extraordinaire) were fantastic. Between them there is nothing that could have been done better or with a bigger smile - even my skiing improved!
Everything in their control was organised impeccably, as agreed and on time. My fellow group members both in the July and August trips, who I did not know previously, were a pleasure to travel and ski with.
Sarah Baxter
The best trip ever. Paula and our guide Bob made our trip an experience we will always remember. Everything was perfectly organized from our hotels, choice of ski areas and suggestions for restaurants, sightseeing etc. We will return! Sarah and Greg Baxter, USA.
Bert Roy
Aloha from Hawaii! My first trip to South Island, I think south is better than north and it's because I was able to hook up with Paula and Bob! I didn't have to worry about anything and was taken care of from beginning to end. I came one day earlier and Paula set me up with with hotel and snowboard trip AWESOME!!! My group had Kewi/Canadian/Australian and me one Hawaiian, Bob our guide made us feel great, and now I have new friends. Next trip I'm bringing family and will definitely call Paula and Bob NZ Snow Tours! Again big MAHALO to Paula and Bob!
Eddy Bussiere
I’m still disappointed that I had to get on a plane returning to Canada at the end of my two ski weeks in NZ. Such an awesome experience thanks to Paula & Bob at NZ Snow Tours. Paula had everything taken care of right from day one and our guide, Bob, never let any of our ski days be anything less than stellar. The Ohau ski day had to be the best day I’ve ever had (11/10).
Thanks to both of you.
June Eade - Australia
The team was amazing, I could not fault it. Paula assisted me in organizing the trip, and her organization is absolutely professional. Travel with small children is a big challenge but she made my job so simple. They ensured we were all satisfied from the activities for all different age groups and my family all got entertained.
They indeed took care of everything, all we did was to show up and get up really early in the morning. A big thanks to our guide / driver, Katie, who really looked after us and assisted us in every way.
I love the team and I will recommend to everybody especially with small and big kids families, parents can finally get a rest.
Thank you team
Carolyn Hobson - New Zealand
I am only one week back from my outstanding holiday with Paula and four fellow guests, and already I hope I have persuaded two more Kiwis to enjoy this most excellent ski holiday in their own country!
While living in Europe I enjoyed Club Med ski holidays and never thought I would find the same level of service - Kiwi style - here at home.
Paula's enthusiasm and expertise greeted us every morning, and made our every trip up and down the mountains a doddle for us - chains were no problem at all. And then she encouraged us and guided us all over the ski fields - with Ohau being the standout.
And the fantastic service didn't stop there - Paula made sure we knew about all the best places to eat each evening, and she made our equipment rentals and purchases easy.
Finally we basked in the warmth and respect with which Paula was greeted wherever we went.
Kylie McShanag - Australia
From the moment we arrived in Queenstown everything was taken care of. Angela and Richie our absolutely fantastic hosts at NZ Snowtours made sure we felt right at home, nothing was a problem. Our accommodation was really comfortable and spacious as we were part of a group of 13, the kids had space to run and be kids outside. We were safely taken each day up to the mountains to ski and every ability was catered for, from lessons to runs on the slopes, including more challenging runs for the willing.
As well as some sight seeing and not to mention great restaurant recommendations, everything was easy for us.
Thanks guys for such a great time, we really enjoyed meeting you and learning more about beautiful New Zealand, we can't wait to come back for some more action packed fun!
Joanna - Australia
Everything was great from the pick up at Christchurch Airport right until the drop off back at Christchurch Airport. The skiing was amazing, the accommodation lovely, the group was great and our guide (Simon) worked hard to make sure everyone was comfortable and enjoyed themselves. I'd recommend NZ Snow Tours to anyone!
Alex Chung - Hong Kong
Absolutely First Class service! My sincere thank you to Angela, Simon and especially Paula, who has not only made my first ever trip to NZ an unforgettable and amazing one with their down to earth, (super) friendly Kiwi hospitality but also their professionalism in their service. Their package - everything from accommodation, transport, and arrangement at the snowfields mean only one thing - you only need to arrange your air-ticket and everything else will be thoughtfully arranged by NZ Snow Tours. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paula, who seems to know every snowboard instructor at the snowfield and is hence in the best position to pick the BEST personal instructor for you. This was my first proper learning at snowboarding and thanks to Paula and the best instructors she had carefully selected for me, I had already made huge improvements in my snowboarding skills. New Zealand reminds me of its stunning natural scenery, and NZ Snow Tours - Paula, Angela and Simon remind me of their professionalism and thoughtfulness in making my snowboarding trip as one of the best memories in my life.
You know what? I won't even bother looking for a different snow tour agent when I come back to NZ to snowboard this year, because NZ Snow Tours has really impressed me with their professionalism and the great Kiwi spirit!
Mary-Alice - United States
Five stars, start to finish! Being unfamiliar with New Zealand and fairly new to skiing, I had many questions, all of which Paula patiently answered over several weeks of back and forth emails. It was as though I already had a friend in New Zealand before I even arrived! I felt less like a tourist and more like a welcomed visitor. Paula, Simon, and Angela offered endless tips and advice, right down to the best bread to buy at the supermarket! Although traveling by myself, I never felt truly alone. Not to mention I skied on terrain that I would previously have considered to be beyond my ability, and that I never would have tried had I been on my own. All of which Paula made sure was documented with incredible photography. And my accommodation at the Te Wanaka Lodge was fantastic - beautiful while still managing to be comfortable and personal. Would love to return!
Alan Molton - United States
When I first started looking on the internet for tour companies to snowboard in New Zealand, I came across NZ Snow Tours. What caught my interest was that unlike other snowboard tour companies, NZ Snow Tours offered different types of South Island tours and more selection of dates. When I first contacted them on line, Paula Mitchell got back to me very quickly and immediately suggested we talk on the telephone. I was very impressed with her enthusiasm and all the information that Paula gave me. Just based on my conversation with Paula, I made the decision that NZ Snow Tours was the company that I wanted to book with. For my tour, Paula provided me with a range of options for what type of accommodation and the price range of each. In addition as I wanted to stay for the NZ Winter Games, Paula also arranged my lodging for this also. The Lake Wanaka Lodge which I chose worked out quite well for me. While the conditions on the slopes were not the best on our tour, Paula's friendly and enthusiastic demeanor along with our group's positive outlook made the trip FUN. Having not been to New Zealand before and not knowing what to expect, I really appreciated having NZ Snow Tours doing the driving up and down the mountains. Based on my experience with Paula, I highly recommend NZ Snow Tours for hitting the mountains in New Zealand.
John Paxinos - Australia
One of my life goals was to ski the South Island and after cancelling twice, this year I finally made it. Everything exceeded my expectations. Paula, Simon and Angela at NZ Snow Tours were just brilliant. Fabulous attention to detail and always looking for ways to extent the experience. They quietly managed the whole day in a way that meant we were constantly challenged and extended and always seemed to be tackling new and interesting challenges.
The best thing was spending each day following expert skiiers as they found the best runs and showed us their secret places.
And they took heaps of photos that made me look like a much better skiier than I actually am!
Living in Wanaka for two weeks was amazing - surely one of the most beautiful places on earth.
In fact it is Middle Earth!
Can't recommend these guys highly enough.
Patrick Ong - Australia
NZ Snow Tours are truly exceptional when it comes to professional yet personal service, advice and making the most of your days on he slopes (and not to mention off as well!)
I was on the Wanaka Adventure as a solo traveller and managed to meet great people, tackle terrain I wouldn't otherwise consider and had a truly fantastic time overall.
The crew is friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about snow sports as well as sharing the best spots in New Zealand for riding. The itinerary is flexible to ensure you get on the slopes with the best conditions and the crew makes sure that you truly are enjoying your time by checking the size of your smile at the end of each day!
If you are looking for a personalised snow focused holiday, I sincerely recommend NZ snow tours for all the snow fix that you require when heading to South Island. I was so impressed that like many of the other reviews here, I look forward with travelling with them again - and the sooner the better!
Maggie - Canada
If you are thinking of a New Zealand ski trip – don’t think any longer just go ahead and book your tour with NZ Snow Tours. Our trip was EPIC. Simon and Ange were great hosts, very accommodating (they even picked us up at the airport) and fun too! With their insider knowledge we were able to ski at many different mountains and Simon made sure we always found the best snow.
Our accommodation was lovely – great breakfasts and very comfortable beds with a not-to-be missed barrel hot tub. Lots of great restaurants to choose from in Wanaka – from casual to upscale, at reasonable prices.
We have skied all over western Canada but the NZ experience is very unique and not to be missed. With NZ SnowTours, we got to see the best the area has to offer, we met some great people along the way and our skiing improved! We hope to come back as soon as the snow flakes align!
Mike and Mags
George Couch - United Kingdom
I spent 2 weeks skiing with Si in July 2011, spending a week in Craigie and a week in Wanaka. There is little more I can say than the following year I returned to spend 10 days skiing with Si and Ange in August 2012.
Si and Ange both go well out of their way to make sorting a holiday unbelievably easy - from booking accommodation, to picking you up personally from the airport when possible, to helping find the best deals on ski gear around town.
On the slopes, there is no-one I prefer to ski with than Si. The man is a legend. Knows all the back chutes and how to get the most fun from each mountain for the day's conditions. He and Ange will make sure riders of all levels will get lots of attention.
Both years the time I've spent with Si and Ange has been fantastic, and I will be heading back as soon as possible, most likely 2014 to hit the slopes hard with NZ Snow Tours.
Kathleen - Australia
I would definitely recommend NZ Snow Tours and will definitely hit them up for my next NZ snowboarding trip. I loved the personalised approach that a small tour group bought and the fact that Ange and Simon didn't dictate that you have to go to x, y, z. Instead they do the research, tell us what each mountain is like, what the snow conditions are, make recommendations and let us make the decision. Ange and Simon are also great to board with :D. The day break in between to rest, check out Queenstown and go to the hot tub was a big plus. Would have been good if there was more snow off piste but some things just can't be helped!
Danka Jonjic - Australia
We recently joined NZ Snow Tours on a 5 day tour (end July to early August) and it far exceeded our expectations. It goes without saying that Angela and Simon are what made the tour so awesome.
Their local knowledge of the ski areas, passion for skiing and overall helpfulness throughout the trip was greatly appreciated. Also, they are not in your face, and whilst it is an organised tour during the day there is plenty of time to do your own thing. They took the hassle out of getting up the mountain, deciding where to go each day - those little things that can really help you relax.
As skiers of differing levels, my husband and I were able to enjoy the company of other skiers of similar ability. The people on our tour were absolutely awesome and like minded in many ways. Very important!!.
Thanks Ange and Simon. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (and most importantly relaxed and forgot about the everyday stresses). See you next year.
Danka and Alex, Croydon, SA.
Wen - Singapore
Great experience with the NZ Snow Tours team. They were organized, efficient, flexible and friendly. Perfect companions on the ski slopes in the most beautiful part of the world !
Like Arnold; "Aah'll be back"
Tyler Craddock - United States
Coming from the United States as a student, I was always interested in snowboarding the South Island of New Zealand. However, I knew nobody in New Zealand and had little knowledge of the terrain of the region. I did some research, and consulted NZ Snow Tours to setup the trip of a lifetime. NZ Snow Tours far exceeded my expectations throughout the duration of this weeklong trip. From being picked up at the airport, guided around on the mountains, and being taken home safely every day this trip was very unique and memorable. The tour guide's professional, yet friendly attitude gave me the safe assuring feeling which is priceless when traveling in a foreign country. I would definitely recommend NZ Snow Tours to anybody looking to explore the beautiful mountains of New Zealand. I definitely plan on booking with NZ Snow Tours on my next trip to Wanaka. Thanks guys!
Belinda Popolizio - Australia
A great tour for a solo traveller wanting to ski/board the slopes around Queenstown and Wanaka. Simon and Ang were fantastic hosts, and the personalised service was excellent, catering to all levels of experience. Great fun and company! Would highly recommend this tour.
Ralph Kinsella- Australia
Trip organised by full on colleague named Griz. Should have known it would be extreme and out of my comfort zone. Ange met us at airport and delivered us safely to Flock Hill through fog, rain, earthquakes and bad singing.
Simon then took over and managed to guide all of us through the trials and tribulations of various abilities, nut crackers, snowed in roads, inaccessible snow fields non level pool tables and a lamb menu that needed to be revamped after a week. All in all a 10 out of 10 on Simon & Anges part but deducting 2 points for the weather. Thoroughly recommend and hope to repeat (without Griz)
Alastair - New Zealand
Recently I spent a week with NZ Snow Tours on their craigieburn tour, and what an epic week! We were staying in a beautiful location at a relatively unknown location, castle hill, buried deep in the southern alps. I recall waking up to the birds chirping, opening the windows and realising I am surrounded by mountains and pine trees, what a perfect spot.
Whilst on tour we were hopping between the different club fields and smaller ski resorts. There are so many to choose from, so thankfully Simon and Angela are always looking to go to where the snow is best and tailoring their tour to their clients.
I would not hesitate to recommend these guys to anyone looking to explore New Zealand's resorts or club fields.
cheers!
Steve Harlow - Australia
Well what can I say, this was my third tour with NZ Snow Tours, & what a great service they supply. Hassle free skiing, no lift queues, no driving up those tricky mountain roads. The Craigieburn Tour is my favorite. Great club atmosphere with terrain to suit intermediate & above. The accommodation was a very warm & comfortable house in Castle Hill only minutes from the snow fields. Many thanks to Simon & Ange & there's no doubt I'll be back.
Darin Barker - Australia
From the moment I booked in my trip with NZ Snow tours I knew It was going to be an awesome experience, and it didn't dissapoint. From being so accomadating for a first time NZ traveller and in only a week before departure. Ange and Simon run a great small group tour that accommadated to all levels of experience and their guiding and skiing experience really helped me to learn and ski terrain I never thought I would be able to with confidence and excitement. The accommodation in Wanaka is first class and perfect to relax after a hard day of skiing the best mountains of the south island. I give them a high recommendation for the traveller who want a trip that is just like skiing with mates.
Will def be back next year, for a month. the week was just not enough!
Thanks NZ SNOW TOURS, See you next year!!
Tim Kirk - Australia
Awesome!
Ange and Simon were so friendly and really accommodating. Nothing came across as being a hassle and I was amazed that someone was at the house every day without fail cooking us breakfast...what an easy way to wake up!
Thanks for making my, and our groups, experience such a great one...hoping to be back again sometime in the future
Cheers
Glen H - Australia
Looked into a snow trip for 8 of us in NZ and were recommended NZ Snow Tours. I must say, this was an excellent choice. Simon and Ange were super friendly and knowledgeable.
From when they picked us up in Queenstown they were great to chat with. With breakfast cooked every day before venturing up to the best mountain for that day, you couldnt get a better start. The hassle free experience (the mountain drives can be nasty) of being taken to the mountains, meant your group could relax, or even sleep to and from the mountains.
Simon and Ange were very accommodating in stopping in Wanaka so we could get food to cook up in the awesome (and very new) lodge, or even waiting for us to get Red Star Burgers (try the mofo - its the best).
Their local knowledge and guide tips were great, and I must say a hike to the top of Treble Cone with Simon for some fresh lines was a trip highlight!
Great time, and thoroughly recommend NZ Snow Tours. I will be going back again.
Lyndon Maher - Australia
This is the best ever been on! Great people, great deal, great snow, so much fun.
Our first trip to the NZ snowfields was made so easy by our awesome tour guides.
It was so great to have someone with their inside knowledge of the area and the snowfields!!
Every day was an awesome day, even the rest day when they took some of the group jet boating :-)
What was also awesome is Simone and Ange were able to easily accommodate our group of varied skill levels and make sure we all had a fun time - certainly helps that they are snow sport experts!
By the way, Simon cooks a rad breakfast - a great start to the day!!
Can't wait to come back to NZ in search of the pow with NZ snow tours!!
Sophie - Australia
We highly recommend NZ Snow Tours and look forward to our next adventure with them. 8 of us wanted to spend a week on the slopes in NZ. With some of us being on a very tight budget we did some serious searching for the best deal / best adventure! Luckily for us, Ange and Simon came highly recommended by another friend. It was easy from the get go as once we made the decision to book our trip with them – they handled the rest. We can’t believe how cheap the week was. Everything that was promised was delivered. We stayed in this amazing, huge, brand new lodge in Wanaka! We woke each morning to the smell of a fully cooked breakfast (thanks Simon!) Simon and Ange drove us to a different mountain each day which not only meant that we didn’t have to navigate our way around the steep, icy roads but it also meant that some of us could also have a Nanna nap on the way!
They gave us some very handy skiing / boarding tips – guided us around each resort, organized lessons for us if we wanted them. Drove us into town at night if we’re too lazy to walk. Drove us to Queenstown on our rest day for some adventure activities. Not to mention the airport transfers. Best of all they were so fun to hang out with for the week. They were both always really happy and made us feel very welcome. Nothing was too much to ask.
I would recommend NZ Snow Tours to anyone no matter what your skiing / boarding ability.
Everything is organized for you- however it isn’t at all a structured tour – every day is up to you, and Ange and Simon are there to make sure you have fun.
Thanks again for such a great week!!
Prescott - United Kingdom
Having come all the way from the UK summer to experience skiing in Wanaka for the first time, I was a bit apprehensive that the NZ Snow Tours experience wouldn't live up to the cost of the flights over here.
How wrong! Ange was an absolutely fantastic host for our week in Wanaka. I don't know she manages it but she was cheerful and warm and genuine despite a long week of driving us around, guiding us on the mountain and cooking us breakfast. The best part about NZ Snow Tours is how welcome Ange and Simon make you feel. So unlike other operators which make you feel like a total punter from the outset. None of that here.
We skied Cardrona, Treble Cone, Ohau and Coronet Peak all of which were excellent. The company of the other guests on the tour was a particular bonus, such a great week that I have already booked onto their Cragieburn tour!
Annabel Chaston - New Zealand
This is the best ski holiday I've had in years, I would absolutely recommend the NZ Snow Tours experience to anyone: skier, boarder, beginner, or expert. I've skied in many countries but never the NZ South Island so I was very excited and Ange didn't disappoint. With a mixed group of levels and disciplines she shepherded us around to the best conditions and ensured everyone was catered for and having a great time. It's obvious from day one that NZ Snow Tours love what they do, know the mountains, the industry - and all the important people. Thanks for a brilliant week Tour Leader, I'll definitely be back next year :)
Melissa Hogan - Australia
How could I not rate this experience 10/10? From the moment Simon and Ange happily picked us up from the airport - I knew we were in for an amazing time. Having never been to NZ before - we put our trust in our guides to show us around and they did not disappoint. Their local knowledge had us following the best snow around Ohau, Coronet, Cardrona and TC and expertly guiding us down the best runs for the day. Forever patient with our "faffing" around with bindings etc - It was more like boarding with mates than tour guides.
It was also the little details that made our trip so much more enjoyable. Being awoken in the morning by their friendly faces cooking up our morning feed...expertly chauffeuring us up the mountains...even Ange baking us brownies and a home made celery and blue cheese soup on arrival! The accomodation was also amazing. (Those heated tiles and electric blankets were the best!)
I would definitely recommend NZ Snow Tours to anybody thinking of visiting New Zealand. They take all the hassle out of the trip - so all you have to do is enjoy the snow!
Look forward to booking another tour soon!
Lisa Wilkinson - Australia
NZ Snow Tours were great. Angela and Simon showed us a fantastic time and took care of everything. They even gave me some tips to improve my riding.
Chris Jameson - United States
NZ Snow Tours will take care of ya!!! My first trip down to NZ, and these guys made it even more enjoyable than it already was. I was there with a crew on a photo production, so we were 100% business, and these guys were right there with us. On time each morning, super pleasant through the day, unbelievably helpful in every aspect, and made sure we stayed on track for 5 hectic days of shooting... all done with a smile on their faces the whole way through! Simon, Angela, and their homeboy Tommy will take care of you, and make sure you have a good time while you're visiting the South Island. Look 'em up, and somebody buy those kids a beer for me!
Lori Adamski-Peek - United States
I had the opportunity to work with Simon and Angela at NZ snow tours on a special work related project we did in Wanaka. From the moment we were picked up at the airport to the moment they dropped us off we could not have felt better taken care of. These are truly genuine people who have a great deal of knowledge about New Zealand and winter sports. They were willing to enthusiastically help us out with anything from expert advice about skiing to helping clear up a visa issue. It was an honor to be able to spend time with them and I look forward to returning with my family and having Simon and Angela help us plan a wonderful vacation in beautiful New Zealand.
Ben Fonnesbeck - United States
NZ Snow Tours did a great job hosting our photo adventure in and around Wanaka and Queenstown. A big thanks to Simon and Angela for locating and personally retrieving my lost luggage ASAP! I loved the deluxe chauffeured AWD vans that could hold all our stuff and get us there safe.
Thanks for hooking us up with the right people and burgers.
Caroline Coombs - Hong Kong
We joined the "South Island Safari" for an amazing 2 weeks. We went everywhere, Mt Cheeseman, Porters, Broken River, Treble Cone, Coronet, Cardrona, Remarkables, Ohau not to mention crazy golf.
Simon and Ange where great, extremely friendly and easy to get along with and both are really good cooks. They gave us all the inside knowledge at the resorts and showed us the best runs.
It was the best snowboarding trip I've been on, and I can't wait to go again!
Matt Weyland - Australia
I really didn't know what to expect when joining NZ Snow Tours for their Wanaka adventure week. However, the package put together by NZ Snow Tours was perfect. It really was all the fun of a boarding holiday with none of the hassle. The staff, Ange and Simon, felt more like your best mates, and their local knowledge meant we always ended up in the best location for snow on the day. We ended up going to Treble Cone, Coronet, Cardrona and Ohau - and feeling like we knew all the resorts best runs from the first lift up. I went as a solo traveler (after being let down by friends), but didn't feel like I was going solo. Highly recommended.
Jamie Simchik - United States
I did the Cragieburn Adventure last year on my birthday with my sister. Not only did we both have a blast, we also had some great powder days as well!!! Doing that trip by ourselves would have been tough as you need some good local knowledge to get around, know what club field will be good on what days, learn how to use a nutcracker, and realize that the easiest way up to the base of Broken River was through the recently updated service elevator!!! Angela was great! I will definitely do it again!!!
Doug Cooper - United States
I signed up for the Wanaka tour and had a fantastic week! Simon and Ange offer an experience that is fun, stress-free, and great value for the money. It's that much more enjoyable to have someone who knows the mountains and runs to show you around. I highly recommend NZ Snow Tours and hope to ski with them again!
-Doug
Craig Stanford - Australia
A friend of mine had been raving about a trip she did with NZ Snow Tours and after far too long I finally got around to going on the tour myself.
I booked a place on the “Craigieburn Adventure” and I could not recommend the tour (and the guides!!) highly enough. If you are keen to ski or board on some of the most awesome and awe-inspiring terrain around, then I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to you.
Ange made the trip so easy, right from the pickup in Christchurch until she left us back a week later and from breakfast through to bedtime, every day – the only thing we had to worry about was trying to get in as many runs as possible!
The food was awesome, the terrain was even better and a great time was had by our whole group.
I’d be willing to bet that you will be recommending it to your friends afterwards!
Aileen Zaballa - Australia
first time in NZ and i absolutely enjoyed myself, thanks to si, ange and claire :) they were awesome guides, instructors, housemates and friends! they challenged and pushed me to learn more and try out new things with snowboarding, and by the last day i knew i had progressed far more than i thought i would have. i came to NZ a novice snowboarder... now i'm hooked and eager to get out there again!!! (especially that hill in ohau!). had an awesome time with all of them and can't wait to catch them on the mountain again this year.
TWO THUMBS UP FOR NZ SNOW TOURS!!! :)
Greg Murphy - Australia
Yet another awesome year has passed and already I'm aching to get on the snow again! The guys at NZ Snow Tours are fantastic as always, Ange and Simon take care of everything for you and always willing to accommodate anything you want to do. I did a day of Heli and it was the best experience, can't wait to get back there next year and do it all again!
Thanks Guys :)