Which is the ultimate heli-ski destination this winter: Queenstown, Wānaka, or Aoraki / Mount Cook?

Are you planning your ski trip to Aotearoa, New Zealand, but unsure where the best place to heli-ski is?

We have the inside scoop on Southern Alps heli-ski adventures to help you choose between bustling ski towns, remote wilderness, and everything in between.

Queenstown

Fly directly into Queenstown Airport and access New Zealand’s famous backcountry with Harris Mountains Heli-Ski’s range of experiences. Enjoy great skiing alongside vibrant nightlife, a diverse food scene, and numerous off-mountain activities. The Queenstown terrain offers steep chutes and wide-open bowls, suitable for upper-intermediate to expert skiers and riders.

Wānaka

Boutique cafes and shops, tranquil strolls by the lake, and some of New Zealand’s best skiing await in Wānaka, a relaxed mountain town just an hour north of Queenstown. Enjoy stunning lake and mountain views in a peaceful setting. Vast heli-ski terrain allows Harris Mountains Heli-Ski to adjust for fresh powder or changing weather.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Remote wilderness, big mountains and truly magnificent ski-lines, all amongst the tallest peaks of Aotearoa New Zealand. The region is known for big mountains, glaciers, the night sky, and some of the longest heli-ski runs in the country. Harris Mountains Heli-Ski and Mount Cook Heli-Ski by Alpine Guides open the gates to incredible big-mountain terrain suitable for advanced and expert skiers and riders. If you want to stand among New Zealand’s highest peaks, Aoraki / Mount Cook is the place for you, but make sure to plan to spend a few extra days in the area in case weather impacts flying conditions.

If your trip takes you further north, consider Methven Heli-Ski, just two hours from Christchurch in the Arrowsmith ranges.

Still undecided or have questions? Contact our team today for all the details on heli-ski in Aotearoa New Zealand.