South Island Winter Discovery

You will need an overnight pack to carry gear to take to the backcountry hut.

You will be supplied with snow shoes, ski’s and ski poles. If necessary, ask our staff about providing small overnight packs and walking poles.

The weather in the South Island of New Zealand in winter can be changeable so you will need to have suitable clothing for a wide range of conditions. There could be snow on the mountains and cold winds, but frosty mornings are often followed by mild clear blue sky days. At night it can be freezing with subzero temperatures, but fabulous for experiencing some big sky stargazing! We recommend bringing lots of layers, warm thermal merino layers, micro fleece or woollen mid layers and a good waterproof jacket so that you can add and remove layers as the temperatures change throughout the day.

Outdoor Clothing & Equipment:

• Waterproof jacket– must be completely waterproof, not just showerproof, have a hood and fit comfortably whilst wearing warm clothing
• Waterproof pants – optional
• Softshell jacket – warm and windproof, to act as an additional warm layer
• Down jacket – optional, warm extra layer for night in back country hut
• Outdoor trousers – quick dry material or stretch fabric (jeans/denim is not suitable)
• Stretch outdoor tights – a warm alternative to walking trousers, better with a fleece lining and in very cold conditions can be worn underneath trousers
• Lightweight woollen jumper or fleece to act as a mid layer
• T-shirts or shirts – moisture wicking, quick drying materials such as merino, synthetic or coolmax. Cotton is best avoided
• Thermal layers – quick drying or merino thermal base layers, top and longs essential
• Cycle shorts – optional, for 2 cycle rides, padded ones are best for comfort
• Hiking boots with firm ankle support and sturdy soles with good grip
• Shoes suitable for cycling – your hiking boots can also be worn
• Hiking gaitors
• Boot socks and undergarments
• Balaclava/buff/scarf to keep face and neck warm
• Warm hat and thick gloves
• Day pack – can be hired for free, please request in advance
• Hiking poles – can be hired for free, please request in advance
• Camelback drinking system or water bottles
• Head torch or small flash light
• Sunglasses

Your Guide will have:

• First aid kit

Optional Equipment

• Skis, Snowboard and Ski boots. Ski, snowboard and boot hire is included in your tour price, but for those of you who have a favourite pair you might like to bring them
• Snow shoes. Snow shoe hire is included in the tour price
• GPS or extra navigational systems 
• Power bars & energy drinks – our guides will feed you snacks and fruit while on tour but you might like to bring your own energy specific products. If you do not usually use these items, there are plenty of snacks available.

Personal Clothing

• Casual evening wear – dinners are a casual event
• Casual day wear, shirts and trousers etc as travel wear when not hiking
• Lightweight woollen jumper or fleece
• Warm jacket – layering up is the best option
• Casual shoes
• Swimsuit and towel – optional, each accommodation provider will supply towels but it can be handy to have a small one with you during the day and for visits to hot pools
• Undergarments, socks and sleep wear

Personal Supplies

• If traveling from overseas: Passport and photo copy of passport and emergency contact list, kept separately from originals, flight details and insurance details
• Personal toiletry gear
• Travel hair dryer – optional, not all accommodation providers will have them
• Sun cream & lip balm – on a sunny day the burn rate is 7min, its best to be prepared
• Personal first aid kit and prescriptions
• If you wear glasses or use contact lenses it can be handy to have an extra set
• Mobile phone and charger
• Camera and charger/extra batteries and spare memory card
• Reading material
• Electrical adapter for any appliances that you may be bringing (eg camera battery charger). Note: Australia and New Zealand have the same type of electrical plug
• Plastic Ziploc bags/Dry bags – very useful for storing wet clothing

For those guests who come from hotter climates you may not have a supply of thermals and warm clothes, however Queenstown has a large number of outdoor gear stores where you can stock up, such as Kathmandu, Macpac, Outside Sports and Torpedo 7 to name a few. Check out Small Planet on Shotover Street which also has a huge range of new and used gear. We have tried to think of everything that you may need but you might have your own additions. If you are unsure of any of the listed items please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us and we will help you out. Remember this is just a recommended list - common sense should always prevail! Laundry facilities are readily available most nights, so you should have chance to wash your clothes while you are on tour should you need to.

All food described in the itinerary is included, as well as water and snacks.

Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

The guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. Depending on the size of the group, the services of two guides is provided. All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are advanced mountain guides.