Heliskiing and Catskiing in New Zealand

New Zealand is also a great heliskiing destination for heliski enthusiasts who need a dose of ski and heliski during the Northern hemisphere summer.
The NZ heliski season lasts from July to September.

Most Heliski operators are based in Queenstown and Wanaka with a few more options around Mount Cook and Methven. While most Canada and Alaska operators only offer multi day packages, New Zealand heliskiing operators offer day heli skiing. We believe that it is a good option for a first experience but it comes with pros and cons. The main advantages is that you get to pick the best day and it is quite affordable. On the other hand, make sure that you get in a group with similar ability or it can be very frustrating (we speak from experience !)

Snow conditions can be quite unpredictable in our experience. The powder can be very good after a storm but the wind and maritime influence can alter the snow pack in a few days. Like South America and Alaska, the ski terrain in New Zealand is above tree line. If the visibility is bad, the helicopter will not take off (down day / no fly day). But most of the NZ heliski operations are nearby ski resorts, so you’ll definitely get to hit the slopes.