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The Ultimate NZ Tour

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The Ultimate NZ Tour

  • OVERVIEW
  • INTINERARY
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • INCLUSIONS
  • GALLERY
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  • REVIEWS

The Ultimate NZ Tour

The ultimate New Zealand snow adventure hosted by Reggae Ellis! P/P

*$294 Extra for Snowboarders due to heli cost

August 19 - 26, 2023

Join Reggae on this bespoke New Zealand experience of a lifetime! Explore the incredible resorts around Wanaka before heading north to experience some of New Zealand’s best club fields with stunning scenery! To top it off we’ve added some incredible experiences like local wine tasting, onsen hot pools, star gazing from a International Dark Sky Reserve, Exploring Mt Cook village, Hiking the Hooker Track and last but not least  jumping on a snow plane to ski the Tasman glacier on Mt Cook – this incredible day combines the breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of actually skiing on the famous glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. For snowboarders, and skiers who want a more advanced run, jump in a helicopter in stead and head out to the peaks of Mt Cook for an epic 5 runs!

Your host and guide for this adventure is Mountainwatch Editor and presenter Reggae Elliss, one of Australia’s best-known snow personas. Most of us know Reggae for his weekly Mountainwatch Snow Reports both out of Australia and Japan! Having spent every winter in Thredbo since 1989, with plenty of time in Japan and New Zealand, Reggae is excited to take you around his favourite runs, powder stashes, groomers and to explore the lesser known club fields with you!

1

Day 01 - Sat, Aug 19

Welcome to New Zealand!

Make your way over to Wanaka, check in at the West Meadows and spend the rest of the day exploring Wanaka at your own leisure. There are plenty of great cafe’s, bars, shops, restaurants, and amazing scenery along the way. Relax and once everyone arrived, we’ll head to town for a delicious welcome dinner. Use this time to get to know Reggae and his fellow guide(s) and your fellow travellers. Enjoy yourself as we’ll wine, dine and go over the plan for the week. 

  • Good accommodation at West Meadows Wanaka. Twin Studio Room  (Twin Share, separate beds)
  • Welcome dinner in Wanaka.
  • Let your consultant know if you require an airport transfer to Wanaka, if you need rentals or any additional add-ons.
2

Day 02 - Sun, Aug 20

First day riding!

Morena! Meet the crew at breakfast and go over the day ahead. We have a stacked day of exploring either Cardrona or Treble Cone. The exact resort depends on snow and weather but either way, a full day’s guiding awaits! Join Reggae and fellow guide(s) as they take you around their favourite zones, powder stashes and groomers. Since it’s our first day we’ll use this day to warm up the legs, and to get a feel for group dynamics. It’s up to you how long you want to stay with the group for and you’re free to explore zones at your own leisure. We’ll make sure to meet somewhere for lunch to regroup or drinks after.

After your first day skiing head to a local Wanaka vineyard with the spectacular views over Lake Wanaka, a comfy and relaxing atmosphere and knowledgeable and fun crew. Perch yourself at the Tasting Bench where one of the awesome team will take you through a daily selection of Maude Wines. We’ll include some tasty snacks and charcuterie boards for a perfect way to end day 1. After the wine tasting head back to the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon/night at your own leisure.

  • Good accommodation at West Meadows Wanaka. Twin Studio Room  (Twin Share, separate beds)
  • Breakfast
  • Full day guiding by Reggae around Cardrona or Treble Cone
  • Lift pass
  • Afternoon wine tasting + charcuterie board
  • Private Transfers to ski fields and vineyard
3

Day 03 - Mon, Aug 21

Meet your guides at breakfast to find out what we have in store for today! As every day, snow and weather will decide where we’ll ride but the goal is to show it all! Hopefully your legs are warmed up after the first day as we’ll try ride some of the great sidecountry and freeride terrain Cardrona and Treble Cone have on offer! Challenge yourself in steep chutes, ride the mellow bowls or cruise the wide slopes! Theres something for everyone!

A visit to Wanaka can’t go without having drinks and food at the famous Cardrona Hotel. Situated on the spectacular Crown Range Road, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most iconic hotels. With a cosy charming atmosphere, great service and picturesque beer garden, the hotel is a favourite for both locals and travellers alike.

  • Good accommodation at West Meadows Wanaka. Twin Studio Room  (Twin Share, separate beds)
  • Breakfast
  • Full day guiding by Reggae around Cardrona or Treble Cone
  • Lift pass
  • After ski dinner at the Cardrona Hotel
  • Private Transfers to ski fields and Cardrona Hotel
4

Day 04 - Tue, Aug 22

It’s the last day exploring one of the resorts around Wanaka. Have a favourite so far? Don’t hesitate to tell your guides and our options are open. Each morning we’ll check what the snow and weather are doing and decide where to ride with you! Cardrona has long open groomers, a world class snowpark and some great side and backcountry. Treble Cone is a freeride paradise so when the snow is good, this place is the ultimate playground for freeriders with the saddle opening up a ton of great options!

Today we might stop skiing a little earlier than before as it’ time to make our way to the next destination. Head back to the hotel, grab your bags and pack it into the van. We’re heading to Tekapo! Only a 2.5hr drive through stunning landscape get’s us to the stunning lakeside town of Tekapo. Check into the hotel and explore the town at your own leisure.

  • Superior accommodation at the Godley Hotel, Tekapo. Superior Room  (Twin Share, 1x Queen + 1x Single bed)
  • Breakfast
  • Full day guiding by Reggae around Cardrona or Treble Cone
  • Lift pass
  • Private Transfers to ski fields and Tekapo after skiing
5

Day 05 - Wed, Aug 23

Tekapo is a stunning lakeside town, with views towards Mt Cook and a stunning base to explore some of the great, nearby clubfields. Which ones we ride, again depends on snow and weather. What you can expect is an awesome little clubfield, serviced by a chair lift which gives access to some incredible freeride terrain and even more incredible views! Whether it’s Ohau Ski Field or Mt Dobson Clubfield, the skiing available here is some of our favourite in all of NZ!

After skiing we might have an early dinner as we have a the ultimate in stellar relaxation night planned. Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. Combining the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with soul-warming hot pools. Experience an indoor and/or outdoor tour where you’ll be introduced to Tekapo’s amazing night skies. You will then enjoy exclusive use of the Tekapo hot pools and feel like you’re soaking in the stars as you explore the wonder of night skies!

  • Superior accommodation at the Godley Hotel, Tekapo. Superior Room  (Twin Share, 1x Queen + 1x Single bed)
  • Breakfast
  • Full day guiding by Reggae around Ohau or Dobson
  • Lift pass
  • Tekapo Onsen Star Gazing
  • Private Transfers to ski fields and Star Gazing
6

Day 06 - Thu, Aug 24

Another stunning day near Tekapo! Today we’ll ride the resort we didn’t visit yesterday. Whether that’s Mt Dobson or Ohau! It’s not unlikely that you can find fresh stashes here days after a snow storm because not many tourists head towards these awesome little club fields. Your guides will have great insider knowledge to where the best stashes are, and if the group is up for it, a short hike gets you to some incredible terrain!

After riding we’ll swing by the hotel to pick up your luggage, pack up the van as we’ll head towards possibly one of the most scenic places in all of New Zealand – Aoraki/Mt Cook National park! Check into the luxurious Hermitage hotel with stunning views to Mt Cook. Settle in before we head to dinner at the hotel.

  • Superior accommodation at the Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook. Superior Room  (Twin Share – 2x Queen beds)
  • Breakfast
  • Buffet dinner at Hermitage Hotel
  • Full day guiding by Reggae around Ohau or Dobson
  • Lift pass
  • Private Transfers to ski fields and Mt Cook
7

Day 07 - Fri, Aug 25

Waking up near Mt Cook is something else. The views from your room towards the national park, Mt Cook as a backdrop, looking out towards todays playground… That’s right. As a highlight of this trip today we’re heading up Mt Cook. For the skiers in the group board a snow plane and fly towards the Tasman glacier. Explore New Zealand’s largest glacier, its blue ice caves, and incredible ice formations while you link turns down the longest ski runs. The snowboarders in the group unfortunately can’t experience the Tasman but we’ll include a day out heli boarding the incredible terrain around Mt Cook, even though the runs might be shorter, the terrain is steeper and views over Mt Cook simply spectacular! What a way to end an incredible trip!

After an epic day, link up at the Hermitage bar and cafe to talk about the day, about the week and to share pictures and footage. Enjoy a last buffet meal at the Hermitage before going for an evening walk gazing at the incredible night sky.

  • Superior accommodation at the Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook. Superior Room  (Twin Share – 2x Queen beds)
  • Breakfast
  • Buffet dinner at Hermitage Hotel
  • For skiers : Ski The Tasman, a Guided Backcountry Ski Adventure on the Tasman glacier.
  • For snowboarders : Mt Cook heli boarding (5 runs). A classic day heli-skiing in NZ’s highest alpine playground.
  • Private Transfers to ski fields and Mt Cook
8

Day 08 - Sat, Aug 26

The last day, and time to head back to Queenstown. We don’t have to waste this day and when possible, there’s the option to start the day walking the Hokker Track – one of New Zealand’s most scenic walks with views to Mt Cook. Can you spot the lines of the day before? We also use this day as a weather window for Ski The Tasman/Mt Cook Heli skiing , so if weather doesn’t allow to ski the day before, we’ll use today to do so.

Eventually we’ll make the 2.5hr journey back to Queenstown where you either check into a hotel or get back in time for your journey home.

  • Breakfast
  • Weather window day for Ski The Tasman/Mt Cook Heli-skiing
  • Hooker Track walk
  • Private Transfers to Queenstown
  • Please let your consultant know if you’d like us to organise accommodation in Queenstown for additional nights, any activities in Queenstown or anything else we can help you with!

 

Please note : This daily itinerary is only a rough estimate. Snow and Weather will determine the actual plan for the day and schedules can change last minute. If certain activities are cancelled we’ll do our best to replace them with similar experiences. 

  • Oakridge Resort Wanaka
    Located 3 kms from stunning Lake Wanaka, Oakridge Resort is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is a great base for this Ultimate NZ Tour!

    Facilities at the resort including outdoor hot pools, 25m lap pool, fitness centre, day spa, bar and restaurant.
    Features
    • 3 Nights Hotel Room with separate beds (Twin Share)
    • Daily Breakfast
    • Ski/Board Storage
    • Outdoor Hot Pools and Gym
    Oakridge Resort Wanaka
    Located 3 kms from stunning Lake Wanaka, Oakridge Resort is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is a great base for this Ultimate NZ Tour!

    Facilities at the resort including outdoor hot pools, 25m lap pool, fitness centre, day spa, bar and restaurant.
    Features
    • 3 Nights Hotel Room with separate beds (Twin Share)
    • Daily Breakfast
    • Ski/Board Storage
    • Outdoor Hot Pools and Gym
  • Godley Hotel Tekapo
    Relax and enjoy comfortable, country-style accommodation at the Godley Hotel in the stunning alpine village of Lake Tekapo in the beautiful South Island!

    The hotel is centrally located with lake and mountain views. Enjoy the onsite Jack Rabbit café or relax in the stylish lounge. It’s a 5-minute walk to the lake with its famous turquoise waters, and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
    Features
    • 2 Nights Superior Room (Twin Share, 1x Queen + 1x Single bed)
    • Daily Breakfast
    Godley Hotel Tekapo
    Relax and enjoy comfortable, country-style accommodation at the Godley Hotel in the stunning alpine village of Lake Tekapo in the beautiful South Island!

    The hotel is centrally located with lake and mountain views. Enjoy the onsite Jack Rabbit café or relax in the stylish lounge. It’s a 5-minute walk to the lake with its famous turquoise waters, and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
    Features
    • 2 Nights Superior Room (Twin Share, 1x Queen + 1x Single bed)
    • Daily Breakfast
  • Hermitage Hotel
    Since the late 1800’s the Hermitage has been an iconic hotel, located in a world class destination.

    The perfect base to explore the natural wonders of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the Hermitage offers great accommodation options, a collection of dining establishments and unique activities whilst providing genuine New Zealand hospitality to guests from all around the globe.
    Features
    • 2 Nights Superior Room (Twin Share, 2x Queen beds)
    • Daily Breakfast
    • Daily Buffet Dinner
    Hermitage Hotel
    Since the late 1800’s the Hermitage has been an iconic hotel, located in a world class destination.

    The perfect base to explore the natural wonders of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the Hermitage offers great accommodation options, a collection of dining establishments and unique activities whilst providing genuine New Zealand hospitality to guests from all around the globe.
    Features
    • 2 Nights Superior Room (Twin Share, 2x Queen beds)
    • Daily Breakfast
    • Daily Buffet Dinner

Inclusions

  • 3 Nights Accommodation, Twin Studio Room (Twin Share, 2x single beds) – West Meadows, Wanaka
  • 2 Nights Accommodation, Superior Room (Twin Share, 1x Queen bed + 1x Single bed) – Godley Hotel, Tekapo
  • 2 Nights Accommodation, Superior Room (Twin Share, 2x Queen beds) – Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mt Cook
  • Daily Breakfast
  • 5 x Full Days Guiding by Reggae Ellis + Mountainwatch Guide(s)
  • All Lift passes
  • For Skiers : 1 x Ski The Tasman – A Guided Backcountry Ski Adventure on the Tasman glacier.
  • For Snowboarders : 1 x Mt Cook Heli-Ski – A classic day heli-skiing in NZ’s highest alpine playground. (5 Runs)
  • Welcome Dinner in Wanaka
  • 1 x Dinner at Cardrona Hotel
  • 2 x Buffet Dinner at Hermitage Hotel
  • 1x Wine Tasting at Maude Wines with Charcuterie board
  • 1x Tekapo Onsen Star Gazing
  • Mt Cook down day activities like Hooker Track walk
  • Private Mountainwatch Travel Transfers
  • Mountainwatch Travel Perks Card, including discounts at Queenstown best shops, restaurants and bars!
  • Mountainwatch Travel Tour Agent on the ground to help with any issues

Not Included

  • Airport Transfers
  • Lunches
  • Dinners not mentioned above
  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Last night in Queenstown
  • Rentals or Add-ons

Please let your consultant know if you need help adding these to your package!

 

EXPERIENCE + GEAR

This tour is for the high intermediate to advanced skiers/snowboarders who are interested in exploring some of New Zealand’s best places!
The resorts we visit cater to a wide variety of levels but the club fields are better for the more advanced riders.

We want to make your Queenstown experience as awesome as possible so don’t hesitate to let your guide know what you prefer! Please note you guides are not instructors, so if you need lessons please let your consultant know and we can arrange these.

*6 Guests Needed To Run

1) Covid-19 Cancellation

  • Cancellations due to covid related border closures are subject to suppliers terms and conditions. In most instances refunds or credit will be available up to 30 days prior to travel as a result of a government order currently in place and preventing you from travelling to the region specified in your confirmation. Some exceptions may apply, see below.
  • Cancellation and refund requests will only be accepted up to 40- 60 days prior to travel (depending on supplier) to allow adequate time for international travel to resume.
  • Mountainwatch Travel will not be liable for any additional costs incurred as a result of Covid related restrictions or requirements, including but not limited to mandatory quarantine or Covid-19 testing.
  • Your refund will be processed after funds are received from suppliers, this can take between 4-8 weeks.
  • All refunds will incur a processing fee of $49 per person, deducted from your refund. If you choose to keep your booking as credit for future travel, the processing fee will be waived.
  • Refunds will not be available for change of mind or any other reason indirectly related to Covid-19, including but not limited to leave unapproved, loss of income or unwillingness to travel due to Covid-19. Refunds will not be available if you choose not to adhere to the government or airline’s policy regarding vaccinations.
  • It is the client’s responsibility to check the policies relating to international travel for the relevant countries. Note these can change at any stage.

Exceptions to standard Covid-19 Cancellation Policy

Niseko

  • H2 Life Properties including; First Tracks, Kira Kira, Roku, Yotei Dream, Asanagi, Fubuki, Gondola Chalets, Kitanishi, Tahoe Lodge, Yuki Ten, Yuki Uchi, Chalet W, Hokkaidaway, Konaya, Off Piste Chalet, The Pavillions, Tanoshii Chalet, Hakuchozan, HakuVillas Full floor villa, HakuVillas, Super Penthouse, Boheme, Foxwood, Gustav’s Hideaway, Hideaway on Escarpment, Kitsune House, Koa Townhouse, Koa Villa, Millesime, Puffin, StarChase, Yanagi House, Yukihyo –  The booking will be credited or refunded if documentation can be provided to show any of the following: i. Border closures prevent travel to your destination on your booked travel date. ii. There is official advice from the Government of your home country, or official advice from the Japanese Government, stating not to travel to your destination due to Covid19. iii. Your airline has cancelled your flight to your destination due to Covid-19.
  • Portfolio Properties including; Suishou, Yasuragi, Fresh Powder, Kiseki, Yukimi, Wajima, Shousugi, Sanga House, Cocoa, Owl House, Tsukinoki, Cisco Moon, North Point Lodge, Villa Rusutsu, Yamakei Residences – If at the time of final payment, guests are unable to confirm travel due to border closures, flight cancellations or any other just reason, guests can move their travel dates to another time within 14 months of original arrival date.
  •  Niseko WOW Properties including; Silver Birch, Baw Baw Sansou, Suiboku, AYA Villas, Panorama, Mountainside Palace, Niseko WOW Lodge – No refund or credit for any reason, including border closures.
  • Niseko Central Properties including; Skye Niseko, Ki Niseko, Yama Shizen, Youtei Tracks, Deep Tracks, Miharashi, Powder Tracks, Sekka Kan, Hangetsu, Kisetsukan, Chalet Murasaki, Ezo 365, Hirafu House, Hirafu Woods, Horizon Townhouse, J House, Kashi Lodge, Konkuritto, Miyuki, Mori, Shirakaba, Tsuru, Whiskey Woods – You can make changes to your booking any time up until 60 days prior to your arrival and receive a Full CREDIT to your new booking for Covid related border closures. Your new booking can be for any dates during Winter 2022/23, Summer 2023 or Winter 2023/24.
  • MnK Properties including; Akazora, The Chalets at Country Resort, The Orchards – If you cannot arrive due to Covid related border closures, you can use your payments as credit towards a 23/24 winter season stay.
  • Nisade Properties including: The Vale Niseko, The Maples Niseko, Always Niseko, Intuition, The Vale Rusutsu, Fenix Furano, Fenix West, Kozue, Terrazze, Setsumon, Snow Crystal, Freshwater, Sekka, Jade Rabbit – Credit will be offered if Japan  borders are closed 30 days or less prior to check in.
  • Setus Niseko; Upon confirmation of the your eligibility, Setsu will discuss alternative stay dates/downsizing your accommodation based on a reduction in the number of persons travelling, credit to future travel in 2022/2023 or 2023/2024 winter seasons or refund the accommodation amount in full, minus any fees that may be incurred for international remittance if requested.

Hakuba 

  • Hakuba Hotel Group (HHG) Properties including The Happo, Hotel Marillen, Phoenix Hotel & Chalets, Mizuho Chalets, Wadano Woods, AMO54, Wagaya Chalet, Roka, Castle, Sakka Rocks, Solar Chalet, Villa Rochalle, Wadano Hill – Non Refundable except in the case of border closures, bookings may be changed to the following season free of charge. Credit will only be applied if borders are closed 60 days prior to travel, not prior.
  • The Hakuba Company Properties including; Nivia, Mountainside Hakuba, Villa El Cielo, Hachi – Free Cancellation for Covid related restrictions up to 45 days prior to travel. Within 45 days we will be charged a bank fee only.
  • NAQ Properties including Villa Hakuba and Happo Apartments – Cancellations due to border closures will remain as credit for a future booking and will not be refunded. Credit will only be applied if borders are closed 60 days prior to travel, not prior.

Myoko Kogen

  • Kogakuro – Cancellation due to Covid related border closures will be accepted up to 60 days prior to travel, from 60 -30 days prior to travel 50% cancellation fee will apply, after 30 days no refund.

Nozawa Onsen

  • Ryokan Sakaya & Jon Nobi Hanare – Cancellation due to Covid related border closures from 15 to 60 days prior to the guest arrival date will incur a 20% cancellation fee. No refund within 15 days prior to arrival.
  • Nakajimaya Ryokan – Cancellation due to Covid related border closures from 31 – 90 days prior to the guest arrival date will incur a 30% cancellation fee. No refund within 31 days prior to arrival.
  • Tokiwaya Ryokan – Cancellation due to Covid related border closures from 12 – 30 days prior to the guest arrival date will incur a 70% cancellation fee. No refund within 12 days prior to arrival.
  • Kawaichiya Ryokan – Cancellation due to Covid related border closures from 22 – 50 days prior to the guest arrival date will incur a 10% cancellation fee. No refund within 22 days prior to arrival.
  • Nozawa Hospitality Properties including: Address Nozawa, Address Nagasaka, Kawamotoya, Nozawa View Shimataya, Residence Yasushi – Cancellation due to Covid related border closures from 15 – 29 days prior to the guest arrival date will incur a 20% cancellation fee. No refund within 15 days prior to arrival.
  • 2) Deposits

  • Northern Hemisphere – A minimum $600 per person non refundable deposit is required within 5 days of your confirmation to secure your booking, or your reservation may be cancelled. Some suppliers may require a higher deposit amount and/or payment inside the standard 5 days to secure the booking, of which you will be notified.
  • Southern Hemisphere – A minimum $300 per person non refundable deposit is required within 5 days of your confirmation to secure your booking, or your reservation may be cancelled. Some suppliers may require a higher deposit amount and/or payment inside the standard 5 days to secure the booking, of which you will be notified.
  • Payment of a deposit indicates acceptance of the terms and conditions.
  • It is the customers responsibility to check all booking details are correct at the time of confirmation, including but not limited to passenger names, travel dates and arrangements. If there is a discrepancy Mountainwatch Travel must be notified within 5 days of booking confirmation. Subsequent changes may incur amendment and/or cancellation fees.
  • Deposits are NON REFUNDABLE for change of mind for unforeseen events that arise before you travel and result in cancellation, with the exception of Covid-19 border closures (see Point 1 above). Deposits are non-transferrable from time of booking to another season.

3) Payment Methods

  • Mountainwatch Travel accepts payment by credit card ($AUD) or direct deposit into our bank accounts ($AUD or $NZD). There is a 1.5% bank charge when paying with Visa or Mastercard. This is non refundable as it is retained by the bank.
  • If paying by bank transfer, it is the customers responsibility to ensure payment has cleared in our account on the due date, or risk your booking being cancelled.

4) Exchange Rates

  • Drastic fluctuations in exchange rates could affect the final balance of your package. While this is uncommon, it can occur due to circumstances outside of our control. Any unpaid balances will be subject to change based on current exchange rates.

5) Airfares

  • Airfares, taxes & conditions can change at any time and the only way to guarantee a quoted airfare is to make payment and ticket flights immediately. It is not always possible for us to advise of increases or change issued by the airline.
  • It is each passenger’s responsibility to make themselves aware of any airfare conditions and/or restrictions relevant to airfares purchased as part of a Mountainwatch Travel package prior to departure. If you are in any doubt, ask your travel consultant to confirm the conditions that apply to your airfare. We will advise the approximate taxes at time of booking however they may change at the time of final payment.
  • Airfares can not be placed on hold until we receive in writing title, full name as per passport and date of birth for any children 11yrs and under.
  • Once airfares have been ticketed, any subsequent changes to names/dates or destinations will incur additional fees, set out by the fare rules of that ticket.
  • If you need to request a refund on your airfare, and the fare rules/conditions allow for refunds, this will be processed via our ticketing centre.
  • The refund for your airfare can take between 6-8 weeks as standard practise and upwards of 8 months since Covid-19.

 

6) Final Payment 

  • Northern Hemisphere – Final payment is due 50 days prior to departure date. Bookings made between 15–49 days from departure, require full payment within 5 days of confirmation.
  • Southern Hemisphere – Final payment is due 40 days prior to departure date. Bookings made between 15–39 days from departure, require full payment within 5 days of confirmation.
  • Bookings made less than 14 days before departure require full payment immediately on confirmation as per late booking conditions.
  • Airfares and some accommodation providers may require full payment prior to the deadline set out above, your consultant will advise you of this.
  • Failure to make payment by the due dates will result in the cancellation of your booking and forfeit of any monies paid.

 

7) Amendments

  • All amendments are subject to availability at the time of request and can not be guaranteed.
  • Amendments made after the final balance is paid and up to 30 days prior to your trip commencing will incur an admin fee of $100 per amendment. This is in addition to any supplier charges.
  • Amendments made within 30 days of your trip commencing will incur a $100 admin fee however may not be honoured due to time constraints. This is in addition to any supplier charges.

8) Late Booking

  • Bookings made less than 14 days before departure will incur a $100 late booking fee. To commence a booking Mountainwatch Travel will require a credit card guarantee and final payment will be taken immediately on confirmation of the booking. Normal cancellation fees will apply.

9) Cancellation

  • Northern Hemisphere – In the event of cancellation more than 50 days prior to departure, Mountainwatch Travel will charge $600 per person cancellation fee in addition to any airline, accommodation and supplier fees. For cancellation within 50 days but more than 30 days prior to departure, Mountainwatch Travel will retain 50% of the total trip price in addition to any applicable airline, accommodation or supplier fees.
  • Southern Hemisphere – In the event of cancellation more than 40 days prior to departure, Mountainwatch Travel will charge $300 per person cancellation fee in addition to any airline, accommodation and supplier fees. For cancellation within 40 days but more than 30 days prior to departure, Mountainwatch Travel will retain 50% of the total trip price in addition to any applicable airline, accommodation or supplier fees.
  • Cancellation within 30 days prior to departure will incur a 100%.
  • No allowance or refund can be made for unused meals, accommodation, transport, vehicle rental, equipment hire, lift tickets, or any other unused package components once travel has commenced.
  • If a person or persons in a group booking cancel their package, they and the remaining people in the booking will be liable for any additional accommodation costs that result from the person cancelling.

10) Accommodation

  • Mountainwatch Travel reserves the right to substitute accommodation for an alternative accommodation of a comparable or superior standard if required due to unforeseen circumstances.

11) Early Bird Deals

  • Early bird deals are subject to availability and can not be guaranteed until confirmation received and payment has been made.
  • Additional payment conditions may be required for early bird bookings, as per the suppliers terms and conditions.

12) Exclusions 

  • All other costs, apart from those detailed in a quote/confirmation, are at the clients’ own expense eg: passport and visa fees, inter-airport transfers, meals or any other items including those of a personal nature unless otherwise stated.
  • If flight or other travel delays lead to missed connections, Mountainwatch Travel cannot be responsible for any additional costs incurred.

13) Responsibility

  • Mountainwatch Travel acts only as an agent for the companies or persons (principals) providing or offering the means of travel, accommodation and other services (the principals’ services) and bookings are made subject to the terms and conditions under which the principal’s services are provided.
  • Accommodation, flights, transportation and any other services are subject to availability at the time of booking. The principals reserve the right to change the prices of their services without notice.
  • Confirmations and invoices are subject to re-issue if incorrect through error or omission and the passenger accepts liability to pay the correct costs for services.
  • Mountainwatch Travel reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any tour or passenger booking or to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of a Tour or passenger booking. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of NSW, Australia.

14) Liability

  • To the extent permitted by law, neither Mountainwatch Travel nor anyone on its behalf can be held liable for any alterations, act or omission on the part of the service providers/principals for any consequential, loss, death, injury, accident, delay or damage occasioned to any person or their belongings.
  • Whether or not such loss, injury or damage is due directly or indirectly to any default, negligent act, misrepresentation, breach of duty, or omission of the travel operator, their respective representatives, servants, contractors or agents.
  • Matters outside the control of Mountainwatch Travel may affect the services offered and Liquid Snow Tours will not be responsible for any such matters.
  • Programs, offers, tour prices, services and conditions are current at the time of publication of promotional material are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, including increases in operating costs.
  • Mountainwatch Travel will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveller who contravenes the law or regulation of any country visited.
  • Mountainwatch Travel strongly advises against the use or possession of prohibited drugs in foreign countries and warns travellers that if found to be involved in the use or possession of illegal drugs on a Mountainwatch Travel tour or package, we reserve the right to discharge the traveler from a tour without any compensation. This is a zero tolerance policy.

15) Force Majeure

  • Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, neither we nor any Third Party Supplier can accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our or the Third Party Supplier’s contractual obligations is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of force majeure.
  • ‘Force majeure’ means any event which we / the supplier of the service(s) in question / the Third Party Supplier could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemics, fire and all similar events outside the control of the party concerned.

14) Travel Insurance

  • We require all travellers to have travel insurance and recommend booking this as soon as your deposit is paid. This will cover you for an unforeseen event that occurs before you travel and may prevent you from travelling. You can click HERE for an online quote or please ask your travel consultant about our comprehensive policies.

15) Gift Cards

  • Mountainwatch travel gift cards can only be used to purchase travel products directly with Mountainwatch travel. Cards are not permitted to be used through a third party such as a different travel agent.
  • Gift Cards can be redeemed on products which hold a value over $AUD100.
  • The Gift card holds a 3 year expiry for bookings from the time of purchase. Your travel dates can fall outside the 3 years however a booking must be made in this time frame.
  • The sum of the gift card can be used in 1 or multiple transactions until the balance reaches $0. However the card is not redeemable for cash or cash equivalent products.
  • We may in our sole discretion place a stop on the use of a gift card if a gift card is reported to us as being lost or stolen or we believe it is being used contrary to these terms and conditions.

Licence

Mountainwatch Travel, formerly known as Liquid Tours, is a licenced travel agent a member of the Travel Compensation Fund, and is licensed by the Department of Fair Trading to carry on business as a Travel Agent. The Travel Compensation Fund guarantees all monies deposited with Liquid Tours for client travel.

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FAQ

Your host and guide for this adventure is Reggae, arguably one of Australia’s most well knows snow (and surf) persona’s.
You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Numbers permitting we’ll have multiple guides available during this tour. The main guide will be Reggae, but we’re aiming to have other local guide(s) on hand who have spent a lot of time riding around New Zealand – they’ll know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will be around to greet you on your arrival and be there to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!

Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Our head office is now located in Queenstown, so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.

Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a WhatsApp or Facebook Group Chat to communicate with each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we’ll have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.

We offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the hot tub or beer at your own leisure.
Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off. We aim to catch up for lunch to re-group and then for apres drinks before heading back.

In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-8 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximise the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as epic as possible!

Throughout this trip we’ll stay at comfortable, superior rooms at all locations. Daily breakfast is included and all rooms have twin, separate beds in different conversions. We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders. Wifi is also freely available.

We can help you add in airport transfers, additional nights or any activity you’d like to experience on your holiday. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Queenstown and Wanaka. Perhaps you would like to extend your stay at the resort or explore a bit more of NZ by heading to another resort for more days on the hill? Your consultant can assist with this and provide recommendations.

Throughout the trip we have a bunch of amazing activities and experiences included, but in the end the weather will decide what day we do what exactly. Regarding skiing/snowboarding, your guides will make calls on which resorts to ride based on the best conditions. Calls can be made the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of.

The last day of this trip is one of the most spectacular ones. Ever! Unfortunately they don’t allow snowboarders to participate in ski the Tasman as the glaciers terrain is very mellow, and a little tough for snowboarders to make without having to unstrap. To be able to still provide snowboarders with an incredible experience, we will substitute the Tasman experience for a 5-run Mt Cook Heli-Boarding day. This cost $294 more per person. If skiers would prefer to join the heli day in stead, this can be arranged for the same cost.

We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch Travel is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.

Your host and guide for this adventure is Reggae, arguably one of Australia’s most well knows snow (and surf) persona’s.
You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Numbers permitting we’ll have multiple guides available during this tour. The main guide will be Reggae, but we’re aiming to have other local guide(s) on hand who have spent a lot of time riding around New Zealand – they’ll know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will be around to greet you on your arrival and be there to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!

Throughout this trip we’ll stay at comfortable, superior rooms at all locations. Daily breakfast is included and all rooms have twin, separate beds in different conversions. We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders. Wifi is also freely available.

Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Our head office is now located in Queenstown, so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.

We can help you add in airport transfers, additional nights or any activity you’d like to experience on your holiday. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Queenstown and Wanaka. Perhaps you would like to extend your stay at the resort or explore a bit more of NZ by heading to another resort for more days on the hill? Your consultant can assist with this and provide recommendations.

Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a WhatsApp or Facebook Group Chat to communicate with each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we’ll have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.

Throughout the trip we have a bunch of amazing activities and experiences included, but in the end the weather will decide what day we do what exactly. Regarding skiing/snowboarding, your guides will make calls on which resorts to ride based on the best conditions. Calls can be made the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of.

We offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the hot tub or beer at your own leisure.
Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off. We aim to catch up for lunch to re-group and then for apres drinks before heading back.

The last day of this trip is one of the most spectacular ones. Ever! Unfortunately they don’t allow snowboarders to participate in ski the Tasman as the glaciers terrain is very mellow, and a little tough for snowboarders to make without having to unstrap. To be able to still provide snowboarders with an incredible experience, we will substitute the Tasman experience for a 5-run Mt Cook Heli-Boarding day. This cost $294 more per person. If skiers would prefer to join the heli day in stead, this can be arranged for the same cost.

In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-8 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximise the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as epic as possible!

We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch Travel is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.

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HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? Speak to one of our ski travel specialists today!

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