Haka Snow Tours
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Haka Snow Tours
Amazing small group snow adventures with expert kiwi guides
Haka Tours provides the ultimate in NZ ski and snowboard experiences, with 5, 7 and 12 day tours available.
Watch the video as we take a group on our flagship tour - it sums up exactly what our tours are all about: http://hakatours.com/snow
Shot in full HD, this is epic footage.
Departing from Christchurch or Queenstown, our fully guided snow adventures are all inclusive, meaning you can relax and focus on the snow. Thus all our tours include:
Expert local guide - our guides know these mountains better than anyone, and are highly skilled
Accommodation and Breakfast (super hard to find in peak season!)
Lift Passes
Transport
Hire gear
Small groups (16 Max)
Optional activities available as part of your tour (e.g. Bungy jumping)
Our guests rave about our small personal groups, our dedication to finding the best snow possible, and our super passionate kiwi tour managers who act not only as a guide but as a good friend to you whilst on tour.
Haka Tours is an award-winning New Zealand tour operator based in Christchurch. You can also check out our Adventure Tours Reviews under "Bus and Van Tour" category.
Details
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Haka ToursCommercial organisation |
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch |
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Snow and Ice
Reviews
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5.0/5
I've done 2 South Island Snow Safaris with these guys.
Really well organised company, great guides. Everything is A1.
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5.0/5
Thank you Haka for creating such an awesome tour!!
I could not have asked for a better week. My tour group was awesome and we all got along great. Our tour guide Chris was super knowledgable on and off the mountain suggesting runs or places to eat. I am so glad I booked with you guys!
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5.0/5
Loved our tour guide, Willow.
Loved my other traveling companions. Wish the snow safari were longer...like maybe 12 days to give us either extra free days or extra ski days (i.e. ski one of the resorts more than once). Awesome scenery. Great ski terrain. I so hope I have a chance to do it again sometime.
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5.0/5
I loved travelling with Haka snow tours.
I went on the 7 day snow tour. Booking was easy. Nic was wonderful with answering any questions I had and nothing was too much of a problem. Even at the end of the tour when my flight was changed and I needed more accommodation the ladies in the office were wonderful.
Travelling on my own, it was my first time on a board and I hadn't even skied for years. Burto was our guide and a legend. He knows the best runs and terrains for both skiers and boarders (he does both) and willing to accommodate anyone's skill level/style. As the weather in NZ changes so quickly sometimes the itinerary will change. Burto knew exactly where to go and was skilled at predicting how the snow would change so everyone got the most out of their day. Ask him anything about the local area and he could probably answer it.
The dorm accommodation is great especially the Haka lodges. The tour is social and really well organised, Burto let us know the best places to eat and drink in Wanaka, Queenstown and Tekapo.
Can't wait to come back next year!
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5.0/5
7 day Southern Alps Tour.
Aug 9 - Aug 16. Started in Christchurch, finished in Queenstown.
We were fortunate to get some snowfall at the start of our tour, which made the conditions quite nice.
Our tour guide Haygi has been shredding the southern alps since '92 and has plenty of connections to prove it. He is a top notch guy who knows where to find the best runs on the mountain as well as the coldest brews and best slice of pizza après-ski. Don't hesitate to ask him for anything, he will help you.
I insist that you finish this tour by staying in Queenstown for an extra day and experiencing the plethora of adventure activities that surround you. You have to try the Canyon Swing. Make sure to book all your extra curricular activities through your tour guide, it makes it seamless.
After this premiere visit to NZ, it has me jonesing to come back in the summer.
Cheers
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5.0/5
Did the South Island snow safari and it was a truly amazing experience.
The haka staff at the lodges, and of course our tour guide Hygi, were fantastic. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for adventure and the best NZ has to offer. The itinerary is perfect and I would do it all again in a heartbeat! 10/10
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4.5/5
This review is for the 12 day tour completed in August 2015.......
I travelled out from the UK for the trip. Holly and Nicola based in the office handled all the pre departure questions and queries really well given it was by email and a 12 hour time difference (the Haka paper work from the website is excellent and covers virtually all the bases). I went for the optional extra of having my own room on the tour and this turned out really well (nothing against the rest of the "team" on the tour - you know who you are).
Jamie our guide (and driver) had the organisation down to a tee and had the complication of looking at the weather to decide the forward plan...... Given the weather and the snow conditions Jamie did an excellent job (tour was 9th to 20th August). Obviously the weather is a big variable and the 12 day is not 12 days of skiing every day. There are some part days - travelling and skiing and transfer days between ski fields. Overall the itinerary is flexible to cope with weather and snow conditions and the state of the various fields (and the access roads). The itinerary as on the website is not firm and fixed.
I can't fault Jamie and the Haka team on the organisation of the tour. For instance they are obviously trying different accommodation to improve the experience and are not resting on their "laurels" which is refreshing - a continuous improvement culture! I didn't partake in the optional extras at Wanaka (heliskiing, skydiving) but those that did seemed to have successful days.
Overall a great experience and measured up to expectation - see a good part of the South Island and experience New Zealand skiing.
Not quite a 10 out of 10 as Haka were let down right at the last minute by the shuttle company in Christchurch - not following instructions for transferring bags and completing an airport transfer at the end of the last day..... this is being changed!!!
All in all if you want to do the South Island ski experience do it with Haka!!
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5.0/5
I did the 12 day Odyssey with Jamie D.
We were the first group to do this tour. Jamie was an outstanding guide and professional driver. I felt very safe on the roads to the ski fields despite our vehicle being a two wheel drive (I heard they have since upgraded to 4x4). The group was small and adaptable to some of the changes we had to make due to conditions and weather. Jamie's experience and knowledge made these changes effortless. The nut-cracker rope tows can be challenging . They are pretty easy to learn on skis, but if you snowboard you should be reasonably comfortable with riding switch as the side you have to ride on can change.
Haka tours was very responsive and easy to work with. They helped me with shuttle connections, lodging and hiring ski equipment when the airline lost my skis. It is hard to find a company with such consistently high ratings and good reviews online, but in my experience Haka tours has earned them many times over.
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5.0/5
Awesome snow tour for a solo traveller and a love for the snow!
Felt like I was on tour with a pro snow boarder and a bunch of mates travelling the ski fields of nz! Loved every minute of it and my skills have improved heaps.. I will be back for sure!
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5.0/5
Loved our tour guide, Willow.
Loved my other traveling companions. Wish the snow safari were longer...like maybe 12 days to give us either extra free days or extra ski days (i.e. ski one of the resorts more than once). Awesome scenery. Great ski terrain. I so hope I have a chance to do it again sometime.
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5.0/5
Thank you Haka for creating such an awesome tour!!
I could not have asked for a better week. My tour group was awesome and we all got along great. Our tour guide Chris was super knowledgable on and off the mountain suggesting runs or places to eat. I am so glad I booked with you guys!
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5.0/5
I've done 2 South Island Snow Safaris with these guys.
Really well organised company, great guides. Everything is A1.
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5.0/5
Did the South Island snow safari and it was a truly amazing experience.
The haka staff at the lodges, and of course our tour guide Hygi, were fantastic. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for adventure and the best NZ has to offer. The itinerary is perfect and I would do it all again in a heartbeat! 10/10
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5.0/5
7 day Southern Alps Tour.
Aug 9 - Aug 16. Started in Christchurch, finished in Queenstown.
We were fortunate to get some snowfall at the start of our tour, which made the conditions quite nice.
Our tour guide Haygi has been shredding the southern alps since '92 and has plenty of connections to prove it. He is a top notch guy who knows where to find the best runs on the mountain as well as the coldest brews and best slice of pizza après-ski. Don't hesitate to ask him for anything, he will help you.
I insist that you finish this tour by staying in Queenstown for an extra day and experiencing the plethora of adventure activities that surround you. You have to try the Canyon Swing. Make sure to book all your extra curricular activities through your tour guide, it makes it seamless.
After this premiere visit to NZ, it has me jonesing to come back in the summer.
Cheers
-
4.5/5
This review is for the 12 day tour completed in August 2015.......
I travelled out from the UK for the trip. Holly and Nicola based in the office handled all the pre departure questions and queries really well given it was by email and a 12 hour time difference (the Haka paper work from the website is excellent and covers virtually all the bases). I went for the optional extra of having my own room on the tour and this turned out really well (nothing against the rest of the "team" on the tour - you know who you are).
Jamie our guide (and driver) had the organisation down to a tee and had the complication of looking at the weather to decide the forward plan...... Given the weather and the snow conditions Jamie did an excellent job (tour was 9th to 20th August). Obviously the weather is a big variable and the 12 day is not 12 days of skiing every day. There are some part days - travelling and skiing and transfer days between ski fields. Overall the itinerary is flexible to cope with weather and snow conditions and the state of the various fields (and the access roads). The itinerary as on the website is not firm and fixed.
I can't fault Jamie and the Haka team on the organisation of the tour. For instance they are obviously trying different accommodation to improve the experience and are not resting on their "laurels" which is refreshing - a continuous improvement culture! I didn't partake in the optional extras at Wanaka (heliskiing, skydiving) but those that did seemed to have successful days.
Overall a great experience and measured up to expectation - see a good part of the South Island and experience New Zealand skiing.
Not quite a 10 out of 10 as Haka were let down right at the last minute by the shuttle company in Christchurch - not following instructions for transferring bags and completing an airport transfer at the end of the last day..... this is being changed!!!
All in all if you want to do the South Island ski experience do it with Haka!!
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5.0/5
I loved travelling with Haka snow tours.
I went on the 7 day snow tour. Booking was easy. Nic was wonderful with answering any questions I had and nothing was too much of a problem. Even at the end of the tour when my flight was changed and I needed more accommodation the ladies in the office were wonderful.
Travelling on my own, it was my first time on a board and I hadn't even skied for years. Burto was our guide and a legend. He knows the best runs and terrains for both skiers and boarders (he does both) and willing to accommodate anyone's skill level/style. As the weather in NZ changes so quickly sometimes the itinerary will change. Burto knew exactly where to go and was skilled at predicting how the snow would change so everyone got the most out of their day. Ask him anything about the local area and he could probably answer it.
The dorm accommodation is great especially the Haka lodges. The tour is social and really well organised, Burto let us know the best places to eat and drink in Wanaka, Queenstown and Tekapo.
Can't wait to come back next year!
-
5.0/5
I did the 12 day Odyssey with Jamie D.
We were the first group to do this tour. Jamie was an outstanding guide and professional driver. I felt very safe on the roads to the ski fields despite our vehicle being a two wheel drive (I heard they have since upgraded to 4x4). The group was small and adaptable to some of the changes we had to make due to conditions and weather. Jamie's experience and knowledge made these changes effortless. The nut-cracker rope tows can be challenging . They are pretty easy to learn on skis, but if you snowboard you should be reasonably comfortable with riding switch as the side you have to ride on can change.
Haka tours was very responsive and easy to work with. They helped me with shuttle connections, lodging and hiring ski equipment when the airline lost my skis. It is hard to find a company with such consistently high ratings and good reviews online, but in my experience Haka tours has earned them many times over.
-
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5.0/5
Awesome snow tour for a solo traveller and a love for the snow!
Felt like I was on tour with a pro snow boarder and a bunch of mates travelling the ski fields of nz! Loved every minute of it and my skills have improved heaps.. I will be back for sure!
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5.0/5
Well organised tour to a variety of ski resorts in the south island - the group leader was excellent and very effective.
Most of the group was fun and easygoing. There were heaps of activities. Perhaps trying to get up to the slopes early would be good. I would highly recommend.
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5.0/5
Burto was our tour guide and his knowledge and passion for NZ made the tour even more memorable.
His enthusiasm got me more excited about NZ and I want to go back again.
I felt that I was well taken care of. Burto checked the weather before we went to the ski fields to make sure we would go to the ones with the best conditions that day. Even though dinners were not provided in the tour, Burto would suggest restaurants and join the group. The restaurants he recommended were very tasty and good value. Not only did I have a fun snow boarding experience, I really enjoyed the food in NZ as well.
I stayed in a single room, so I found the accommodation very comfortable- especially at Lake Tekapo.
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5.0/5
I just wanted to thank everyone at Haka Tours for the great seven-day ski tour I participated in from July 24 to 31, 2015.
Conditions were generally terrific; our tour guide, Cameron, did a great job and everything he could to help ensure the trip went well. I was completely happy with it, and made some new friends I hope to see again.
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5.0/5
Burto, you are amazing!
Amazing company, amazing guide, amazing tour, amazing sights, amazing activities, amazing memories.
As a guide Burto was so knowledgeable and passionate about NZ. As a person, he was so lovely, encouraging and fun. I couldn't have asked for anyone better... Is there better? Surely not!
Would highly recommend Haka tours to anyone. Even if you are a pro Skier, snowboarder or professional Snowman maker, this tour is 100% for for you. Haka Tours not only visit a great range of wicked snow fields but they also can recommend a number of other optional activities that you can take part in... Especially in Queenstown!
Look-out 2015, I'll be back for sure!
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4.0/5
Fantastic experience sharing some time with total strangers.
Plenty of snow in almost all ski centers, suitable for any type of expertise. Stunning views and nice towns visited on the way to Queenstown. One of the accommodation can be improved, the rest was comfy and in convenient areas. It also helped that we had an almost perfect weather and our tour guide Grant was cool!
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5.0/5
Had an awesome week boarding with Burto on the seven day South Island tour, thoroughly recommend it.
The group were a lot of fun and we were really well looked after.
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5.0/5
Haka Tours has helped me fall in love with New Zealand.
The tour is incredibly relaxed (what you want from a holiday) yet had a completely organised feeling to it. Burto, our guide, had such depth of knowledge of the land, the people, the "tourist" spots and the unknown gems. Combining that with his contagious positive vibe makes him an amazing guide. Each day was it's own unique adventure.
I went to learn how to snowboard, what I've learnt is so much more.
I'll be back to NZ as soon as possible with Haka.
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4.5/5
Haka Tours and Burto as tour guide set up a great snow time where it was all laid out and hassle free.
Local knowledge, easy setup, gear sorted, and much to just enjoy with like-minded. A great bunch of places strung together really well for for a fabulous snow show time
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5.0/5
Had a wicked time with haka tours!
Highly recommended! Thanks so much for the good memories ☺ look forward to next time 🗻
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5.0/5
Amazing week of skiing.
Burto our guide was a ball of energy and made sure the trip was always fun and ran smoothly. I was a first timer and there were other very experienced skiers on the trip so he catered to everyone's ability. Had a blast on this trip from start to finish. Thinking about doing it again...
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5.0/5
Had a fantastic trip with Haka Tours, great people and aswesome tour guide.
Excellent value for money. Best week of skiing I've had, definitely recommended!
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5.0/5
The 7day South Island Snow Tour, totally exceeded my expectations, everything about the trip was incredible, accommodation, ( I paid extra for private rooms ) cannot judge the dorm areas, but the rooms
I saw in Queenstown looked very cosy and spacious. Burto our guide really knows his stuff and made everyone feel very comfortable. Great crew, new friends from all over, good mix of ages as well. Highly recommend hope to do it again.
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5.0/5
Amazing!
Best week I have had skiing. The people were nice and really easy to get along with and the instructor really new his stuff! Big ups for Haka Snow Tours! I will definitely be back again.
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5.0/5
Couldn't have been a better trip - fun skiing, stunning views, comfortable transport and accommodations, hearty food and drink, and stellar company.
Was facilitated masterfully by Haka Tours, upfront by Nic and throughout the tour by Berto. Would recommend without the slightest reservation. Anyone who joins is sure to have an enjoyable trip and memorable adventure.
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4.5/5
I would highly recommend the 7 day snow/ski tour.
The tour guides were knowledgeable and very friendly and really made the experience a happy and fulfilling one. The Haka lodge(s) in both Queenstown and Christchurch are excellent and the transport situation is ideal. The Purple Cow in Wanaka is also sufficient for the needs of this tour. I appreciated the flexibility of the tour and appreciated having the option of staying with the group for activities and also choosing to do my own thing when I wished. Met a fantastic group of people from all over the world and this was really the highlight of the trip.
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5.0/5
This was one of the best skiing trips I've been on.
After being part of the first group to hit the pistes in 2013 it was a week not to forget. Trying out different ski fields every days was brilliant, along with the day off in Queenstown and trying their famous and delicious Fergburgers.
Our guides, Burto and Nic, were brilliant and always happy to answer any questions.
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5.0/5
Hake Snow Tour is brilliant!
I had a sweet week going up and down the hills during this tour. The atmosphere is cool and everybody is up for a laugh.
Burto is a great guide, very patient -he taught some snowboard stuff as it was my first time on a board- and always helpful and fun. He always had something to tell about a place.
Hake choose well the route and you see beautiful landscapes (Tekapo, Queenstown...). The accommodation during the tour is ok and even excellent in the two Hake Lodges (Christchurch and Queenstown).
Hard to be disappointed in my opinion. Had a wonderful experience on tour.
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5.0/5
What an amazing experience!
Wanted to get up (and down) a few mountains whilst in NZ so booked a tour with Haka. I did treat myself as I didn't initially want to send this much, however I'm SOOOO glad I did! Burto the tour guide, driver and all round legend is a fantastic rep for the company, never a dull moment :D Nic and Robyn were really so helpful in setting up my booking, including moving dates around for me so I could get the most out of my trip. The mountains and fields on South Island are sic, mixed up for all abilities. I was boarding with people MUCH more advanced than me but it didn't matter - B even took some time just to cruise around with me (the slow one!) I would highly recommend using Haka - the enthusiasm is so infectious, the places they take you are awesome and the people you meet are just wonderful. Thanks Haka!
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5.0/5
This tour was great value for money.
It was really well organised and the only thing you needed to do each day was to get yourself ready and ski/board to your heart's content!! Burto is very knowledgable but laid-back, and knows how to make the tour so much fun for everyone. It was awesome meeting and hanging out with such a great mix of people. I highly recommend this tour, I had a blast!!
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5.0/5
This tour was fantastic!!
Everything about it was great, it was well organised yet laid back and relaxed. The accommodation was excellent and, most importantly, it was a lot of fun!!
