My top ten reasons why I love to heli-ski guide in New Zealand and why I think it’s a great adventure for you:
10. Surfing! New Zealand offers the chance to go surfing and Heli-Skiing/Boarding on the same vacation.
9. Watching an All Blacks Rugby match in a pub, or in Auckland at Eden Park, is a an electric event. New Zealanders’ are very proud of their All Blacks and it’s a great multi generational and gender social event.
8. Going on a wine tour with your friends. Central Otago valley has some amazing wineries that make for a great day of wine tasting, sight seeing and enjoying the local culture.
7. Drinking exceptional espresso at a local café and eating a pastry made by a local. New Zealand has some amazing independently owned café’s that can’t be missed and it is nice to support local.
6. Enjoying the breath-taking scenery. Bring your camera and enjoy the postcard scenery.
5. Flying with Alpine Helicopter Pilots is an excellent way to get a new perspective and a time efficient way to get the most powder on your vacation.
4. Going mountain biking in Wanaka or Queenstown on a day off from the slopes.
3. Pushing your comfort zone with an adrenaline packed activities. Down days happen and New Zealand offers exceptional activities like bungee jumping, zip lining, luge track, paragliding and more.
2. Opportunity to ski/snowboard in Northern Hemispheres summer. Heli-Skiing or Heli-Snowboarding is a great way to cool off and continue to make friends on a powder day. There are ski resorts close to Wanaka and Queenstown where you can train for your Heli-ski/board day(s).
1. Simply going Heli-Skiing/Boarding! That simple and its amazing every time.
Southern Lakes Mountain region offers some of the best Heli-ski/board terrain in the Southern Hemisphere. Southern Lakes Heli-Skiing Company has the largest tenure within this region, experienced guides, safely operating for 30 years and partners with Alpine Helicopters.
The combined synergy of the top 10 reasons to come heli-sking/boarding in New Zealand almost guarantees a trip of a lifetime. All you need to bring is the right attitude, a thirst for adventure and some time to enjoy it. The Kiwi perspective!
by Michael Shynkaryk (October 2015)