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Ski Wanaka

Wanaka is one of the most majestic spots on this planet. The town is set on the shores of Lake Wanaka where you get picture-postcard views from just about every vantage point.

Wanaka is the main base for the ski resorts of Treble Cone, Cardrona and Snow Park (although there is a selection of accommodation now available at the base of Cardrona itself). From Wanaka it is also within reach to ski at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.

Suggested Itinerary

Based on 7-Days: Fly to Queenstown International Airport (see notes under "Airfares & Flights" for details) Self-Drive Queenstown to Wanaka (about 1 hour drive) 7 nights accommodation in Wanaka 6 days to ski or snowboard and / or explore the other great things Wanaka has to offer (including Queenstown only an hour away) Self-drive Wanaka to Queenstown International Airport Other Activities to consider: Heli Skiing Queenstown -Harris Mountains Heliski , Alpine Heliski, Southern Lakes Heliski Other Activities: Jetboating, flight seeing, day spas, sky diving, wine tours & more.

Car Hire
Wanaka is well set up with buses to/from Queenstown airport and shuttles to/from the mountains, so it is not particularly necessary to hire a car if you fly in and out of Queenstown airport.

However if you want the flexibility to come and go as you please and to check out some of the other local attractions; a car can be very handy (and if there is more than one of you it can actually be more economical). The following table shows typical prices (for peak ski season) for weekly hire based on various types of car (from lowest to highest price). Please note a standard car (with chains) will be OK to get up to the resorts however the roads can be very muddy and slippery so a 4X4 or AWD (carrying chains) is advisable.

Car Hire	Car Type	Cost/week NZ$ inc Taxes
Budget	Ford Focus / Toyota Corolla (or similar)	204 to 430
Moderate	Ford Futura / 4wd wagon (or similar)	470 to 634
AWD (5 seats)	Ford Territory (or similar)	890
People Mover	8 seater (or similar)	483 to 894
Mini Bus	10 - 12 seater (or similar)	609 to 984

We have researched a number of car rental companies and have found that there can be a huge variation of costs and conditions. Many of the larger companies quote what seem to be reasonable rates however when you start to drill-down to get a quote, the addition of costly insurance, extras such as chains and roof racks, taxes etc can add another 20% to 30%.

Here are a couple of  links that make searching for the best price very quick (typically the big brands are more expensive however the cars are in a lot better condition with lower kms):
Compare big brands - Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar & Thrifty:  Oodles Car Rental.
For budget rentals try: Ace Car Rentals

Also see our getting to Wanaka section for more options.

Wanaka Accommodation
Wanaka has a good selection of accommodation from cheap budget backpackers to incredibly opulant private retreats. The following table provides a few recommendations based on Powderhounds.com personal reviews & research.

Price Range	Recommendations	Ideal for
Budget	Purple Cow Backpacker	Young budget conscious party goers. Located right in town.
Economy	Wanaka Edge Apartments	Small families & groups who are budget conscious. Great location.
Deluxe	Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort	Couples, families & groups who want a bit more luxury. Resort style facilities.
Luxury	Lakeside Apartments	For those who can afford it and want only the best. 3 people max per room.
Opulent	Whare Kea Lodge	One of the most luxury accommodations you will find in New Zealand.

See all Wanaka Accommodation options here.

Lift Tickets (2011 prices)

Treble Cone	1-day	3-day	5-day
Adult (18 - 64)	99	265	409
Student (Full time only)	72	185	288
Youth (6 - 17)	49	132	206
Senior (65-69)	49	147	245
70+	FREE	FREE	FREE
Child (under 6)	FREE	FREE	FREE
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)	255	n/a	n/a

Treble Cone also offers multi-day anytime lift tickets plus FREE skiing for beginners on specified lifts. See all lift pricing and equipment rental details for Treble Cone here.

Cardrona		1-day	4 of 6	*5 Day
Adult (18-59)		94	338	425
Student (Full time only)		73	265	330
Child (6-17)		46	165	210
Senior (60-74)		49	n/a	n/a
75+		FREE	FREE	FREE
Child (under 6)		FREE	FREE	FREE
Family		n/a	n/a	n/a

* 5 day anytime can be used any day of the current ski season. See all lift pricing and equipment rental details for Cardrona here.

There is also a "5 day Wanaka pass" which can be used at either Cardrona or Treble Cone any 5 days of the ski season.

Airfares & Flights
There are many variables that can affect the cost of airfares. Generally flying in to Christchurch is the most economical option however several airlines including Qantas and Air New Zealand offer a number of direct flights in and out of Queenstown from Australia. Prices range from around AUD$600 - AUD$2,000 return however buyer beware; the cheaper flights are generally quoted for "seat only" and if you have ski gear you will nead every gram of your 2okg, so check out the additional cost for luggage. Also be careful when booking a ticket to Christchurch as there are many indirect flights that go via Australian cities and / or via Auckland. These flights might appear to be cheap but you can lose almost a day in travel time (each-way).

Get the cheapest flights to New Zealand here.

Note about PricingPrices shown were current as at April 2011. They should be used as a guide only and you should consult the respective websites to confirm current rates.