Ski four world-class South Island mountains in August — while the rest of the northern hemisphere sweats through summer.
Wanna ski or snowboard in August? Who wouldn't.
We curated a winter blast for the summer of 2027 in New Zealand's South Island — three days of powder across four world-class ski fields, all anchored in the adventure capital of the world: Queenstown. And when the boots come off, the South Island has plenty more to offer. We've packed in a glacier flight over Mt Cook, a jet boat ride through the Shotover Canyon, a century-old steamship cruise, stargazing under the darkest skies in the Southern Hemisphere, and a day in Christchurch at the doorstep of Antarctica.
Being a snowsport enthusiast is not required. While skiers and boarders are on the mountain, non-skiing guests have a full menu of Queenstown adventures — walks, thermal pools, bike rides, shops, cafes, and the option to fly into Milford Sound for the day. August daytime temperatures range from 28–48°F, making this a comfortable, energizing escape from the northern hemisphere summer.
This is a small group trip — never more than 8 travelers — led by two guides who know winter and know New Zealand. We handle every detail so you can focus on the mountains.
Queenstown is one of the great ski towns on Earth. Four ski areas within 20–90 minutes offer every level of terrain — from wide groomed beginners' runs to expert bowls and the largest terrain park complex in Australasia.
Queenstown's closest mountain with state-of-the-art snowmaking, night skiing, and a huge variety of groomed terrain. A strong opening day for the group.
A true alpine experience on north-facing bowls above Lake Wakatipu. Stunning views and terrain for every level — the mountain earns its name.
Known for its extensive terrain parks, varied runs, and a genuine mountain village feel. Cafes, on-mountain dining, and something for every ability level.
The largest ski area in the South Island, favoured by experienced skiers and boarders. An optional hard-core extra day with serious terrain and views over Lake Wanaka.
* Itinerary subject to change based upon availability, weather conditions, and other unforeseen events.
Click any day to expand details.
Touch down in Queenstown — one of the world's great adventure towns, draped around the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables rising dramatically behind it. Check in, get your bearings, and explore the waterfront and Queenstown Gardens at your own pace. This evening we gather for a welcome dinner and orientation — a chance to meet your fellow travelers, hear the plan, and get properly excited about what's ahead.
A free morning to sleep in and settle into the timezone — no rush. Queenstown has no shortage of ways to fill the hours. The waterfront walk along Lake Wakatipu is a perfect morning stretch. The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a short walk from town. For those who want a proper morning hike, Queenstown Hill Time Walk takes about 2–3 hours and delivers panoramic views, while the more ambitious Ben Lomond Track is a serious 4–5 hour alpine climb. The town itself rewards wandering — great independent shops, excellent cafes, and some of the best food in New Zealand.
In the afternoon we board the TSS Earnslaw — a century-old twin-screw steamship sailing Lake Wakatipu since 1912 — for a 90-minute cruise. From there it's up the Skyline Gondola for sunset views, followed by three luge rides before dinner at the Stratosfare overlooking the lake and town.
The first mountain day. Coronet Peak is Queenstown's closest ski area — just 20 minutes from town — with excellent snowmaking, night skiing, and a wide variety of groomed terrain for every ability level. We depart at 9am and return by 4pm. Non-skiing guests have a full day in Queenstown, plus the opportunity to fly into Milford Sound for a day trip that is genuinely one of the finest natural experiences in New Zealand.
Today's mountain earns its name. The Remarkables sits on north-facing bowls 45 minutes from Queenstown with views over Lake Wakatipu that make you stop mid-run. Terrain for all levels. We depart at 8:30am, returning around 4:15pm. Non-skiing guests again have the full Queenstown menu and the Milford Sound option.
A day built around pure Queenstown energy. We start at the Shotover Jet — the world-famous jet boat experience through narrow rock canyons at full throttle, with 360° spins. The rest of the morning is yours for adrenaline options: ziplining, skydiving, paragliding, or the iconic Kawarau Bridge bungy. In the afternoon we head to the Onsen Hot Pools — private outdoor thermal tubs above the Shotover River with mountain views. Soak in, rest up, and let the legs recover before dinner in Queenstown.
The third ski day takes us over the Crown Range to Cardrona — about an hour's drive through mountain scenery. Known for its terrain parks, varied runs, and mountain village atmosphere. For the hardcore crew, Treble Cone is a 90-minute option with the biggest terrain in the South Island. We return in the late afternoon. Tonight is our last night in Queenstown.
We leave Queenstown this morning and drive north through the Mackenzie Basin — a high-altitude tussock landscape with the Southern Alps still very much in view, rising dramatically along the horizon throughout the journey. Lake Tekapo arrives in the afternoon: a glacier-fed turquoise lake in one of the darkest sky regions on Earth, part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
After check-in and an optional afternoon hike, the evening belongs to the Dark Sky Project — a guided 1 hr 45 min stargazing experience with professional telescopes. The Milky Way, the Southern Cross, and more stars than most of the world has seen in a generation.
One of the most epic non-ski days on the itinerary. We take a 45-minute scenic glacier flight over the Tasman Glacier — the longest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere — circling the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook at 3,724 metres. For those who want to take it further, upgrade to a ski plane that lands on the glacier and ski the face of the Tasman with a certified mountain guide. Ask us for details.
After the flight we visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, then walk the Hooker Valley Track — recently reopened after reconstruction of its suspension bridges — an easy out-and-back trail crossing three new suspension bridges beneath Mt Cook, ending at a glacial lake with the mountain filling the entire sky.
A 3-hour drive north brings us to Christchurch — New Zealand's second-largest city and gateway to Antarctica. After lunch we head to the International Antarctic Centre for a fully guided 2-hour experience including the resident Little Blue Penguins, a Hägglunds vehicle ride, the Storm Room (−8°C windstorm), a 4D theatre flight over the ice, and full general admission access afterward.
A morning drive to Banks Peninsula takes us to Akaroa — a French-founded harbour town inside an ancient volcanic caldera. The harbour is a marine reserve home to Hector's dolphins — the world's smallest and rarest dolphin — as well as fur seals and abundant birdlife. We explore the town, enjoy lunch by the water, and take in the dramatic volcanic landscape before heading back to Christchurch in the afternoon. The Cardboard Cathedral, ChristChurch Cathedral, Quake City earthquake museum, Botanic Gardens, and punting on the Avon River are all within easy walking distance.
After breakfast we say our goodbyes in Christchurch. Your guide will be on hand through the morning to help with airport transfers and onward travel. The South Island has a way of making you want to stay a little longer — and we wouldn't blame you if you did.
Reach out to Al or Raven directly — we're happy to walk through any day in detail.
Al MacDonald · [email protected] · (603) 296-7334It is much more cost effective to book your flights in the following way: Book a round trip flight to Auckland with a 3-hour minimum layover. Then book a one-way flight to Queenstown the same day. For the return, book a one-way flight from Christchurch to Auckland giving yourself at least 3.5 hours between your arrival in Auckland and your departure home. Feel free to contact us to help navigate flight options.
Al MacDonald is a wild-hearted explorer with a creative spirit and a deep commitment to purposeful living. After serving a tour of duty in Iraq with the Minnesota National Guard, Al returned home with a renewed perspective — and a vision to help others experience the transformative power of adventure. That vision became Thrive Adventures.
Al's connection to snowboarding runs deep. As Vice President of the Winona State Snowboarding Club, he helped build a riding culture on campus. He taught snowboard lessons at his local hill in Minnesota and went on to teach Winona State's Intermediate Snowboarding Class — which means he knows how to make the mountain accessible for every ability level, and how to help someone push their edge when they're ready for it.
With almost 20 years of guiding experience and a degree in Recreation and Adventure Tourism from Winona State University, Al brings professional expertise and genuine enthusiasm to every journey. Known for meticulous preparation, open-mindedness, and fun-loving energy, Al's greatest satisfaction is the look on a traveler's face when a place surprises them.
Raven Bailey is an avid skier, backpacker, yogi, and outdoor enthusiast who has been a world traveler since her youth. Growing up in central Wisconsin, her favorite memories are wandering through the woods — and she never really stopped. Her personal motto: Go outside. Stay there.
Raven is a 24-year National Ski Patrol veteran, which means she's spent nearly a quarter century on the mountain every winter — not just skiing, but managing conditions, reading terrain, and keeping people safe in alpine environments. She knows ski mountains the way most people know their own neighborhood.
Raven is also a certified yoga and group fitness instructor who has been teaching group movement since she was 18. She guides for Thrive Adventures across New Zealand, Patagonia, Peru, Croatia, and Slovenia, and is comfortable managing everything from 5-foot waves on Lake Superior to getting the cream-to-coffee ratio exactly right.
* Itinerary subject to change based upon availability, weather conditions, and other unforeseen events.
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Reach out and Al will get back to you personally. We keep groups small and spots go quickly.
Al MacDonald · [email protected] · (603) 296-7334
Raven Bailey · [email protected] · (763) 242-7230
