Treat your family to the overnight alpine experience of a lifetime with Adventure Consultants Family Alpine Experience. Helicopter into our exclusive Geo Domes Camp for a day and night of family fun and adventure.
Whether you’re new to the outdoors and looking to try something a little different, or have a family of seasoned hikers this overnight trip is sure to be a winner among kids of all ages.
| RATIOS | 2 DAYS |
|---|---|
| Winter Experience - 2 People | $2,050 NZD $ |
| Winter Experience - 3 People | $1,450 NZD $ |
| Winter Experience - 4 People | $1,150 NZD $ |
| Summer Experience - 2 People | $3,500 NZD $ |
| Summer Experience - 3 People | $2,500 NZD $ |
| Summer Experience - 4 People | $1,980 NZD $ |
Childhood is about creating memories and this trip is jam-packed full of them—from the helicopter ride up into the McKerrow Range, exploring and hiking around the nearby peaks or playing in the snow, through to the epic starlit skies, this is an experience like no other!
Helicopter into and out of our comfortable mountainside Geo Domes Camp in the remote McKerrow Range high above Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. You’ll be accompanied by a friendly and experienced guide, who will spend the day ensuring you and your family get the most out of this unique alpine wonderland. Our guides are parents too, they know what it takes to create lasting memories for you and your family!
In summer you can hike to nearby tarns (alpine lakes), or high above the camp to the ridgeline for spectacular views across the lake to Mount Aspiring in the distance. In winter, try your hand at snowshoeing or simply enjoy the terrain around the domes as your children play and build snowmen!
Families with fit and experienced teenage skiers can choose our add-on ski touring option. Trips include exclusive use of our Geo Domes Camp and we’ll tailor a package that suits your family.
Adventure Consultants trekking guides are NZMGA/IFMGA or NZOIA qualified guides. They are truly professional and operate to the highest industry standards.
You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.
Our guides are in communication with our operations base and via satellite phone and radio at throughout the trip. This assists us with schedule and weather forecast updates, helicopter coordination and safety back up. Urgent messages can be relayed from our office in Wanaka to the mountains if required.
Fit and experienced teenage skiers can opt to try ski touring on some of the outstanding ski touring terrain available right outside the Geo Domes Camp! Ski touring is more challenging than resort-based skiing, but the rewards are immense.
Once settled into the camp, our fully qualified and experienced NZMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guides will spend some time introducing skills and techniques for using ski touring gear and after attaching skins to your skis, you'll put your bindings into walk mode, and 'skin' up the hill.
The length of each climb varies, but generally, you will climb for 30–45 minutes each run. That will give you around 200–250m/650–820ft of ascent and descent each time. We travel at a leisurely pace so as not to over-tire ourselves and retain enough energy to enjoy the next few runs. We will return to the domes for lunch, and if you're up to it, head back out for some more skiing in the afternoon!
It is important to note that the focus of the day is to enjoy the skiing and being in the mountains. If you are all fit, go-getter types, with a high level of skiing experience then the guide will be happy to do more runs with you than a standard group might expect. If your group’s focus is to extend your backcountry touring skills, your guide can include some instructional sessions throughout the day, or if you're just keen for a soft introduction to a new style of skiing then the guide will select the terrain and pace accordingly. Simply talk to us at the time of booking about your family's goals for the trip.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Registration, Deposit & Balance Payments
In order to confirm a guide and your trip, we require a completed Registration Form and a deposit of NZ$500.
The balance of payment is then due 60 days prior to the start date.
Please note that in order to reserve a guide we recommend that you book well in advance.
Payment Options
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank: Bank of New Zealand
For the account of: Adventure Consultants Limited
Account number: 02 0673 0043443 00
Account Type: NZ Dollars
We can also accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% credit card fee.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 60 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We highly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent. This is usually packaged together with your travel insurance and covers you for loss of deposits should you not be able to make the trip for personal reasons.
The Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Family Alpine Experience.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Our Guides
Adventure Consultants trekking guides are NZMGA or NZOIA qualified guides. They are truly professional and operate to the highest industry standards.
You will find your guide friendly, approachable and focused on providing a safe and enjoyable trip in line with your objectives and comfort level.
Our guides are in communication with our operations base and Department of Conservation headquarters via satellite phone and radio at most times throughout the trip. This assists us with schedule and weather forecast updates, helicopter coordination and safety back up. Urgent messages can be relayed from our office in Wanaka to the mountains if required.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Your Health
Our registration form requests that you advise us of any medical problems you may have and if you are on any medication. Any information you supply will be treated as confidential.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
Preparing for Your Trip
Because we tailor this trip to each individual family group we are able to cater to a range of ages, abilities and fitness levels. Your guide places special focus on this and will regulate activities and the pace of them accordingly. We will discuss your families goals and abilities with you prior to the trip.
Food
We will provide nutritious and hearty food throughout the trip. All meals will be provided whilst in the mountains. We can cater for special diets such as vegan and gluten/dairy free, please advise us at the time of registration.
Accommodation
Wanaka has a range of accommodation from backpackers, motels, hotels and luxury lodges. We are happy to assist with your accommodation arrangements at either side of your trip.
Clothing & Equipment
Equipment requirements will vary depending on the time of year that you book your trip with us. We will provide you with a comprehensive equipment list upon registration and our equipment coordinator will be available to assist with any questions you may have.
Your guide will go through the equipment checklist with you at the beginning of your trip. Actual equipment taken may vary subject to seasonal weather and group activities. All group equipment including snowshoes and safety equipment will be organised by your guide.
We can offer secure storage at our office for your luggage and valuables during the trip.
Travel
We commence this trip from our base in Wanaka. The nearest airport is located in Queenstown, approximately one hour's drive away. Air New Zealand and Jetstar airlines provide daily services to Queenstown from Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. There are also direct international flights from most major Australian cities.
A shuttle service operates several times daily between Queenstown and Wanaka (from $35 each way), see https://www.ritchies.co.nz/wanaka. We are happy to assist with your transfer arrangements.
Bus services also operate daily between Christchurch and Wanaka (approximately 6 hours' travel time).
Special occasion? Celebration? Staff function? Or just looking for something deliciously different? Our gourmet catered Hike & Dine Treks are exactly that! Fly into our First Tracks Geo Dome Camp where you'll head out for guided hike taking in spectacular views of the nearby Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, before returning to the Domes for lunch prepared by our experienced professional chef. Create unforgettable memories wining and dining in a location quite unlike any other.
Return helicopter flights included, prices tailored to your group, contact us for further details and menu options.
Wanaka has some of the most relaxing and beautiful accommodation in New Zealand. Let your friendly liaison know if you would like to discover some of the potential options that Wanaka has to offer.
Take a private transfer between Queenstown Airport and Wanaka in a Jaguar F-Pace S.
Available any time of the day or week, the service is personalised and includes an airport meet and greet at the gate.
A Frankton shopping stop can be included in this service, as can a brief Wanaka orientation tour upon arrival.
Each transfer can be tailor-made to meet your needs and transport can be included for up to 4 passengers.
Please see Wanaka Chauffeured for more information.
(Photo: Wanaka Chauffeured)
Wild Wire - Our top pick!
Experience a via ferrata (iron rung) climb on soaring waterfall whilst in Wanaka. Wild Wire is a truly great guided day out climbing a private via ferrata at Twin Falls in the Matukituki Valley. A safe and fun adventure activity for all ages.
Scenic Flights
In Wanaka we are surrounded by a myriad of lakes and mountain ranges as well as South Westland and Fiordland National Park, with the world famous Milford Sound. Seeing such sights from above by helicopter or plane is a must whilst visiting the South Island. Talk to our office about booking a flight.
Feel the spray on your face and adrenaline through your body as you shoot through the rapids on one of Queenstown Rafting's numerous options, from short half day trips to three day wilderness experiences, there is something for everyone.
Experience paragliding with Wanaka Paragliding, New Zealand's most Scenic Tandem Flight with lake and mountain views across the stunning Matukituki Valley. On a clear day enjoy spectacular views of Mt Aspiring, Lake Wanaka, Roy's Peak and the surrounding mountains.
Enjoy a fun and adventurous half day boat and bike tour which combines a scenic lake cruise on the pristine Lake Wanaka with a mountain bike tour skirting the lakeshore with our friends at Wanaka Bike Guides.
Discover the scenery, history, food and wine of Wanaka and Central Otago with Wanaka Wine Tours. Catering to all, from complete wine novices to dedicated wine connoisseurs, their explorations of the local vineyards are a delight to the senses!
Bungy… the quintessential New Zealand activity that speaks for itself. And Canyon Swing! Let us organise this for you after your trip with us and take the hassle out of it. Talk to our staff about it today!
Canyoning adventures are a journey unlike any other. Get in touch with a special natural world and see beauty such as you’ve only dreamed of… From the raw power of strong waterfalls to the tranquillity of deep, forested pools, from sculptural rockscapes to glowing green moss droplets, you will be immersed in a world you never knew existed.
Fiordland Helicopter Flight, Cruise or Remote Scuba Dive
Take an incredible scenic helicopter flight through Fiordland National Park, a listed World Heritage Area, where you will land on a private boat in the very remote Dusky Sound. Enjoy a cruise of the Sounds and if you're feeling adventurous then don your dive gear and head underwater for a phenomenal dive in the unique underwater world that Fiordland has to offer. Feast on an amazing lunch of fresh seafood, before heading back to civilisation. Truly an experience not to be forgotten.
Rock Climbing
After your course you could add-on a multi-pitch single day 1:1 ascent with your guide. Depending on your skill level, there is a range of excellent options for rock climbing in the region. This is a superb way to consolidate the skills that you learnt, and an opportunity to feel the real exposure of multi-pitch climbing.
While you are in New Zealand, you could pop over to Australia to climb one of the Seven Summits, Kosciuszko the highest mountain in Australasia. Let us take the hassle out of the logistics and organise everything for you. It is a fantastic country and a really fun, non-technical, adventure. Contact our office for a detailed quote.
Have a camera man join your course or ascent and document the entire thing! Choose from a variety of options for different budgets. You could have a full colour book and short film, or a full documentary for television. Your trip is the trip of a lifetime; why not keep it to show your friends and family. Contact us or see our specialty Film & Photo Services page for more information.
Let us take the hassle out of buying new gear. We can sort all of your expedition equipment requirements for you from head to toe with specific personal purchases that will leave you with all of the best gear for use on the mountain. Contact us or see our specialty Gear Store page for more information.
Your friends or family may wish to join you on your holiday but don't like the idea of actually climbing a mountain. Let us know if this is the situation and we will be able to put together an itinerary that keeps them busy while you are up high. There are so many wonderful things to do, so have a chat with us and we will put together the perfect programme.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your trekking and mountaineering adventures can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following Frequently Asked Questions answers serve as a helpful guideline for the Family Alpine Experience. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Is this option suitable for me and my family?
The ski-touring option is suitable for intermediate level skiers with experience in skiing off-piste. Ski touring is physically more demanding than resort-based skiing and is therefore suited to fit teenagers (and parents) aged 13 and over.
My child is 10 and an excellent skier, why can't they join in?
Our experience has shown that younger children can struggle to cope with the demands of ski touring, even when they are vastly experienced resort-based skiers. If you would like to introduce your child to ski touring then we would suggest first joining our 1-Day Ski Tour option where the skills and techniques for ski touring can be introduced to your child in more suitable terrain such as the Pisa or Remarkables Ranges.
Will I be cold? What layers should I wear?
When touring, you are generally outputting a lot of energy and will end up quite hot, so a thin base layer and a light windproof shell will suit hot-blooded people. Those who feel the cold more can add another thermal layer. Initially, you can wear an extra thermal layer that you put in your pack when skinning back up the mountain unless it is an especially cold day. Light gloves and a sun hat protect you for skinning when it’s hot. Of course, bring sunblock to lather up with.
What ski touring equipment will I need?
You will need specialist ski touring equipment, including skis with touring bindings, stick on skins, ski crampons (if you have them) and ski touring boots (preferable to normal ski boots because of their walk mode). There are rental options available.
How do I get touring gear?
We have ski touring gear available for rent and this can also be rented or purchased at MT Outdoors in Wanaka or Small Planet in Queenstown.
What about transceiver, shovel and probe?
If you have your own avalanche equipment, please bring this along. If not, Adventure Consultants will be able to provide those for you.
How long is each run?
The length of each run will depend on the features of the terrain on the mountain we are skiing. Some terrain lends itself to shorter runs while in other terrain, it is better to take longer runs so we can gain optimum enjoyment of the natural features. At other times it will depend on snow quality. We will want to ski the best quality snow we can find and sometimes this can be in limited areas. In this case, we’d prioritise specific slope aspects and orientations.
What happens if I get tired?
We can finish the activity and return to the Geo Domes Camp and relax.
What is a Geo Dome?
Our domes are 7-metre diameter steel-framed domes. They're sturdy against the wind and covered in a durable PVC with a wooden floor and an insulated liner to retain warmth. There is a built-in kitchen area and a small log burner to ensure you are well-fed and toasty at night!
What do we sleep on?
We know that one of the keys to a great trip is a good night’s sleep so we offer real bunk beds, mattresses and pillows as part of the cosy sleeping set up. You simply need to bring a sleeping bag, although we have these available for rent if you aren’t travelling with one.
Are there toilets?
The camp incorporates a separate toilet tent. As part of our environment and sustainability commitment, we fly out all waste from the camp.
How much water shall I bring?
During winter when it's cold (July/early August) you may only drink 1 litre a day, but in spring and summer when it's hot you'll want at least 2 litres. Water supplies are plentiful in summer and we melt snow for your bottles during the winter.
What's for lunch?
Lunch is sandwiches, fruit and snacks or a more hearty cooked lunch back at the camp. If you're a big eater, have fussy kids or have strict dietary requirements and feel you need more, then please bring some extra snacks or food.
And dinner?
Hearty, wholesome New Zealand classics such as lamb shanks, Panang chicken or tasty vegetarian options.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I arrange to leave?
We need you to register for your trip at the AC Office the day before you depart. This allows us to go through a briefing and view a couple of instructional videos ahead of time to allow for an early start on the first day of your trip. Arriving early also provides some leeway in case of delays or lost baggage and means that you start your trip well-rested and ready to get into the mountains. You are welcome to arrive several days early or stay for extra nights at the end. We are happy to assist with accommodation bookings and/or travel advice.
Where do we meet? Will I be picked up?
Our NZ trips start at the Adventure Consultants head office which is located on 20 Brownston Street in Wanaka, which is on the corner of Russell and Brownston Streets. Our trips start at 8.00am. We can easily arrange for your guide to come pick you up from your accommodation and your Client Liaison will be happy to assist with booking airport transfers.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for local attractions you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans.
What equipment will I need?
You will be provided with a comprehensive equipment list when you register.
What kind of clothing do I need to bring in winter?
During winter it can get cold, you'll need warm and waterproof layers, ski gear is ideal. For younger children we suggest bringing extra warm layers to change into at night as well as a second pair of gloves.
What kind of clothing do I need to bring in summer?
Conditions in the New Zealand mountains can be variable throughout the year and we suggest that you bring layers during the summer months, including a warm jacket for chilly nights outside gazing at the stars!
Can I rent clothing?
Adventure Consultants has a range of adult-sized waterproof layers available for rental, and in winter children's ski clothing can be purchased or rented in Wanaka or Queenstown from one of the many ski shops.
What first aid supplies will be available on the trip?
All our guides carry a full first aid kit to deal with any medical emergency on the trip. You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus some extras. Also, bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild pain relief medication.
Will there be any phone access on this trip?
Our guides take satellite phones on our New Zealand trips and you are welcome to use these at a cost of US$4 per minute. There is no cell reception at the Geo Domes Camp but it is sometimes available on the surrounding ridges. However, please do not depend on this.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
The best place to make contact is through our office, as we can pass on messages when the guide calls in with updates.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available on this trip?
We highly recommend fully charging your phones and cameras before heading into the New Zealand mountains. We do however have solar USB charging available at the camp.
Which weather reporting service do you use?
On the days leading up to your trip, your guide will be looking closely at the weather and we utilise a variety of websites as well as being lucky enough to receive updates from landowners, the Department of Conservation and others already in the mountains. Once in the mountains, your guide will contact our office on a regular basis via satphone to receive weather updates and any changes to the perceived weather pattern for the week.
What happens if the weather turns?
Our guides know these mountains inside out and will be able to devise an alternate programme if the conditions do not allow the original itinerary to go ahead as planned.
What insurance do I need to get?
We strongly recommend that you take out trip cancellation insurance and travel insurance to protect yourself in case of injury, mishap or cancellation prior to/or whilst on our trips. Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on a trip with us we will send you information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point. While our number one focus is on safety and our track record supports this, the mountains do have hazards and there is always the potential for mishap.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all of our trips and courses. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip, then we will refund your fees paid. However, if you have to cancel, trip cancellation insurance will cover your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred in the lead up to your trip.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, you can pay at our office by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex), EFTPOS or NZ cash. Please note there is a 3% fee for all credit card transactions.
What is included in the cost of my trip?
Each trip page on the website has a section with exactly what is and what is not included on the trip. Please see 'Payment Conditions' above.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified guides, small group sizes, safe client-to-guide ratios and quality equipment, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on a trip is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below).
info@adventure.co.nz
US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Is this trip good for photography?
Yes! An overnight trip in the Geo Domes allows you to get those stunning dawn and sunrise shots in the mountains, night photography and of course memorable family images of the experience as well!
I love the photographs in your brochure and on your website, are they for sale?
Yes, our images are available for licensing or purchase. Please contact our office for more information.
 Wilderness Magazine - Going Guided: First Tracks Wanaka Ski CampMay 2020 - If you’ve skied all the runs at your local field, you may be wondering what to do next. Wanaka-based Adventure Consultants has the answer: a two to four day ski camp at 1600m on the McKerrow Range. |
 Sydney Morning Herald - No Place Like Dome1 June 2019 - The Geo Dome is a captivating base for ski touring remote and pristine slopes, writes Jim Darby. |
 Traveller - New Zealand's Geo Dome heli-camp: A merger of modern technology and Kiwi can-doMay 2019 - Jim Darby is hosted by AC CEO Guy Cotter at New Zealand's first Geo Dome heli camp, a remote and inspired ski touring camp in the mountains above Wanaka, a merger of modern technology and Kiwi can-do. |
 Stuff - New Zealand's Geo Dome heli-camp a merge of modern technology and Kiwi can-doMay 2019 - I'm ski touring with Guy Cotter; it's a bit like having Bruce Springsteen play in your garage band... |
 Stuff - First Tracks Wanaka Alpine Heli Camp Ski TouringOctober 2018 - Jim Darby visits First Tracks Wanaka Alpine Heli Camp, built for ski tourers in the winter and bushwalkers in the summer, the camp is in the McKerrow Range, well above the snowline at about 1600 metres. |
 The Sun Herald - Snow place like domeSeptember 2018 - They organise Himalayan base camps and expeditions, so surely it wouldn't be too difficult for Everest veteran Guy Cotter, his partner Suze Kelly (she has also climbed that peak) and their team at Adventure Consultants to make a camp in the alps above Wanaka. |
 Space Camp - Contours & CoffeeSeptember 2018 - A visit to Adventure Consultants‘ new alpine heli camp high in the mountains of Wanaka’s Southern Alps will give you the opportunity to experience space in every definition of the word. |
 Snowsbest.com - Camp in an 'igloo' and ski tour New Zealand's BackcountrySeptember 2018 - First Tracks Wanaka is pleased to announce that the Geo Dome Heli Camp has been set up in the McKerrow Range. |
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Suze Kelly, General Manager
Climb Kosciuszko
AC Blog - Welcome to the Geo Dome
