Queenstown’s Guided Walks NZ Launches Heli-Snowshoeing

Media Release from Guided Walks New Zealand 
11 June 2013

Queenstown’s Guided Walks New Zealand launches heli-snowshoeing 2013

Back by popular demand, New Zealand’s oldest guiding company, Queenstown-based Guided Walks New Zealand, has launched its heli-snowshoeing operation for the 2013 season.

Anita and Bill Hardy from the Northern Territory, Australia were the first clients this season, the fortunate recipients of an Australian-run $10,000 holiday package to New Zealand that included the award-winning heli-snowshoeing experience.

Heavy snowfalls in and around Queenstown already this winter have set up “perfect” snowshoeing conditions, according to Guided Walks New Zealand owners Peter and Karyn Hitchman.

The couple introduced the heli-snowshoe option for the first time last year and explained that it was now more high-tech than the ‘tennis racquet’ shuffling of the past.

“Our guided walks with new high-tech, slim-line snow shoes give people access to a snowy wonderland, in quiet, pristine conditions complete with beautiful views,” said Mr Hitchman.

“But it is the addition of a helicopter flight with Queenstown’s Heli Tours, to really get us into magical untouched areas surrounded by snowy peaks, that has really grown in popularity so we have decided to re-launch it again this year.”

Guided Walks New Zealand operates regular snowshoeing tours -- full or half day snowshoeing trips and half day helicopter options, either on a group or privately guided basis. Trips are available between May and September, and are snow dependent.

This was the first heli-snowshoeing tour of the season for Guided Walks New Zealand, and the first ever for the Hardys. Mr Hitchman said it was also the couple’s first time in a helicopter and experiencing a guided walk.

The Hardys were both delighted at the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“We never thought we’d be able to walk in a place as beautiful as this with not a soul around,” said Mrs Hardy.

“The landscape takes your breath away; it’s just like you see in documentaries.”

Mr Hitchman, who guided the couple, said this was the attraction of heli-snowshoeing.

“It gives you the freedom to get the sort of perspective on nature you’ve only ever seen on TV without having to learn to ski,” he said.

“The modern style snowshoes have you floating across the snow, so it’s not even as strenuous as some people might think. The added bonus is that our skilled and experienced helicopter pilots have an array of incredible locations at their disposal, so we can pick and choose according to snow and weather conditions, and the abilities of those who are coming snowshoeing with us.”

Last year the 145-year-old company won the accolade for ‘Best Tour Operator – domestic category’ in the prestigious New Zealand Travel Industry Awards as well as the ‘2012 Australian Pacific Touring (APT) Operator of the Year’ as voted by clients. Pete and Karyn said they were also delighted to announce that they had just received the Trip Advisor 2013 Certificate of Excellence award.

For more information go to www.snowshoeing.co.nz

ENDS

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