2018 TGS Ski Tour

In what may be a Ski Tour first, all 34 tourists finished breakfast and were on the bus early. So early in fact, that the bus driver had to knock on bedroom doors to get the teachers moving! What a keen bunch! If we were going to be early, today was the day to do it. Not only did we have glorious weather, which attracted all of the locals, but the Mountain was also holding the annual Peak to Pub race. This race is a cold weather triathlon. Competitors ski or board 2km from the summit to the first car park. The second leg is a 18km mountain bike ride down the mountain access road before they begin a 15km run to Methven Village's Blue Pub. This year's race saw over 450 people competing, a new record. The race provided spectacular lunchtime entertainment and perhaps some inspiration, though some of us have some work to do before we reach the summit. This morning, on the short walk from the bus to the slopes, Claire tripped not once, but twice proving that mothers are right and y...

Today Makenzie turned 17, and was told it's all down hill from here; down a really big hill known as Mt Hutt. After a quick breakfast, and not so quick bus ride, it was time to collect our boards, boots and skis in preparation for the first of our lessons. We had 18 first timers in the group and, after just two hours with their instructor some had progressed from the Magic Carpet to Highway 72, a green run! Morning conditions were picture perfect; the sun was shining and it wasn't long before thermal layers were shed. Jackets were hung on fences, proving just how tough this bunch of North Queenslanders are. We all thought that Paris had had enough when she overshot the beginning of the Magic Carpet, landing in the car park instead. However, it was a just minor detour and she made a note to ask her instructor about braking in tomorrow's lesson. The afternoon session meant free time on the slopes. After a failed snowman making attempt, Sachin and Patrick waged warfare, snow...

Up before the sun, our eager skiers and boarders arrived at the airport for their 4.30am roll call. Bags were checked, tickets were issued, beanies were donned and the adventure began. Following Mario, our fearless leader, we made it through Brisbane and onto the plane to Christchurch. The first sighting of the snow capped mountains out of the plane window drew giddy squeaks of excitement from Mr Ward, much to the delight and amusement of other passengers. The excitement quickly spread and it wasn't long before the plane's wheels hit the ground and we arrived in Christchurch. Here we were greeted by Robin, who will be our trusty bus driver for the duration of our trip. The road trip to Methven was accompanied by the soundtrack of the ooooos and ahhhs as clucky passengers observed the lambs frolicking playfully on the rolling green hills. Before arriving at Ski Time, we were given a brief driving tour of the Methven city, a highlight of which was a turn around the town's one...

Flights:  Note:  airlines schedule changes are out of our control.  Thurs 20  Sept   Reservation No:  XHTMSH                       1 piece (23kg max) checked luggage, 7kg hand luggage               VA362   TSV BNE   0555/0745               VA125   BNE CHC   0930/1455   Note :   bags will be checked through from Townsville to Christchurch Sun 30 Sept    Reservation No:   I7WVJH             Air New Zealand   “the works” basis.    1 piece (23kg max) checked luggage, 7kg hand luggage            NZ805   CHC BNE   1530/1630 NOTE :   On arrival in Brisbane proceed through immigration, collect bags and clear cus...