New Zealand has managed to keep a few places hidden from the rush and prosperity of development. Nestled in behind the first mountain range from Christchurch in the South Island is the Craigieburn mountain range where the roots of skiing began for New Zealand. There are four club ski areas in the Craigieburn range which are truly a different experience than visiting the bigger commercial ski areas. The club fields have it all; terrain, snow, on-mountain accommodation, no crowds, loads of character and friendly people but sorry no chair lifts, ponsy cafes, groomed runs or two lane roads up to the mountains. All the terrain is accessed by rope tows used with a tow belt and nut cracker to clamp onto the rope and one club field does have T-bars and some grooming. The club fields are regarded as some of the best off-piste terrain accessible by a lift in New Zealand and possibly internationally but you can make that decision after you have experienced it. The club field's provide the perfect place for back country skiing or slackcountry skiing.

The club fields offer an opportunity for the most unique New Zealand ski holiday for the adventurous skiers to any Kiwi or visitor who wants a piece of a secret skiing paradise... We promise there is nothing else like it! It's been nick-named 'poor mans heliskiing'... access to awesome ski terrain by an experienced and knowledgeable club field guide, but instead of a helicopter you have a nutcracker!

Black Diamond Safaris was established in 1996 and is locally owned and operated. We have made it possible for others to escape from the hype and pass on our passion we have for true genuine skiing with some of New Zealand's phattest off-piste backcountry terrain. We provide all your transport and guiding needs, and have packages designed to suit everybody. Whether your family needs transport to the club fields for a skiweek or the serious adventurists wanting their own personalised Snow Hunters experience tracking down the best New Zealand has to offer. All the BDS guides work with the staff on the ski field to ensure the best and safest conditions on the day. Hunting down fresh snow is our job so relax, take in the atmosphere and terrain while we cater to your personalized New Zealand alpine adventure. LET THE HUNT BEGIN!