The time has finally arrived! In less than two weeks we will be en route to the first ever Snowboxx NZ, to spend an unforgettable week in the Southern Alps. We are so excited to see you all!
We have created this page so you have all the information needed for the trip in one place. Yep, there is a lot here! But this info will ensure you have the best trip possible. Please read through and if anything is unclear, drop us an email on info@snowboxx.nz or DM us on socials.
Please save or bookmark this page somewhere handy so you can look back at it when needed.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE TRIP
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Check in online
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Get travel insurance
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Download your e-ticket - this will be sent the week before the event via email
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Snowboxx NZ is cashless - stay tuned for info about how to top up online before the event!
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Snowboxx transfers - check your closest drop off point to accommodation
PACKING ESSENTIALS
We may be a bit out of practice when it comes to packing, so we have created a list of essentials for you!
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Appropriate clothing for skiing: jacket, trousers, googles, socks, thermals and gloves
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ID is required to collect your wristband and lift passes, please bring a drivers license or Passport
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Sunscreen and sunglasses
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Towel & toiletries
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Fancy dress - the theme this year is Retro! Check out this post for some outfit ideas
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Face mask - this is essential for transport journeys
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
If you have booked an official Snowboxx NZ airport transfer, you will need to be at either Crown Point or Cromwell depending on the time you arrive. Please see this information below:
Arrival Transfer
11:45 - Travel via Crown Range to one of our Wanaka arrival points. Traditionally it takes between 1hr-1hr 15, although it depends on the road conditions.
16:55 - Travel via Cromwell, can drop off at any of the Wanaka drop off points. No access to Cardrona on this route.Traditionally takes between 1hr 30-1hr 40, although it depends on the road conditions.
Departure Transfers
Wanaka and Cardrona to Airport Service
8:05 - Depart Wanaka and travel via Cromwell. No Cardrona access. Drop off at the airport. Traditionally it takes between 1hr 30-1hr 40, although it depends on the road conditions.
13:05 - Depart Wanaka and travel via Crown Range. No access to Cardrona on this route. Drop off at the airport. Traditionally it takes between 1hr-1hr 15, although it depends on the road conditions.
When you arrive in Wanaka your transfer will drop you off at one of the various Snowboxx drop off points nearest to your accommodation.
From there you may wish to either walk or book a taxi for yourself and your luggage that will then take you to your chosen accommodation.
If you are planning on bringing your Skis or Snowboard with you to Snowboxx, you will need to have extra luggage added to your booking via manage booking. If you have not booked this, you cannot take your luggage on board. The deadline for this is 30th August.
DRIVING TO SNOWBOXX
If you are driving to Snowboxx or from the airport, please make your own way to your accommodation to check in.
Before travelling, make sure to check your hotel check in time in advance - this can be found on your confirmation email - and whether your accommodation has parking available.
If you are driving via Crown point or mountain roads, it may be necessary to carry chains and know how to use them.
HOW TO LOCATE YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Check the accommodation map below and locate your accommodation in advance. If you are arriving by airport transfer, you may need to pre book a taxi to get to your accommodation from the nearest transfer drop off point.
ACCOMMODATION CHECK IN
Please have your booking confirmation ready prior to check in. If you can't find your booking confirmation you can resend it via manage booking. Simply log in with your email and booking ID and scroll to the bottom of the page. If you cannot find your booking ID please contact us and we will locate it for you.
The check in times for your accommodation can be found in your confirmation email. If you are arriving outside the check in times, please contact the hotel in advance to verify you will be able to check in.
LATE ARRIVALS
Please note if you are arriving after 9pm at night you will need to wait till the next morning to collect your event wristbands. This is due to the main stages and venues closing at 10pm.
Please call ahead to let your accommodation know if you will be arriving after 7pm and they will be able to make arrangements to accommodate.
SECURITY DEPOSIT
As with any other holiday accommodation, your hotel may require you to pay a security deposit upon arrival. If your hotel requires a security deposit this will need to be paid on arrival and check in to the accommodation.
When you arrive at your hotel or accommodation a credit card swipe or scan may be required. The majority of the accommodation providers in the area require this.
This amount will be held on the grounds that your accommodation is left just as found. Please be sure to arrange this with the hotel prior to your departure. It is your responsibility to arrange this, we won’t be able to collect it for you. If you are leaving early it may be best to do this the evening before.
For any emergencies related to your accommodation please whatsapp / call this number: +64 (0) 21 02929103 This should be used for emergencies only, make sure to follow the above process before contacting the emergency line.
For further information please refer to the accommodation FAQ
COLLECTING WRISTBANDS AND LIFT PASSES
Once you have checked in at your accommodation, please head to the wristband & lift pass collection office to pick up your festival wristband and, if you bought one from us, your lift pass.
Location
Wanaka Hotel
71 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 9305
Opening Times
Tuesday 7th September - 9am - 9pm
Wednesday - 9am - 9pm
Thursday - 9am - 9pm
Friday - 9am - 9pm
Saturday - 9am - 6pm
Sunday - 9am - 6pm
Monday - 9am - 6pm
Please note that if you arrive outside the hours above, you will not be able to collect your wristbands or lift passes until the following morning when the office opens again. The times above are strict and we ask that all customers plan their arrivals during these times. The opening times have been confirmed in line with the opening times of the main venues.
At the wristband & lift Pass collection office will be able to:
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Collect wristbands
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Collect lift passes
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Purchase tickets
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Top up cashless wristbands
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Make general enquiries
CUSTOMER SERVICE ENQUIRIES
Our Customer Service team will be located at the Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. Head here for:
• Event information
• Customer service queries
• Accommodation queries
Location
Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
103 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 9305
Opening Times
Tuesday 7th - Monday 13th
9am - 5pm
CONTACT NUMBERS
If you have an emergency at a Snowboxx event, please alert a member of staff immediately or contact the emergency phone on +64 (0) 21 02929103
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Customer Service 1 - +64 (0) 21 1359393
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Customer Service 2 - +64 (0) 21 1024529
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Emergency Phone Number - +64 (0) 21 02929103
At the resort, please contact:
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Cardrona Ski Patrol - +64 03 443 1576
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Treble Cone Ski Patrol - +64 03 443 744
The closest hospitals are 1 hour away, please contact Wanaka Medical Centre in the first instance.
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Wanaka Medical Centre - +64 03 443 0710
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Dunstan Hospital, 29 Hospital Road, Clyde 9330, +64 03 440 4300
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Lakes District Hospital, 20 Douglas Street, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, +64 03 441 0015
111 is the emergency number for Police, Fire and Ambulance.
105 and Non-Emergency Contact and Police non-emergencies.
BOOKING CHANGES
As we need to confirm all final details with your hosts at Snowboxx NZ, Monday 30th August is the deadline for any booking changes and edits to your booking. Unfortunately we will not be able to make any changes to your booking past this date.
HOW THE CASHLESS SYSTEM WORKS
Snowboxx NZ will be a cashless festival. We will be using Howler’s sleek RFID technology to handle the payments. This means your festival wristband has an RFID chip that can be topped up and used like a prepaid bank card at all Snowboxx NZ events & bars. Prices will be in NZ dollars. Tap to transact and pay in a flash. Easy.
This speeds up making payments at bars, reduces queues and means you don't have to worry about carrying cash around!
You will receive a unique Howler wristband on arrival; this is your virtual bank. It’s attached to your arm so you can’t lose it. After each tap, you will be shown your remaining credit.
WHERE CAN I TOP UP MY WRISTBAND?
You can top up your wristband online before arriving at Snowboxx NZ. We recommend doing this so you can make the best of your time on site. We will send full information on the cashless top up process as well as how to register and activate your wristband a couple of weeks before the event.
Once you arrive at the festival, you can top up via one of the top up stations across the site during the opening hours of each event, as well as at the Wristband Collection point on arrival. These top-up stations accept card payments only.
The stations will be busy during the first few days. We advise topping up in advance as much as you would like, as any leftover is refundable for up to 30 days after the festival.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY WRISTBAND?
It’s really unlikely that you will lose your wristband as it's securely fastened to your wrist. However, we advise taking a picture of the UID code located on the rear of the RFID chip for extra security.
If this happens you can cash out or transfer your funds to a new wristband using your unique UID code - make sure to take that pic!
If you lose your wristband, head to the wristband collection point at Wanaka Hotel to receive a new one.
To find out more about howler, visit their website at www.howler.co.za
EVENT SCHEDULE
Snowboxx NZ runs from Tuesday 7th to Tuesday 14th of September. The main events take place over the weekend but there will be music and activities programmed all the way from Tuesday evening through to the early hours of Monday night.
Running order and set times will be announced closer to the event. Keep an eye out on our socials!
STAGES & VENUES
Our stages are dotted around Wanaka, Cardrona and Treble Cone. From incredible mountain top locations to a massive open air arena and clubbing spots around town, there is something for everyone.
Check the gallery below to know what to expect and get ready for an epic week!
OFF PISTE ACTIVITIES
Fancy Dress Friday
It wouldn’t be Snowboxx without a fancy dress day. On Friday 10th we will be taking over the slopes of Cardrona and TC with the funkiest outfits. This year the theme is... RETRO!
Dive into your ’rents old wardrobe, grab the loudest patterned all-in-one you can find or don those neon leg warmers from yesteryear because this year we’re going old school! Check out this post for some outfit ideas.
The best dressed team will win free tickets to Snowboxx NZ 2022!
Sledgends of Snowboxx Sledge Races
Forget skiers vs boarders, we are stepping up the battle! Come race your mates down the slopes of Cardrona on an inflatable. Sleds, inflatable unicorns, pizza slices, you name it. Pick your ride, head to the starting line and get ready for the most sledgendary Snowboxx game.
Skim Pool
Feel the Rhythm! Feel the Rhyme! It's skim pool time! Skiers and Snowboarders, got what it takes? Glide down the slope and over the skim pool to glory!
Check out the event schedule closer to the event to see which day the skim pool will be installed at Cardrona and get ready for becoming a skim pool legend - also maybe bring some spare clothes just in case.
Spectators - get some popcorn, some *unfortunate* fails may happen...
Disco & Hip Hop Lunches
Our whacky hosts will guide you through two hours of dining, drinking and dancing to get you warmed up for your afternoon at the Corona Après Arena. Expect dance offs, fashion shows, fancy dress and of course, bubbles!
Tickets for lunches are available via the manage booking page. Price per person is $89 and includes a three course alpine lunch with champagne food pairing, exclusive DJ set, hosts, games and an unforgettable lunch with fun people, music and the craziest hosts on the slopes!
Make sure to book up fast as tickets will disappear in no time at all.
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Thursday - New date added
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Friday - SOLD OUT
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Saturday - SOLD OUT
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Sunday - Final tickets available
The lunches take place at the Noodle Bar which is located at Cardrona's Base Building. Running times are 12:00 - 14:00, please arrive 15 mins prior so you can collect your wristband at the Snowboxx Lunches check in desk.
If you have any dietary requirements please highlight at the Lunches check in desk upon arrival.
Quad biking
NZ's highest and best guided alpine quad bike tour! We offer a variety of trails which allows us to cater for your requirements. Whether you have never ridden a quad before or really want to go exploring the high country, we tailor the ride for you!
Call 034431228 or email info@thecardrona.co.nz to book and mention you are a Snowboxx ticket holder to receive a 20% discount for the Mountain Experience quad bike tour, normally $249pp but now $199 per person!
Heli skiing
The ultimate skiing experience. Take a helicopter to the top of the mountain and enjoy crazy views and a thrilling descent down the powdery mountain, natural terrain features, smooth corn snow, old-growth tree glades and steep lines. It doesn't get more exciting than this!
Snowboxx customers get an exclusive 20% off on 6 Run bookings and Gold Charter bookings when booked between 1st September - 1st October. Use the code Snowboxx20 on the Southern Lakes Heliski website to redeem your discount.
Our stages are dotted around Wanaka, Cardrona and Treble Cone. We recommend using the shuttle services provided as this is the cheapest and safest way of getting around. There are 3 different services:
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Shuttle to Cardrona
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Shuttle to Treble Cone
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Shuttle to the main stage
Please read below as each shuttle operates in a different way.
SHUTTLE TO CARDRONA
This is a private shuttle service operated by Snowboxx NZ.
Route
Snowboxx buses will be looping between various pick up points around Wanaka and Pine Trees Car Park, where customers will be able to access the looping Cardrona mountain shuttle. The shuttles run between 7:45 - 16:30 during the Snowboxx week, and will be operated on a first come first served basis.
Price
The price is $105pp for the whole week pass.
How to book
The shuttle pass for the week can only be booked in advance via the manage booking page. This will go off sale on August 30th although it may sell out sooner.
SHUTTLE TO TREBLE CONE
This service is operated by Treble Cone.
Route
There is only one bus a day. Transport leaves from various pickup points around Wanaka from 7.50am, arriving on the mountain by 9am when the lifts open.
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Basecamp, 50 Cardrona Valley Road - 7:50
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Wānaka lakefront carpark - 8:00
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Edgewater Resort - 8:10
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Ramada Resort - 8:20
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Treble Cone - 9:00
The bus leaves Treble Cone at 4.15pm daily and drops back off in reverse order.
Price
The price is $35pp per day
How to book
Tickets must be bought in advance via the resort’s site - click here
SHUTTLE TO MAIN STAGE
This is a private service operated by Snowboxx.
Route
Buses will be looping between the 4 stops around Wanaka and the main stage during Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 18:00 - 22:00. This will also be operated on a first come first served basis.
Price
This service is included with your Snowboxx wristband.
Alternatively, to move between the main stage and your accommodation, you can get a taxi (around 5 minutes to the centre) or walk (around 30 min).
LOCAL TAXIS
If you rather make your own way, here are some numbers for local taxi companies:
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Yello Taxis - 7am - 2:30/3am: 0800 443 5555
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KT Taxis - 8am - 6pm: +64 3443 9368
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Wanaka Connexions: +64 3443 9120
Please note pre booking will be required due to demand over the week.
DRIVING TO CARDRONA OR TREBLE CONE
Cardrona is located in a high alpine environment and the weather that can change quickly. Please take care and keep to the left to maintain 2-way traffic the whole way. Please check weather before departing and ensure you have snow chains prepared in case they are required.
If you don't want to drive the whole way up the mountain road, you can park your car at the base of the mountain and use the free mountain shuttles provided by the resorts, or you can use the snowriders.nz carpooling app to organise rides with or offer seats to other skiers and snowboarders. Cars with three or more passengers will get priority access to the closest car parks!
There will be zero tolerance with drink driving so please use the shuttle service or designate a driver who won’t drink!
Check the websites of Cardrona and Treble Cone for more information about driving up the mountain and parking.
SKI & SNOWBOARD HIRE
Collection process
If you have ski & snowboard equipment or clothing booked with us, this will be credited as a voucher to your lift pass when you arrive. All lift passes will be collected with your wristband from the Lake Wanaka Hotel Wristband Collection Office. See opening times above.
All lift passes are credit card type cards with vouchers for your rentals as well as the duration of your lift pass added to the pass.
Please be aware that while rental days don’t need to be consecutive, if you are planning to take a day off skiing you will need to return your gear on unused days to avoid having to pay for it.
Locations
Once you have your lift pass, you can collect your ski hire from Cardrona Mountain, Treble Cone Mountain or Wanaka Town Centre.
We recommend collecting from either Cardrona or Treble Cone and use the ski concierge service at the end of each day so you don’t need to carry your skis or snowboard around with you. This is a free service included with your rentals.
Swapping mountains
If you want to ski/ride a different mountain the following day and don’t want to take your gear with you, we suggest you hold on to the boots and return your skis/board at the end of the day. You can then collect your new setup the following day at the respective mountains rental area.
SKI CONCIERGE AND LOCKER SERVICE
Those of you who got your rentals through Snowboxx can benefit from the free ski concierge service and leave your equipment at the mountain at the end of each day so you don’t need to carry your skis or snowboard around with you. This is a free service included with your rentals.
For those bringing your own equipment there are lockers available, but there is an additional cost to rent these overnight. $40 for a 2 person locker and $60 for a 4 person locker (Cardrona only).
GROUP AND PRIVATE LESSONS
If you booked this extra, you should have received an email from us regarding what day you would like to take your group or private lesson. If you haven't yet, please respond to this email so our customer service team can work to accommodate your needs. If you haven’t received an email (check your spam folder) let us know as soon as you can on info@snowboxx.nz.
Once the date and time is confirmed, you will need to collect a printed lesson voucher which can be picked up at the same time as the RFID lift passes and festival wristband at the wristband & lift pass collection office situated at Wanaka Hotel.
Group lessons will take place at Cardrona while private lessons take place on both Treble Cone and Cardrona.
There is a meeting point located by the main building when you arrive at Cardrona. Please look out for the signage on arrival. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your lesson start time.
COVID-19 PROCEDURES
Snowboxx NZ are committed to the New Zealand Event Sector Voluntary Code to prevent/minimise COVID-19 risks and impact. Please follow the following guidance to help keep everyone safe and keep us all attending events.
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If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and do not travel to the events.
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Turn bluetooth tracing on and scan covid QR codes when entering Snowboxx venues.
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Please bring a face mask! You’ll need these when using the buses.
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If travelling on public transport, take note of the seat you are on.
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Use hand sanitiser and hand washing stations provided. Get Involved, we love clean hands!
Snowboxx may be required to share your details with the Ministry of Health for contact tracing purposes.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Glass, weapons, flares, drones or nitrous oxide aren’t allowed at Snowboxx NZ. Why would they be?
Our full Prohibited items list and Conditions of entry can be found on the link below, and must be adhered to by all Snowboxx customers.
NO SMOKING POLICY
Cardrona Alpine resort is a smoke free resort. No smoking of any kind is allowed at all. There will be signs around the resort to remind guests of this and staff will make sure this rule is enforced.
SUSTAINABILITY
Cardrona and Treble Cone have been industry leaders for several years when it comes to sustainability and they are introducing a few new sustainability policies this year:
No landfill bins
From Winter 2021 onwards, there will be no public-facing landfill bins at either resort.
Their food and beverage outlets won't be selling any items that have packaging that needs to go to landfill. Rubbish bins will be replaced by recycling and compost stations. They will have signage explaining the changes and staff members on hand to help you sort through your waste.
If you need to bring single-use packaging, you will need to take that off the mountain with you.
Shuttle buses and carpooling
To address transport emissions, both resorts will operate free road shuttles from the bottom of both mountains.
If you can't catch the bus, we'd love you to carpool and fill up your car. To help encourage this, they are reserving the parking spaces closest to each mountain’s Base facilities for vehicles with three occupants or more, until the carparks are filled.
This only applies to those closest carparks - the others will all be able to be used by non-carpooling vehicles. Designated hitch-hiking spots will be set up at both mountains, and you can use the snowriders.nz carpooling app to organise rides with or offer seats to other skiers and snowboarders.
That's it, you made it! Thank you for reading through the pre trip information. We hope this is useful to help you plan your trip to Snowboxx NZ and make the most out of your festival week. If you have any questions drop us an email on info@snowboxx.nz or DM us on socials.
We cannot wait to welcome all of you to the first edition of Snowboxx New Zealand. Let's make it one to remember!
