Ski Canterbury

Arrive into Christchurch, jumping off point for your South Island ski holiday.  From here it’s less than 2 hours to Mt Hutt ski field.  If time allows take a tour of Christchurch city before heading out of town.

Ski New Zealand have a superb range of cars suitable for winter driving in New Zealand. With a range of inclusions like ski racks, and snow chains that will suit your winter holiday perfectly. First time driving in New Zealand winter? Check out our helpful tips!

Heading out of Christchurch, you will drive through the town of Rakaia which sits on the southern side of the Rakaia River, and is 'the salmon capital of New Zealand'. The Rakaia bridge spans 1.8 kilometres of one of the world's best examples of a 'braided' river system. Next, it's onto Ashburton, which sits between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers. It is a large town that serves the local rural community. It has about six museums and some excellent craft galleries. Trout fishing is the local obsession, and the ski fields of Mt Hutt are an easy drive away. Point your car towards the Southern Alps and you'll be in Methven in about half an hour. The checkerboard fields of the Canterbury Plains provide soothing scenery all the way. The village of Methven is a mecca for those who love outdoor sports.

The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt along with Snowplanet, Turoa, Whakapapa, Porters, Roundhill, Mt Dobson, and Ohau ski areas. Get more choice, more fun, and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass, and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
With 5 days of New Zealand Superpasses, you've got lift access to New Zealand's premier ski areas plus the fun and excitement of a range of off-mountain attractions around New Zealand. You can mix it up a little and ski a day at the different alpine resorts or maybe you've got your eye on a run that you want to conquer over 5 days. Want to ski a little longer, don't own your own gear or snow clothing, or not sure if your skills are up to scratch? No worries, chat to us about adding additional days, rentals, or lessons.

Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for seven years running at the World Ski Awards. A true alpine experience, with wide-open terrain, leg-burning runs, monster snowfalls, and spectacular views. You’ve not skied in New Zealand until you’ve skied Hutt!
Mt Hutt is your go-to for epic freestyle skiing and snowboarding with four terrain park zones featuring jumps and features for all abilities and with the Summit chairlift is an easy way to access great backcountry riding and skiing. 
Mt Hutt offers 365 hectares of skiable terrain for you to explore, with the longest run, a lengthy 2km. With its mixture of 25% beginners, 50% intermediate, and 25% advanced terrain there is a range of trails for everyone to conquer. Food and beverages are available at Sixteen10 Espresso Bar, Ski High Cafe, and Opuke Kai which offers mulled wine and an a la carte experience on the mountain, where you can recharge your batteries for your next run. For visitors to the South Island, it's easy to hire all the gear you need on the mountain, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. For the littlies, there is a licensed child's creche for 3 months to 5yrs and a snow sports school for both kids and adults who are finding their snow legs.

Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for seven years running at the World Ski Awards. A true alpine experience, with wide-open terrain, leg-burning runs, monster snowfalls, and spectacular views. You’ve not skied in New Zealand until you’ve skied Hutt!
Mt Hutt is your go-to for epic freestyle skiing and snowboarding with four terrain park zones featuring jumps and features for all abilities and with the Summit chairlift is an easy way to access great backcountry riding and skiing. 
Mt Hutt offers 365 hectares of skiable terrain for you to explore, with the longest run, a lengthy 2km. With its mixture of 25% beginners, 50% intermediate, and 25% advanced terrain there is a range of trails for everyone to conquer. Food and beverages are available at Sixteen10 Espresso Bar, Ski High Cafe, and Opuke Kai which offers mulled wine and an a la carte experience on the mountain, where you can recharge your batteries for your next run. For visitors to the South Island, it's easy to hire all the gear you need on the mountain, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. For the littlies, there is a licensed child's creche for 3 months to 5yrs and a snow sports school for both kids and adults who are finding their snow legs.

Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for seven years running at the World Ski Awards. A true alpine experience, with wide-open terrain, leg-burning runs, monster snowfalls, and spectacular views. You’ve not skied in New Zealand until you’ve skied Hutt!
Mt Hutt is your go-to for epic freestyle skiing and snowboarding with four terrain park zones featuring jumps and features for all abilities and with the Summit chairlift is an easy way to access great backcountry riding and skiing. 
Mt Hutt offers 365 hectares of skiable terrain for you to explore, with the longest run, a lengthy 2km. With its mixture of 25% beginners, 50% intermediate, and 25% advanced terrain there is a range of trails for everyone to conquer. Food and beverages are available at Sixteen10 Espresso Bar, Ski High Cafe, and Opuke Kai which offers mulled wine and an a la carte experience on the mountain, where you can recharge your batteries for your next run. For visitors to the South Island, it's easy to hire all the gear you need on the mountain, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. For the littlies, there is a licensed child's creche for 3 months to 5yrs and a snow sports school for both kids and adults who are finding their snow legs.

Leaving Methven the Rakaia Gorge offers some spectacular views from the bridge crossing. Arriving onto State Highway 73 more spectacular scenery awaits as you drive west into the Southern Alps. Castle Hill Scenic Reserve sits in limestone country and the area is dotted with remarkable rock outcrops. Today its a popular location for climbers to practice but in the past it was also an important place for Maori in past years as they provided shelter on their seasonal journeys between the coasts. There is a network of walking paths allowing you to explore. The high country lakes and mountain landscape is unique. Arthur's Pass National Park covers 114,500 ha right in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Porters Alpine Resort is a relaxed, welcoming ski field just over an hour from Christchurch. It’s known for its easy-access slopes, varied terrain, and some of the best learner facilities in the region. Beyond the groomed runs, adventurous skiers and boarders can explore wide basins and natural features higher up the mountain. With big views across the Canterbury high country and a casual, friendly vibe, Porters is a local favourite for both quick day trips and laid-back family adventures.

Porters Alpine Resort is a relaxed, welcoming ski field just over an hour from Christchurch. It’s known for its easy-access slopes, varied terrain, and some of the best learner facilities in the region. Beyond the groomed runs, adventurous skiers and boarders can explore wide basins and natural features higher up the mountain. With big views across the Canterbury high country and a casual, friendly vibe, Porters is a local favourite for both quick day trips and laid-back family adventures.

Descending into the valleys of the Waimakariri this drive offers some spectacular views of the braided river valleys. Castle Hill Scenic Reserve sits in limestone country and the area is dotted with remarkable rock outcrops. A popular place with climbers it was also an important place for Maori in past years as they provided shelter on their seasonal journeys between the coasts. There is a network of walking paths allowing you to explore.
Descending onto the Canterbury Plains the rich farmland that attracted and helped settlers prosper becomes apparent as you head into the city of Christchurch.

Head to Christchurch airport and catch your flight home. If you’re on a late flight take the morning to explore some of Christchurch’s family-friendly activities, including the gondola or right next to the airport the International Antarctic Centre is an interactive and fun experience.