Southern Ski Highway Tour

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.

Hugging the foothills of the Southern Alps and Peel Forest you arrive into the township of Geraldine, another ideal refreshment stop (local ice cream, cheeses, bakery etc) before you head into the Mackenzie country. Turning west you continue towards the high country and passing through places such as Beautiful Valley it's not hard to understand how the names originated. Ascending Burkes Pass and onto the high country plateau and the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, the first of the large Southern Lakes. It's a great place to take a scenic flight, enjoy a guided horse trek, ski at the nearby family-owned ski fields, or just enjoy the magnificent views.

From Lake Tekapo it's a short drive to Roundhill Ski Area.  Most of the driving is flat and follows the lake edge along Lilybank Road before you reach the ski field access road.  The wide and gradual ski field access road makes for an enjoyable and easy drive to the top.

Roundhill Ski Area is a laid-back, locally loved ski field overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. It’s a great spot for families and beginners, with wide, forgiving slopes and a friendly, welcoming vibe. For those chasing a challenge, the Heritage Express rope tow opens up a huge backcountry playground with epic views of Aoraki Mount Cook. Roundhill combines big mountain scenery with a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere, making it one of Canterbury’s best-kept winter secrets.

Leaving Lake Tekapo you descend from the high country through Burkes Pass and into rich farmland surrounding the access road to Mt Dobson Ski Area. The 15km access road is maintained to a high standard and it's a 40 minute drive from State Highway 8 to the ski field car park.

This mountain is famous for its all-day sun, stunning scenery, groomed trails and awesome off-piste... what more could you ask for? Mt Dobson or "Dobbo" as it is known to the locals, has that laid-back and friendly Kiwi vibe, along with some cool features like the large natural half-pipe and miles of untracked snow. Mt Dobson is a definite treat for those wanting to explore uncrowded trails. A rope tow, platter, T-Bar and triple chairlift provide access to a variety of intermediate and advanced runs serving 14 trails over an area of 400 hectares.

On your short journey today, we recommend you stop at the visitor centre on the southern shores of Lake Pukaki. As well as a great presentation detailing the formation of the region over thousands of years you are also often rewarded with uninterrupted views of over 50 kilometres to the peak of Aoraki Mount Cook (clouds permitting of course).
Your final destination today is Lake Ohau famous for skiing, camping and incredible views.

Ohau Ski Area caters for all skiing and snowboarding abilities and offers a breath-taking backdrop of the Southern Alps and Lake Ohau below.  For beginners, the snow mat takes you to gentle slopes for learning and you can book lessons with the friendly Ohau instructors.  Intermediate skiers and boarders are well looked after with 50% of the terrain graded intermediate.  Take the double chair lift to the top of the mountain where you’ll ride wide flat slopes down the Boulevard with style.  For those looking for more of a challenge, hiking around the tops to access the best powder snow is definitely worth it, not to mention the unbelievable views.  Wanting to practice your tricks there are 2 terrain parks, 1 for beginners and an intermediate/advanced park.  When you’re ready for a break the day lodge is a cosy space with a log burner, large social tables and the onsite café offers great food and coffee.

Follow the lake edge back towards the main road, then turn south towards Omarama.  Omarama is the gliding capital of New Zealand and the nearby Clay Cliffs are an impressive natural formation, worth a detour if time allows.  For a refreshment break the Wrinkly Rams café offers great food and coffee. From there follow the Ahuriri River with the Clay Cliffs backdrop to the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres. The tussock covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass from the Mackenzie Basin and into Central Otago.
The first Central Otago settlement you reach is the quaint village of Tarras, which has a number of boutique stores and a lovely café. Bendigo, just off the main highway, was one of Otago’s original gold mining settlements and well-marked paths will guide you to explore the remains of stone cottages and other buildings from this bygone era.
Cromwell sits at the head of the Kawarau Gorge. Cromwell old town has restored buildings from before the valley was flooded to create Lake Dunstan for the hydro systems. The sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge guide you towards Queenstown and Gibbston one of New Zealand's premier wine growing regions. At the famous historic Kawarau Bridge you can take a bungy jump or just watch others if you would rather. Approaching Queenstown the impressive Remarkables mountain range come into view and then beautiful Lake Wakatipu as you head towards the alpine resort town of Queenstown, the adventure and activity capital of New Zealand.

The drive from Queenstown to Coronet Peak is a scenic 20-kilometer journey taking around 20-30 minutes. Follow Gorge Road through Arthurs Point, then turn left onto Coronet Peak Road, which winds up to the resort. Allow extra time during peak season, check road conditions beforehand, and consider the ski bus for a hassle-free trip. The road to the ski field is a sealed alpine road, snow chains must be carried. Don't forget to enjoy the stunning mountain and lake views along the way!

Want to challenge yourself on exciting terrain in some of the best conditions in the Southern Hemisphere?  Then Coronet Peak should be top of your list. This theme park created by mother nature offers gripping trails and extensive snowmaking facilities, making for complete snow coverage on multiple trails. Coronet is also home to night skiing for a different take on these roller coaster trails try it under lights. For those just getting to know the snow the dedicated learner and novice areas make finding your snow feet easy and all gear can be hired on the mountain. With 25% beginner slopes, 45% intermediate, and 30% advanced, Coronet Peak has the trail for you.  For a break from the snow, enjoy live music at the base building, or wet your whistle with a hot chocolate or cold beverage at Heidi's Hut. The pizza and pasta meals are great for warming you up and giving you an energy boost for the afternoon. 

Explore more of Queenstown before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!