About Canterbury
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| Two worlds collide - one green and rural, the other wild and mountainous. |
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Over millions of years, mighty snow-fed rivers carried shingle down from the Southern Alps to create the vast, smooth expanse we call the Canterbury Plains. Today the plains are a chequerboard of fields and pastures, while the alps form a majestic backdrop. From the city of Christchurch it takes less than an hour to reach the mountains, which wear a heavy coat of snow from late autumn until late spring.
Main snow sport venues
Mount Hutt
Canterbury's premier ski area is Mount Hutt, where wide, welcoming slopes deliver world class skiing, boarding and cross country skiing. Mount Hutt is reputed to have the lightest, driest powder in Australasia; it also has the longest season, opening in early June and running until late October.
In recent years, Mount Hutt has been adding to its infrastructure. The new Summit Six six-seater chairlift can get you from bottom to top in under four minutes. From the black runs of the South Face to the gentle trails of Fascination and Huber's Run, Mount Hutt's trail map is extensive and endlessly entertaining.
| Winter bathers enjoy the hot springs at Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve. |
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Other things to do
Even if snow fun is your main focus, Canterbury's other attractions will encourage you to diversify. Make time to tour the Alpine Pacific Triangle - a driving route that includes hot pools in Hanmer Springs, whales and seals at Kaikoura and wine trails in Waipara. You should also check out the French colonial settlement of Akaroa, where eco-adventures on the harbour are the thing to do. If you base yourself in Methven, local activities include fishing, golf, jet boating, hiking, mountain biking and hot air ballooning.
Places to stay
The closest base for Mount Hutt is Methven, a lively country village near the foot of the field. With all kinds of accommodation, restaurants and bars, Methven is equipped to keep you very comfortable. Otherwise it’s easy to commute daily to the mountain from Christchurch or Ashburton.
Getting there
Christchurch airport is located 30 minutes drive west of the central city. The airport receives international flights from Australia, Asia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the USA. Domestic flights from New Zealand's main centres arrive several times a day. Mount Hutt is a 90 minute drive from the city of Christchurch, a one hour drive from Ashburton and a 30 minute drive from Methven.
Key tips
- Daily shuttles to Mount Hutt run from Christchurch and Methven.
- Mount Hutt is generally open from early June until late October.
- Top-to-bottom snowmaking keeps Mount Hutt’s slopes in good order.
- The access road to Mount Hutt is mostly unsealed; chain hire is available if required.
- Children aged six and under receive free day lift passes.
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CHRISTCHURCH-CANTERBURY
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 | Featured Activities | |
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| CANTERBURY ACTIVITIES |
Learn more about the activities and attractions that the Canterbury region has to offer. From adrenaline pumping action to scenic wonders.
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| Themed Highway | |
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| INLAND SCENIC ROUTE 72 |
Drive along the dotted line where the Canterbury Plains meet the Southern Alps and find a rare kind of heaven.
Photo credit: Centre Stage
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