7 Days 630 km

Highlights

  • Ski Mount Hutt
  • +3 Boutique ski fields
  • Hot pools & stargazing

Proximity

NO CAR-FREE OPTIONS

Discover the best ski fields in the Canterbury region. Travel from Christchurch to New Zealand's highest mountain Aoraki Mount Cook and ski or snowboard to your heart's content on this 7-day South Island itinerary.

Day 1: Spend the day in Christchurch

Christchurch - Canterbury
Port Hills, Christchurch - Canterbury
christchurch-canterbury

CHRISTCHURCH - CANTERBURY

Stretches from ocean to the Alps

Highlights

  • Cardboard Cathedral
  • Ride a heritage tram
  • Discover fascinating street art

TOP EXPERIENCES IN CHRISTCHURCH

Relaxing natural environment and thrilling adventure activities.

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With its intriguing mix of heritage, innovation and nature, Christchurch is a great place to begin your ski holiday. Before heading inland to the slopes take some time to explore this fascinating city.

Meander down the Avon aboard an old-fashioned punt, wander through the botanical gardens in Hagley Park or spend the day biking in the Port Hills. Further afield, Banks Peninsula is a great place to meet friendly wildlife. Take a dolphin cruise in Akaroa or visit New Zealand's largest mainland blue penguin colony.

Day 2: Christchurch to Methven via Porter Ski Area

Christchurch - Canterbury
Porters Ski Area, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Magical views of Lake Coleridge
  • Rustic village of Methven
  • Porters Ski Area

Proximity

  • by car:

    2 h 55 min | 198 km via SH73 & SH77

SKIING IN CANTERBURY

Enjoy stunning mountain backdrops and relaxing local hotspots.

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Up early today for a day of skiing at Porters, only 1 hour from Christchurch City.  With magical views overlooking Lake Coleridge and nestled in the heart of the high country, enjoy the snow and local hospitality.

After your day on the slopes, spend the night in Methven. Over the winter months, this rustic village plays host to skiers from all over the world. Call into the Blue or Brown Pubs (they’re located opposite each other on the main street!) and enjoy a cosy night out.

Day 3: Spend the day at Mount Hutt

Christchurch - Canterbury
Mt Hutt ski area, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Huber's Hutt
  • Sky High Cafe
  • Child-friendly programmes

Proximity

  • by car:

    10 min | from Methven via Mount Hutt Station

MOUNT HUTT SKI AREA

Wide-open terrain for all ski and snowboard abilities.

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You can’t miss Mount Hutt this morning, standing proudly over Methven at an elevation of 2086 metres. Head up to the slopes for a day exploring the wide-open basin. Grab some lunch at Huber’s Hutt or the Sky High Café between zooms around the slopes.

Mt Hutt and Methven warmly welcome families and there are some great kids’ free deals on the slopes, in accommodation, dining and transport – all with a paying adult. Spend tonight in Methven once again.

Day 4: Methven to Lake Tekapo

Tasman Glacier, New Zealand

Highlights

  • Explore Tasman Glacier
  • Stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve
  • New Zealand's highest peak

Proximity

  • by car:

    4 hr 30 min | 369 km via SH79 & SH8

AORAKI MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK

Home of New Zealand's highest mountain and longest glacier.

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Drive south towards the expansive wilderness of the Mackenzie region, home to Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. There is no skiing on Aoraki Mount Cook, but the three boutique ski fields in the region (Ohau, Roundhill and Mt Dobson) more than makeup for it.

The village of Tekapo sits on the edge of a glacial-blue lake. From here, you can take scenic flights, go ice skating, visit the tube park or simply relax at the Tekapo Hot Springs. The region is also home to the International Dark Sky Reserve. Mount John Observatory gives you the opportunity to explore this magical night sky.

Day 5: Spend the day in Roundhill Ski Area

Christchurch - Canterbury
Roundhill Ski Area, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Massive beginners area
  • Freestylers park
  • Stargazing

Proximity

  • by car:

    35 min | 32 km, east of Lake Tekapo

ROUNDHILL SKI AREA

Breathtaking views of Aoraki Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo.

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Head to Roundhill ski field today, just 30 minutes from Tekapo.

Roundhill has a massive beginner’s area as well as some wide, perfectly groomed intermediate runs. There is also a great park for freestylers with jumps, rollers, rails and boxes. For the more adventurous, head up the world’s longest and steepest rope tow and see what Australasia’s biggest vertical drop is all about.

Day 6: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch via Mt Dobson

Christchurch - Canterbury
Mt Dobson Ski Area, Tekapo, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Uncrowded runs
  • Off-piste for the adventurous

Proximity

  • by car:

    3 h | 226 km via SH79 & SH1

MOUNT DOBSON SKI AREA

Uncrowded runs and a friendly kiwi atmosphere.

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Mount Dobson ski field is located to the north of Tekapo, en route to Fairlie. Ski and ride on natural dry powder snow. There's a huge learners’ area for those just starting out and open uncrowded runs for everyone to enjoy.

Mount Dobson provides a great balance of groomed trails and off-piste for the more adventurous, with a large area of developed trails as well as miles of fresh untracked snow. The field has everything you need for the day, including ski clothing, equipment rental, a ski school and cafe.

From Mount Dobson, travel on to Christchurch for the night.

Day 7: Spend the day in Akaroa

Christchurch - Canterbury
Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Christchurch Botanical Gardens
  • Day trip to Akaroa
  • Mountain biking in the Port Hills

Proximity

  • by walking:

    Visit the local iSITE for more activities

EXPLORE AKAROA

Discover friendly wildlife, a scenic harbour and French cuisine.

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If you have time at the end of your journey, take a day trip out to the French colonial settlement of Akaroa, just one hour away. The drive is beautifully scenic and the town is known for its delicious French cuisine, cute cottages, and excellent wildlife encounters. This is a great place to see the world's smallest dolphin, Hector's.

View the route below

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