With 5 days of luxury accommodation at the beautiful Terrace Downs Resort, enjoy to day skiing at the Mt Hutt ski field with ski or snowboard rental gear included. Once your snow cravings are satisfied, head to the skies with a magnificent early morning hot air balloon ride over the Canterbury Plains.
Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch then its a short drive to your Southern Alps Guesthouse
Your itinerary, lift passes, car and accommodation bookings
As well as getting everything you need to have a great trip sent to you electronically (yes we are really clever like that!), a super dooper tour pack containing everything you need will be waiting for you at your accommodation. In short - we take care of the paperwork!
Collect your Ski New Zealand rental car
Ski New Zealand rental cars are all specially equipped with ski racks and chains (for grip in the snow - not evening entertainment!). We have a superb range of cars from all the top companies and with a range of insurance options and inclusions that will suit you perfectly.
Christchurch to Windwhistle
Follow the inland scenic route through the tiny villages of Glentunnel, Glenroy and Windwhistle towards the Rakaia Gorge taking time to stop and enjoy the spectacular views on this route.
Your Accommodation: Terrace Downs Resort
Terrace Downs is the perfect base for skiing Mt Hutt, with villa suites and chalets catering for couples and groups alike. Either self-cater in your fully equipped kitchen or enjoy breakfast or lunch at the onsite café. You’re just a 50 minute drive to Mt Hutt or 30 minutes to Methven.
Day 2: Explore the runs the ever popular Mt Hutt ski field
Mt Hutt Ski Field 2 Day Lift Pass
Mt Hutt is the most popular ski field in the Canterbury region, and a favourite with Christchurch locals. We recommend you stay near the village of Methven which is just a short 40 minute drive to the ski field or take one of the regular shuttles. There is 365 hectares of skiable terrain for you to enjoy, with the longest run a rewarding 2km. Mt Hutt ski field is a mixture of 25% beginners, 50% intermediate and 25% advanced, so there are trails suitable for everyone. Food and beverages are available at Huber's Hut and Ski High Cafe where you can recharge your batteries for your next run. For visitors to New Zealand it's easy to hire all the gear you need on the mountain, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. For the little ones there is a licensed child's creche for 3 months to 5yrs and snow sports school for both kids and adults who are finding their snow legs.
Equipment Rental
Everything you need for Mt Hutt Skifield is available directly on the mountain, no need to carry it all up. You'll find the latest gear, from clothing to equipment, and the on-site technicians keep it in top condition. Use the revolutionary Head BYS ski fitting system designed to reduce the amount of time taken to fit boots and skis allowing you maximum time on the slopes. The snowboard gear is the industry leading Burton 'Learn to Ride'. If you want to swap, exchange, upgrade or if you find something is not quite right, they'll take care of it on the spot.
Your Accommodation: Terrace Downs Resort
Terrace Downs is the perfect base for skiing Mt Hutt, with villa suites and chalets catering for couples and groups alike. Either self-cater in your fully equipped kitchen or enjoy breakfast or lunch at the onsite café. You’re just a 50 minute drive to Mt Hutt or 30 minutes to Methven.
Day 3: Spend another day on the powder enjoying the big snow atmosphere of Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt Ski Field
Mt Hutt is the most popular ski field in the Canterbury region, and a firm favourite with Christchurch locals. We recommend you stay near the village of Methven which is just a short 40 minute drive to the ski field or take one of the regular shuttles from the village. 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 are a range of trails for everyone to conquer. Food and beverages are available at Huber's Hut and Ski High Cafe 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.
Equipment Rental
Everything you need for Mt Hutt Skifield is available directly on the mountain, no need to carry it all up. You'll find the latest gear, from clothing to equipment, and the on-site technicians keep it in top condition. Use the revolutionary Head BYS ski fitting system designed to reduce the amount of time taken to fit boots and skis allowing you maximum time on the slopes. The snowboard gear is the industry leading Burton 'Learn to Ride'. If you want to swap, exchange, upgrade or if you find something is not quite right, they'll take care of it on the spot.
Your Accommodation: Terrace Downs Resort
Terrace Downs is the perfect base for skiing Mt Hutt, with villa suites and chalets catering for couples and groups alike. Either self-cater in your fully equipped kitchen or enjoy breakfast or lunch at the onsite café. You’re just a 50 minute drive to Mt Hutt or 30 minutes to Methven.
Day 4: Get a bird's eye view of the Southern Alps, before returning to Christchurch
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Escape to a world of peace and tranquillity. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There is nothing quite so romantic and exciting as floating effortlessly over an ever changing landscape. Before leaving the ground, the pilot will give you a briefing. During your flight you will experience spectacular views and have fantastic photo opportunities. Chilled champagne, orange juice and a light snack then be served. Hot air ballooning is a hands-on experience and you will be encouraged to assist with the setup and pack away of the balloon itself.
Methven to Christchurch
Follow the inland scenic route across the Rakaia Gorge taking time to stop and enjoy the spectacular views of the river. The tiny villages of Windwhistle, Glenroy and Glentunnel guide you towards Darfield, a larger agricultural service centre and then onto the city of Christchurch.
Your Accommodation: Peppers Clearwater Resort
Peppers Clearwater Resort has everything you’ll need for your visit to Christchurch. Luxurious hotel rooms and self-catering suites as well as an onsite restaurant and it’s a convenient 10 minute drive from Christchurch Airport.
Your last day in New Zealand before heading to Christchurch airport and catching your flight home
Today you’ll 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.
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