Combine 3 days of fantastic skiing at the Mt Hutt and Roundhill ski fields with an exciting visit to the Tekapo Springs Hot Pools, where you can relax into their beautifully warm spa pools, experience an hour of snow tubing and take the kids out ice skating on the outdoor rink!
South Island Self Drive
This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,165 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch
7 days/6 nights
Apartments
Rental car included
Viewed 24 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch, collect your car then head to Methven. Accommodation: Whitestone Cottages
Day 2: Head to Mt Hutt for snow fun and keep the kids entertained at the Kea Club. Accommodation: Whitestone Cottages
Day 3: Enjoy another day on the slopes of Mt Hutt. Accommodation: Whitestone Cottages
Day 4: Continue along the Inland Scenic Route to the alpine village of Lake Tekapo. Accommodation: Mantra Lake Tekapo
Day 5: Today you'll enjoy a very kiwi ski experience at Roundhill. Accommodation: Mantra Lake Tekapo
Day 6: Return to Christchurch - arrive early to check out the Antarctica Centre. Accommodation: Peppers Clearwater Resort
Day 7: Today you'll depart from Christchurch for home.
Access to our exclusive New Zealand Touring APP. The APP includes your full itinerary and reservation details, all available online and offline as well as lots of other great information such as restaurant guides, weather forecasts and local activity suggestions. Instant itinerary updates and changes are available and it's easy to keep in touch with us. The App is free and easy to download on your mobile using Android or IOS.
You also have access to our free call number and after-hours service if you require support while on tour.
Ski New Zealand 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.
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.
Your accommodation: Whitestone Cottages
Whitestone 2 bedroom cottages are set in park-like gardens. These luxurious cottages include a full kitchen, laundry and spacious living area with an open gas fire. This peaceful location is only 11 minutes’ walk to the centre of Methven and a 37 minute drive to Mt Hutt ski field.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 85 kms / 53 miles : 1.1 hours
The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to ski and ride Queenstown’s closest mountains – Coronet Peak and The Remarkables or Mtheven's Mt Hutt. Get more choice, more fun and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
With 2 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 in and around Queenstown and Methven. You can mix it up a little and ski a day at the Remarkables and a day at Coronet Peak or Mt Hutt, or maybe you've got your eye on a run that you want to conquer over 2 days. And remember if the weather doesn't play ball on one of your days you can always exchange one of your superpass days for an exciting off-mountain activity or towards a feast at your favourite Queenstown and Methven restaurant or cafe.
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 rentals and lessons.
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.
Please note: you can not hire out gloves, goggles or sunglasses for hygiene reasons. Please bring your own or these items can be purchased from the retail outlets on each ski area, or in town.
Your accommodation: Whitestone Cottages
Whitestone 2 bedroom cottages are set in park-like gardens. These luxurious cottages include a full kitchen, laundry and spacious living area with an open gas fire. This peaceful location is only 11 minutes’ walk to the centre of Methven and a 37 minute drive to 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.
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.
Please note: you can not hire out gloves, goggles or sunglasses for hygiene reasons. Please bring your own or these items can be purchased from the retail outlets on each ski area, or in town.
Your accommodation: Whitestone Cottages
Whitestone 2 bedroom cottages are set in park-like gardens. These luxurious cottages include a full kitchen, laundry and spacious living area with an open gas fire. This peaceful location is only 11 minutes’ walk to the centre of Methven and a 37 minute drive to Mt Hutt ski field.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.
The ultimate winter experience, ice skating, hot pools and the snow tubing park. Tekapo Springs offers three adjoining main Hot Pools for you to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself while looking out to the beautiful Two Thumb range and stunning Lake Tekapo. Pool temperatures range from forty degrees celsius to thirty-six degrees celsius and each pool offers something different - massage jets to assist in taking away any aches and pains and fountains to splash under. Also included is ice skating at Tekapo Springs scenic outdoor skating rink. The outdoor rink is full sized and operates over winter. Skate hire is included and helmets are provided free of charge for those less experienced skaters. For an adrenalin pumping ride, you'll also get an hour of snow tubing. Snow tubing involves you, a tube, and a 150 metre downhill snow slope. Put these together and you get great fun for all ages and a must do for any trip to Tekapo Springs. The magic carpet will take you from the bottom of the park to the top in no time to do it all again! (Snow tubing available July to mid September)
Your accommodation: Mantra Lake Tekapo
Mantra Lake Tekapo offers 2 or 3 bedroom town-house style accommodation, perfect for groups and families taking a ski break at Roundhill. At the end of a full on ski day, you’ll also appreciate the hot tub for relaxing in and it’s just a 10 minute walk to the village centre.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 154 kms / 96 miles : 1.8 hours
Ski or Snowboard in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand. Roundhill is a fantastic family ski field with breath-taking views of Aoraki Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo. Learners and little ones can practice in the massive beginner's area, which features a platter lift and 2 easy rope tows for a fun and gentle way to find your feet in the snow. The 2 T-Bars give access to loads of wide, perfectly groomed intermediate trails with lots of natural dips and curves making for fun and interesting skiing and riding. For the more adventurous, head up the world's longest and steepest rope tow and see what Australasia's biggest vertical drop (783m) is all about. Offering super long natural half pipes, chutes this is skiing and riding at its best. You can hire all your ski and snowboard gear on the mountain and there's a ski school to help get you onto the slopes. When you're starting to tire head to the cafe or refreshment hut to relax and refuel.
Roundhill Ski Field stock ski and snowboard rental equipment for all ages. Beginning with the best brands including Rossignol Dynastar and Solomon, the friendly team at Roundhill will make sure you get the best service and style of gear for your day on the mountain. All the rental equipment is late model and precisely tuned for the best fit and enjoyment.
Your accommodation: Mantra Lake Tekapo
Mantra Lake Tekapo offers 2 or 3 bedroom town-house style accommodation, perfect for groups and families taking a ski break at Roundhill. At the end of a full on ski day, you’ll also appreciate the hot tub for relaxing in and it’s just a 10 minute walk to the village centre.Leaving Lake Tekapo you head towards the historic village of Burkes Pass with restored cob cottages and the quaint St Patrick’s church. Descending from Burkes Pass you enter rural South Canterbury countryside, passing through the townships of Fairlie and Geraldine. Geraldine is a great spot for a refreshment break with many cafes. From there you cross the Canterbury Plains, over a number of braided rivers including the impressive Rakaia, before reaching Christchurch.
If you’ve got some free time in Christchurch there are plenty of ways to keep yourself and the family entertained. Located next to the airport is the fun and interactive International Antarctic Centre, you could easily wile away a full day here watching the penguins, riding the Hagglund and experiencing life as a fearless explorer. The Christchurch Gondola on a fine day offers fantastic views of the region stretching all the way to the Southern Alps. For an introduction to the city centre including the impact of the Christchurch earthquakes and the subsequent rebuild, there are a number of city tours to choose from: the Christchurch Bike Tour for those wanting an active tour; the red double-decker bus city tour or for a touch of history ride the Christchurch Tram.
Think you’ve experience extreme cold and snow on the slopes? Think again, nothing compares to the ‘Great White South’ of Antarctica. At Chr...
Read moreThink you’ve experience extreme cold and snow on the slopes? Think again, nothing compares to the ‘Great White South’ of Antarctica. At Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre, conveniently located next to the airport, you’ll discover the wildlife and wild weather of this unforgiving continent. Also learn of the great adventurers that risked life and limb to explore this extreme environment. With general admission you’ll have access to all the attractions including the penguin encounter, unlimited hagglund rides and unlimited 4D extreme shows.
HideJust a short drive from the centre of Christchurch you’ll find the perfect introduction to the region at the Chrischurch Gondola. You’ll marv...
Read moreJust a short drive from the centre of Christchurch you’ll find the perfect introduction to the region at the Chrischurch Gondola. You’ll marvel at the views which on clear days reach all the way to the Southern Alps, home to Mt Hutt Ski Field. On reaching the summit of Mt Cavendish take a walk, experience the Time Tunnel Ride or relax at the Red Rock Café soaking up the views.
HideYour 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.Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 223 kms / 138 miles : 2.6 hours
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.
Driving distance and time (approximate) for this leg: 7 kms / 5 miles : 0.2 hours