8 day package staying in Methven Village and Lake Tekapo with a 3 day Mt Hutt ski pass included. Talk to us about customising this trip to make it your ideal winter getaway!
South Island Self Drive
This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,599 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch
8 days/7 nights
Motels
Rental car included
Viewed 17 times in the last 7 days
3 day lift pass
Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch then its a short drive to Methven. Accommodation: Methven Motels
Day 2: Explore the runs at the ever popular Mt Hutt ski field. Accommodation: Methven Motels
Day 3: Spend another day on the powder enjoying the big snow atmosphere of Mt Hutt. Accommodation: Methven Motels
Day 4: Rest your legs and explore Methven. Accommodation: Methven Motels
Day 5: Another great day on the snow. Accommodation: Methven Motels
Day 6: Head out to stunning Lake Tekapo. Accommodation: Lake Tekapo Village Motel
Day 7: A free day to explore the Lake Tekapo area or head to Roundhill for another day on the slopes. Accommodation: Lake Tekapo Village Motel
Day 8: Return home with wonderful winter memories.
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: Methven Motels
Methven Motels offer premium and economy self-catering accommodation, just a short 5 minute walk to the cafes and restaurants of Methven. No matter your budget this is the place to base yourself for your skiing Mt Hutt adventurer.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 and Methven'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 3 days of New Zealand Superpass fun, you'll be in heaven. You can decide on the day whether you're skiing Mt Hutt, The Remarkables or Coronet Peak or maybe you fancy a spot of evening skiing at Coronet Peak. If so visit the Guest Services Desk to swap one of your Superpass days for a Twilight Pass. With so much flexibility and freedom, you'll have an awesome time no matter the weather. And if you find that your legs aren't going to hold up to the 3rd day of skiing, no worries you can swap a Superpass day for credit towards thrilling off-mountain activities, great shopping and some of the best bars and restaurants in Queenstown and Methven.
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.
Your accommodation: Methven Motels
Methven Motels offer premium and economy self-catering accommodation, just a short 5 minute walk to the cafes and restaurants of Methven. No matter your budget this is the place to base yourself for your skiing Mt Hutt adventurer.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.
Your accommodation: Methven Motels
Methven Motels offer premium and economy self-catering accommodation, just a short 5 minute walk to the cafes and restaurants of Methven. No matter your budget this is the place to base yourself for your skiing Mt Hutt adventurer.Methven, situated on the Inland Scenic Route 72, is both a summer and winter adventure wonderland. In winter the small rural village is bustling with people intent on spending as much time on the slopes of Mt Hutt ski field. When the snow melts, other activities take prominence, including walking, hot air-ballooning or jet boating. Methven provides a good range of eating establishments and is a friendly town to spend some time in during your travels.
Escape to a world of peace and tranquillity. Hot Air Ballooning is a magical experience and a flight with Ballooning Canterbury offers panoramic views...
Read moreEscape 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.
Your accommodation: Methven Motels
Methven Motels offer premium and economy self-catering accommodation, just a short 5 minute walk to the cafes and restaurants of Methven. No matter your budget this is the place to base yourself for your skiing Mt Hutt adventurer.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.
Your accommodation: Methven Motels
Methven Motels offer premium and economy self-catering accommodation, just a short 5 minute walk to the cafes and restaurants of Methven. No matter your budget this is the place to base yourself for your skiing Mt Hutt adventurer.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.
Your accommodation: Lake Tekapo Village Motel
Set in the centre of Lake Tekapo village, Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort is just a short walk to the lake, shops and restaurants. Most of the rooms also enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.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...
Read moreSki 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.
HideWhat better way to relax after a day on the slopes than soaking in the Tekapo Springs hot pools overlooking Lake Tekapo. With three pools of vary...
Read moreWhat better way to relax after a day on the slopes than soaking in the Tekapo Springs hot pools overlooking Lake Tekapo. With three pools of varying temperatures, massage jets and fountains you’ll ease those aches and pains while taking in the spectacular views.
HideThe ultimate winter experience, ice skating, hot pools and the snow tubing park. Tekapo Springs offers three adjoining main Hot Pools for you to sit b...
Read moreThe 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)
HideGet ready to embark on a journey 13.8 billion years in the making. A treat for the senses, the Dark Sky Experience brings science, tātai aroraki (Mā...
Read moreGet ready to embark on a journey 13.8 billion years in the making. A treat for the senses, the Dark Sky Experience brings science, tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and fascinating multi-media installations together in a ‘Big Bang’ of awe and inspiration. Thought-provoking, educational and entertaining, this journey is sure to change your outlook in the best possible way.
HideYour accommodation: Lake Tekapo Village Motel
Set in the centre of Lake Tekapo village, Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort is just a short walk to the lake, shops and restaurants. Most of the rooms also enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.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.
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: 230 kms / 143 miles : 2.8 hours