Christchurch and Canterbury

Greater Christchurch, located on the fertile Canterbury plains, features a spectacular ocean to Alps backdrop with views that will take your breath away. Within a two hour radius of the city, access international ski resorts, wineries, beaches, jet boating, hot air ballooning and so much more.

Methven

The township of Methven is at the foot of Mt Hutt and is only an hour from Christchurch airport – the short scenic drive across the Canterbury Plains towards the mighty Southern Alps.  The high country hospitality in Methven is second to none.

At the southern most reaches of Canterbury is the Mackenzie region which is home to collection of boutique ski fields.  At the heart of this expansive and spectacular region is Aoraki Mount Cook – New Zealand’s tallest mountain. 

• Resorts in the region

  With 18 ski areas, Canterbury provides the ultimate winter holiday for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, on and off the slopes.  Offerings range from world-class Mt Hutt, to club fields catering for family adventures as well as off-piste thrills, including some of the world’s best heli-ski experiences.

  Within 90 minutes of arriving at Christchurch International Airport keen skiers and boarders can be on Mt Hutt schussing down the slopes.

  A further two-hour drive south takes you to the Mackenzie region with its three boutique ski areas dotted throughout the basin; Mt Dobson, Ohau and Roundhill.

• Fly direct into Christchurch

  Fly directly from Australia to Christchurch International Airport.  You've got plenty of choice of airlines across the Tasman, each with timings and fares to suit you.  No matter which airline you fly with, a trip from the East Coast of Australia to Australia will take around 3 hours!

• Getting around the region

  Leading rental car companies are situated at Christchurch International Airport for your convenience.  Taxis and shuttles provide services around Christchurch and nearby areas.

  Sit back and relax as ski transport specialists provide transfers to Mt Hutt ski area.  No need to worry about chains or weather conditions...just leave it to the experts.It is easy to get around the region with your choice of transport options. Queenstown Airport has a range of rental car companies on site, along with taxis and shuttles to help you explore the region.

• Accommodation & Activities

  If you’re in search of a winter holiday where you can go skiing in the morning and golfing in the afternoon that’s exactly what you can expect from Christchurch and Canterbury. The local geography offers mountainous alps, alpine hot pools, lakes, braided rivers, expansive plains, rolling hillside and, of course, the Pacific Ocean.

  Similarly, the Mackenzie Basin sits on the cusp of the South Canterbury and rugged Otago regions. It too offers rural charm in spades, with the addition of aqua blue lakes, barren mountain passes and thermal resorts – all in the shadow of New Zealand’s tallest peak, the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook.

  You're never short of great accommodation in the Mackenzie, Methven  and wider Canterbury region.  Nestle beneath the crisp sheets at a comfortable bed & breakfast, enjoy the convenience of a motel or make some new friends at a backpackers.

  While the Christchurch city earthquakes affected many inner city hotels, Christchurch still offers 167 different types of accommodation which are all open.  These include 12 hotels and 107 motels.  For the latest information and full details on accommodation options click here.