Ski Christchurch & Canterbury

Gallery

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism

Ski Canterbury

With 18 ski areas, Christchurch and Canterbury provides the ultimate winter holiday for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, on and off the slopes. Our region’s unique winter offering ranges from world-class Mount Hutt Resort, to club fields that cater to family adventures as well as off-piste thrills, including some of the world’s best heli-ski experiences.

Christchurch & Canterbury Ski Region

Canterbury’s largest ski area is only an hour from Christchurch – visit Mount Hutt and Methven. A two-hour drive or scenic train journey through the Southern Alps takes you to a collection of ski fields we call the “Selwyn 6” – also known as the region’s “best kept secret!” Ten ski areas are within two hours’ drive of Christchurch city centre.

Christchurch has a spectacular ocean to alps backdrop; each year it becomes a true winter wonderland. Imagine drinking mulled wine fireside, sampling award-winning eateries, browsing boutique shops down cobbled laneways and planning your days on – and off – the mountain.

Attractions in Christchurch & Canterbury

Christchurch and Canterbury has some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking coastline. From Christchurch, follow a scenic road along the rim on an ancient volcano – enjoy sweeping harbor views and hilltop panoramas, from hidden bays to Pacific horizon. Your destination – Akaroa – a charming French-inspired seaside village only 90 minutes from Christchurch.

Popular day trips include café-hopping in Akaroa and natural thermal pools in Hanmer Springs – as well as even more ski and board choices! Head north from Christchurch through the Waipara Wine Valley to the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs, with its special thermal pools and spa treatments – and boutique ski fields. Travelling south, you’ll experience the breathtaking Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and surrounding Mackenzie country, home to four ski fields and the mighty Tasman Glacier, a heli-skiers paradise. Ice skating, stargazing tours and hot springs complete the perfect picture of your winter holiday.

Check out hot deals in Christchurch and Canterbury for accommodation, attractions and things to do this winter.

Christchurch Ski Accommodation

At the entryway of 18 ski areas, Christchurch and Canterbury is a great place for skiing and snowboarding the Southern Alps at multiple fields.  Direct flights from Australia’s East Coast to Christchurch make getting there even easier.  Stationing in Christchurch and Canterbury gives you access to adventures on and off the mountain.  The area offers an assortment of accommodation choices with hotels, apartments, motels, backpackers and other options.  Stay in Christchurch and Canterbury and view the ski accommodation options online.

Getting from Christchurch to the Ski Resorts

With the multitude of ski resorts and ski fields just outside of Christchurch, there are several bus and shuttle transportation options.  If you are travelling to Mt Hutt from Christchurch, Snowman Shuttles, Mt Hutt Snowbus, Mt Hutt Express, Alpine Expeditions, and Snowork can provide transportation for a comfortable and easy trip.   

Heli-ski Christchurch & Canterbury

Heli-ski experiences are available throughout the region, to help explore the backcountry in wintertime around Methven,  jump aboard Methven Heliski and Mount Hutt Helicopters. Nearby, venture into the Mount Potts Helipark, complete with on mountain accommodation. For a truly unique adventure, ski the 29km Tasman Glacier in the Mackenzie Region, with Wilderness Heliski, with Aoraki Mt Cook – Australasia’s highest mountain – as your ever-present watchful companion. 

Ski the Selwyn 6

Selwyn District is home to Canterbury’s “Selwyn 6” ski fields - Mount Olympus, Porters, Mount Cheeseman, Broken River, Craigieburn and Temple Basin. These represent some of New Zealand’s best kept secrets among winter holiday experiences. They are small, uncrowded fields with big hearts and cater to all abilities – from enthusiastic beginners to backcountry veterans.

Stay on the mountain at Broken River, or at Temple Basin in the shared snow lodges, for an authentic Kiwi ski and board experience. Be prepared to mix hiking and skiing to enjoy these down to earth fields – in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Hanmer Springs & the Hurunui District

Head north to the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs and try the local ski areas, perfect for beginners to intermediates; Hanmer Springs, Mount Lyford.