Christchurch

Skiing in Christchurch

Mt Hutt in Methven is the closest ski field to Christchurch and also the largest. Infrastructure improvements in recent years have helped it earn the title of NZs best ski resort for 8 years running. The skiing can be sublime when it’s on, but being overly exposed to winds has earned the resort the nickname Mt Shut. Methven is also the base for Methven Heliski which runs tours to the Arrowsmith Range for guaranteed untouched powder snow.

To the West there are the Selwyn ski fields nestled in the Craigieburn ranges. Mt Cheeseman, Porters, Craigieburn, Broken River and Mt Olympus. These are smaller club ski fields with different characters and catering to different skill levels. While the equipment may not be the most modern (tow ropes), the crowds are minimal, and the more challenging terrain will keep advanced skiers entertained.

Further South In the Mt Cook area you will find Roundhill resort, Ohau snow fields and Mt Dobson ski resort.

Road Trip the South Island

A road trip is a good way to visit all the resorts. You can fly into Christchurch, hire a car for a journey to Queenstown stopping by at the McKenzie and Central Otago ski fields along the way. When your trip is done you can fly out from Queenstown.

Where to stay in Christchurch

NZ’s second largest city has all the conveniences you could want and you can find accommodation here to suit all budgets. You can also choose to base yourself in one of the towns closer to the mountains. Methven is a short 90 min drive form Christchurch and becomes a ski village in Winter as travelers base themselves there to ski Mt Hutt. There are ski lodges and motels with amenities like dry rooms and spas.  You can stay on mountain at the Craigieburn, Temple Basin and Mt Cheeseman ski areas and at the base of the mountain at Porters.

Transport to Christchurch Ski Resorts

To Mt Hutt

If you are driving to Mt Hutt, you must alwats carry chains in case of snowy / icy condiitions. Mt Hutt is one of the more popular resorts, so expect a bit of traffic during school holidays and weekends. 

There are shuttle buses from Christchurch operated by Snowman Shuttles. Methven Travel runs a shuttle bus service from Methven to Mt Hutt.

Christchurch to Mt Hutt
Drive: 1:40
Shuttle Bus: 2:20

Methven to Mt Hutt
Drive: 35mins
Shuttle Bus: 1-2 hours

To the Club fields

Smylies Tours runs private tour buses to the club fields. 

Christchurch to Craigieburn
Shuttle Bus: 1.5 hours

Christchurch to Cheeseman
Shuttle Bus: 1.5 hours 

Where to Eat in Christchurch

Great coffee, wild landscapes and the best farm produce in the world. One of the best things about skiing in NZ is the chance to experience the gourmet food.

Things to Do in Christchurch

Where to Buy & Rent Snow Gear in Christchurch

The ski shops in the city carry the latest and widest selection of gear. There are also shops in the towns en route to the mountains such as Darfield, Methven and Fairlie but they may not have as much range. The larger ski fields have rental counters, but it would be wise to reserve your size before showing up.