Day 1: Christchurch to Mt Cheeseman
After arriving or starting your day with breakfast at your
accommodation in Christchurch, head off bright and early to get the
most out of your day on the Mountain! Hiring a car or a 4WD is a
great way to travel. Mt Cheeseman is situated 90 minutes drive west
of Christchurch. Which-ever option you
choose be sure to take in the beautiful high country scenery along
the way. *If you are driving, always drive with caution as snow
and ice may exist and be hard to see! Follow all road signs, and
please check weather report for road conditions prior to
travelling.
Once you arrive, grab your skis or board and you are ready to
go! Half of the ski area's slopes are groomed intermediate runs and
are ideal for people who like relaxed, enjoyable skiing and
boarding on gentle terrain. Mt Cockayne, above the first T-Bar,
holds a lot of snow and offers great off-piste terrain. If you are
a bit more adventurous and keen on a taste of backcountry, with
little effort you can drop into Tarn Basin. Check with ski patrol
if you intend on heading out of bounds, as Tarn Basin is not
patrolled. A great way to kick off the day is with a lesson - both
group and private lessons are available.
Stop for lunch at the new day lodge, either enjoy a bite to eat
at the Cockayne Café, or use the lodge facilities and enjoy your
own pre-packed lunch.
For your accommodation tonight there's no need to travel far.
With elevated panoramic views of the surrounding Torlesse Mountain
range, you can stay right on the mountain itself at 1550 meters
about sea level in the fully-catered Snowline Lodge.
Alternatively, stay in a family friendly four or six bed bunkroom
at Forest Lodge. At 780 meters above sea level, Forest Lodge is
nestled in Beech Forest and comes complete with an open air ice
rink. Both lodges have kitchen facilities, dining and living areas,
a drying room, bathrooms, and working areas - everything you need
for a comfortable stay and provides a great place for meeting new
friends.
Day 3: Mt Cheeseman to Christchurch
Start the day off by taking your skills to the next level with a
lesson from one of the friendly Mt Cheeseman ski/board instructors.
Then its time to enjoy another full day on the slopes before
heading back to Christchurch in the afternoon.
Key Links
- Being New Zealand's largest independent car rental company,
Apex Car Rentals offers a large fleet of new and late model car
hire options. Contact Apex for car rental
information and booking.
AREA HIGHLIGHT
With great beginner and intermediate slopes, Mt Cheeseman is ideal for families and learners. Two t-bars give easy access to well groomed gentle terrain and the Learners Tow is located right beside the main lodge.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Ice-skate at 780 meters above sea level on a mountain side open air ice rink, located at Forest Lodge.
LOCATION
Mt Cheeseman is located in the Craigieburn Range 90 minutes (99kms) west of Christchurch on state highway 73, with the access road only two kilometres west of Castle Hill Village.