World Class - Ski Mt Hutt

Your South Island ski holiday starts in Christchurch, with 18 fantastic ski areas - the largest of which is Mt Hutt, known for its exceptional snow record and wide open terrain.

Suggested Time 2 Days

Day 1: Christchurch to Mt Hutt

Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation, then 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 Hutt opens at 9.00am and it will take you just over 90mins to get there from Christchurch - 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 reports for road conditions prior to travelling.

Once you arrive, grab your skis or board and start experiencing the amazing variety of terrain that is on offer at Mt Hutt. A great place to start is with the award-winning Snow Sports School, which you can join for a morning lesson and then test out your new skills in the afternoon. Extreme skiers and riders can head for the steeper challenges of the double black diamond runs of the South Face, while intermediates take on some of the widest groomed slopes in the country and novices can enjoy the dedicated beginner areas and novice trails.

Remember to take a break for lunch! Relax and kick back at either the Ski High Café or go for the premier high country restaurant, Huber's Hutt. Both enjoy fantastic views of either the mountain, or the stunning Canterbury plains. Once full and refreshed it's time to hit the slopes again for some afternoon fun.

Tonight stay at Terrace Downs Resort. A unique New Zealand getaway destination perched on the edge of the spectacular Rakaia River with stunning views up to Mt Hutt. Before dinner, ease tired muscles with a relaxing massage from one of the experienced team at THE SPA, designed to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul - a great way to unwind from the day and feel ready to go for more action on the snow tomorrow.

Treat yourself to a simply exceptional dining experience at the resort's award winning Avoca Fine Dining restaurant. Before sunset enjoy majestic views in the warm, relaxing restaurant, where specialties include succulent Rakaia River salmon, tender lamb, and New Zealand raised venison.

 

Day 2: Ski, Snow and Jet-boating!

After a hearty cooked breakfast, you will be picked up from Terrace Downs Resort by Mt Hutt Helicopters. Soon after climbing onboard you will be soaring high above alpine lakes and river systems. From this angle you will truly be able to take in the beauty of New Zealand's Southern Alps. This exciting trip also lets you experience the thrill of Heliskiing/Heliboarding!

After your helicopter drops you off back at Terrace Downs, enjoy a sumptuous lunch at either Tilley's Bar & Brasserie or The Grill Pizzeria which enjoys views over the Resort's Championship 18-hole golf course.

Before you begin your 90 minute drive back to Christchurch, now's a great time to get a taste of what else is on offer in this region. Jump on the The Discovery Jet for an adrenalin-pumping experience along the ever-changing Rakaia River. The drivers know the river like the back of their hand, are keen to share all its treasures and tales, and provide you with access to spots others can only dream of.

 

Key Links

  • The Christchurch i-SITE is your ultimate source of itinerary advice and trusted local knowledge. They offer a FREE booking service for accommodation, activities and transport throughout Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand.
  • 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

Mt Hutt hosts many social and racing events, and many of the world’s best racers train at Mt Hutt, earning its reputation as the ‘Capital of Speed’! Also check out the Methven Winter festival in August.

VIEWS

At 2086m above sea level, on a clear day the breathtaking views at Mt Hutt stretch across the Canterbury Plains all the way from the Pacific Ocean to Mt Cook.

SPECIAL FEATURES

In to freestyling?! Mt Hutt’s new mini park now offers a skill progression path into the 10,000m2 UP&GO Terrain Park, featuring a variety of kickers, rails and tabletops, or FIS specification halfpipe.

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