Southern Alps
Broken River - Photo: Jim Henderson
The Canterbury Southern Alps are the longest and highest
mountain range in New Zealand. Amongst these harsh, daunting peaks
you will find volcanic lakes, ancient forests, greenstone rivers,
blue-ice glaciers and wide alluvial valleys that make up an area of
amazing natural beauty, containing four national parks and a range
of top quality ski areas.
Ski
The Southern Alps (Ngā Pukemāeroero in Maori) include 18 ski
areas, all within a few hours drive from Christchurch City. The New
Zealand season runs from approximately mid June and finishes in the
spring in October. Average base depth on the Southern Alps ski
fields is around 104cm.
1. Methven/ Mount Hutt
New Zealand's premier high country ski area, Mt Hutt has a true
Kiwi atmosphere and hospitality to match. Offering one of the
longest snow seasons in New Zealand, Mt Hutt has a well developed
trail network suited to all snow lovers, from the total beginner to
the world's top pro racers and riders.
2.The Selwyn Six
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On Christchurch's doorstep, explore the Selwyn District's Six
ski areas, referred to as the region's best kept secrets:
Porters is the closest ski area to Christchurch,
just over an hours drive west on State Highway 73 (98km). Well
known for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere, Porters offers
something for everyone. Excellent beginner and intermediate
facilities, home to the Porters Passport novice programme, plus
plenty of on-piste terrain for the intermediate and advanced skiers
and riders.
Broken River Ski Area is 110 kms and 90 minutes
west of Christchurch in the Craigieburn Conservation Area. Broken
River offers a unique, truly kiwi ski experience bringing you the
best of Club skiing - uncrowded slopes, great atmosphere with
likeminded fanatics and excellent terrain.
Broken River caters for the off-piste telemark, ski, or
snowboard adventurist who wants something a little different and
more than just the skiing. The four minute funicular ride from the
carpark up through native beech forest to the ticket office is the
just the beginning of your experience.
Temple Basin is one of New Zealand's leading and
most popular club ski and snowboarding areas. It offers on-field
accommodation with comfortable lodges, mountain chef, equipment
hire and a range of skiing and snowboarding areas to suit all
levels.
Mt Cheeseman provides family friendly fun. Enjoy
the relaxed culture. Cheeseman is perfect for beginners and
intermediates.
Mt Olympus Is ideal for the backcountry adventurer.
Olympus has fantastic après-ski options and even a hot tub
over-looking the slopes.
Craigieburn is the holy grail for the
advanced or expert rider. Craigieburn has some of NZ's easiest
access to advanced off piste skiing.
3. Hanmer Springs/Hurunui
Hanmer Springs ski area - 20kms from the alpine
thermal holiday resort of Hanmer Springs, this ski area is great
for beginner & intermediate skiers/boarders.
Mt Lyford Alpine Resort is a North Canterbury
alpine resort with chalet-style accommodation. Only 45min from
Kaikoura - surf & ski in the same day!
4. Mackenzie Country
Mt Dobson is one of the highest ski areas at 1725m,
from the top you can gaze out across the peaks of New Zealand's
highest mountains.
Roundhill is great for first timers.
Home to awesome beginner and intermediate runs, plus NZ's longest
t-bar!
Ohau is a mountain catering for all abilities. See
spectacular views up to Aoraki Mount Cook and down to Lake
Ohau.
Fox Peak is about high altitude! You can easily see
the 7300 ft mountain from most parts of South Canterbury.
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Hike
Kiwis call it "tramping" - it's about putting a pack on your
back and enjoying the freedom to explore New Zealand's backcountry.
Whether you call it bushwalking, hiking or trekking, it's a great
way to see more of New Zealand - and Canterbury is the best place
to start. There are so many Great Walks and special tracks - here
are a couple of our favourites:
1. Aoraki Mt Cook Mackenzie National Park
It would be a shame to visit the South Island and not visit
Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and surrounding Mackenzie Country.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to the highest mountains
and the largest glaciers, including it's namesake Mount Cook, New
Zealand's highest mountain. Enquire at the Visitor Centre about the
Hooker Valley walkway and the Tasman Valley walk from the Blue
Lakes car park. The views are out of this world - there are tracks
for all abilities, from easy hour-long loops on well-marked tracks,
to serious overnight expeditions that require mountaineering
experience and equipment. Regardless of your experience, you can
enjoy this spectacular part of the world and be inspired by the
history of Sir Edmund Hillary and the local spirit of
adventure.
2. Arthur's Pass National Park
The Arthurs Pass village is New Zealand's highest settlement and
is 4km from the pass of the same name. The village is a good base
when heading to Arthurs Pass for hiking or climbing. Check in at
the Visitors Centre in Arthur's Pass village to learn about weather
conditions, forecasts and local tracks. The possibilities are
endless -but precautions and the proper gear are necessary in this
changeable and often challenging environment. With challenge comes
reward and in the Arthurs Pass national park you will encounter
spectacular 360 degree views across braided rivers and snowy peaks,
along with the immense wildlife, such as the Kea and the
endangered, Great Spotted Kiwi. Hiking and walking tours are also
available as a safe and interesting way to make the most of your
time in the mountains.
Bike
Canterbury itself is an amazing region for cyclists, with
hundreds of kilometres of trails waiting to be explored. In the
national parks, however, generally mountain biking is limited to
the formed roads. However, there are a series of mountain biking
events around the Alps that are popular and attract hundreds of
keen cyclists each year, from around Lake Tekapo, to a ski/run/bike
multisport race held annually at Mt Hutt.
Here are three of our favourite mountain biking locations, in
and around the Southern Alps:
1. Poulter Valley, Arthur's Pass National Park
Poulter Valley is currently undergoing a three year trial in
which cyclists are allowed to ride up the 27km long valley as well
as the roads. This trip requires bikers to stick to a specified
route. The route offers some good challenges, amazing scenery and
two good huts for those longer expeditions. This trip is a mixture
of grade 2 and grade 3 difficulty trails.
2. Mount White road
This 25km long track of unsealed road traverses along tussock
flats next to the Waimakariri River. It provides views right up the
valley and takes approximately two hours each way from Mount White
bridge to the Poulter River.
3. Wee McGregor Mountain Bike Race
The Wee McGregor is a 40km long, annual mountain bike race that
starts at the regional park on the eastern outskirts of Lake
Tekapo. The race then stretches through country side on a four
wheel drive tracks, climbing 350 metres high and past the Wee
McGregor mini mountain, standing at 1138 metres high.
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