Ski Canterbury - 18 Ski Areas

Your South Island holiday starts here with 18 fantastic ski areas, all within easy reach of Christchurch. Find the ski and boad itinerary that will tell you the easiest way to drive to the mountains.

Methven & Mt Hutt

Mt Hutt - Canterbury's largest ski area, with something for everyone - from complete beginners to the world's top pro-racers and riders. World-class snow school and terrain park.
Mt Hutt heli-ski - The only operator to have a heli-pad at a commercial ski field in NZ. Great terrain & an exhilarating experience.
Methven heli-ski - Heli-accessed freeriding through 380Ha of incredible backcountry terrain.

Useful Links

Mt Hutt Ski Area

Mt Hutt Self Drive Itinerary

5 Night Ski Backpacker Offer

Mt Hutt on a Shoetring Deal

Terrace Downs Resort

Methven / Mt Hutt District

Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs/Hurunui

Relax in this alpine spa village and try these nearby beginner to intermediate ski areas:

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 - North Canterbury alpine resort with chalet-style accommodation. Only 45min from Kaikoura - surf & ski in the same day!

Useful Links

Hanmer Springs Ski Itinerary

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

$119 Hot Springs Escape Package

Hanmer Springs Biking Blog

Hanmer Springs District

The Selwyn 6

On Christchurch's doorstep, explore the Selwyn District's 6 ski areas, referred to as the region's best kept secrets:

Porters Ski Area - Local favoriate - Christchurch's closest field, just 89km from the city. Popular with both families and advanced skiers/boarders.
Broken River - This passionate ski club offers some of NZ's best off piste skiing and snowboarding, along with uncrowded powder basins and chutes.
Temple Basin - After a 45 min hike you're at the top of the Southern Alps, but feel like you're on top of the world.
Mt Cheeseman - Family friendly fun. Enjoy the relaxed culture, perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Mt Olympus - Ideal for the backcountry adventurer. Fantastic après-ski options with a hot tub overlooking the slopes.
Craigieburn - The holy grail for the advanced or expert rider. Some of NZ's easiest access advanced off piste skiing.

Heli-ski Selwyn

Heli Park Mt Potts - 380Ha of incredible backcountry terrain. From steeps and tight chutes to wide open powder bowls, gullies and drop-offs.

Useful Links

Porters Ski Area

Broken River Ski Area

Temple Basin Ski Area

Canterbury Club Fields

Porters Ski and Board Itinerary

Family Friendly Skiing Itinerary

Adventure Ski Itinerary

$145 Learn to Ski Porters Special

CHILL Winter Season Pass

Selwyn / Arthurs Pass District

Mackenzie Country

A leisurely half-day drive from Christchurch, base your ski/board holiday in Aoraki/Mt Cook or Tekapo.

Mt Dobson - 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 - Great for first timers. Home to awesome beginner and intermediate runs, plus NZ's longest t-bar!
Ohau - A mountain catering for all abilities. See spectacular views up to Aoraki Mount Cook and down to Lake Ohau.
Fox Peak - High altitude! You can easily see the 7300 ft mountain from most parts of South Canterbury.
Tekapo Heli-ski - NZ's BIG mountain terrain. Ski on the Tasman Glacier in stunning Mt Cook World Heritage Area.
Alpure Peaks - Try backcountry skiing or snowboarding where you are taken to the top of an isolated mountain range using a Snowcat.