In Ōtautahi Christchurch & Canterbury
Nowhere does the chilly season quite like Ōtautahi Christchurch. As the temperatures drop, the region comes alive.
Spend days on the slopes, evenings soaking in hot pools or warming up over a mulled wine with friends.
From adventures spent in nature's playground to quiet moments of indulgence - you'll find it all here this winter.
Winter Inspiration
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Top Six Winter Activities In ChristchurchConditions shut the ski field? Rain lashing down? Bit chilly? Wipe away those raindrops my friend, because Ōtautahi Christchurch has you covered (literally) for things to do on a wintery day.
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Credit: Regine Tholen Get Crafty This Winter In Ōtautahi ChristchurchWith the cooler months setting in it’s time to get a little creative with ways to spend those chilly days and nights in Ōtautahi Christchurch. -
The Top Places To Get Mulled Wine This Winter In ChristchurchA list of seven must-try places in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Banks Peninsula with the best mulled wine.
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Best Donuts In Ōtautahi ChristchurchFrom plain and simple to every topping under the sun. The perfect donut for any occasion can be found right here in Ōtautahi Christchurch!
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The Top Winter Activities in CanterburyDiscover the magic of Winter in Christchurch and Canterbury. Explore the mountains by ski or train. Unwind in thermal hot pools. Gaze at the stars. Enjoy the best après ski experiences.
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The 8 Best Hot Chocolates In ChristchurchThe 8 Best Places To Get Your Hot Chocolate Fix In Christchurch
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Entertainment Hot Spots In Ōtautahi ChristchurchA list of the top 7 board game bars and entertainment spots in Christchurch for a night of fun.
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Mt Hutt Mt Hutt Ski AreaMt Hutt is one of New Zealand's largest ski areas with some of the best natural snow around. It's a scenic 90-minute drive from Christchurch Airport. -
Your Guide to the Ski Fields of Selwyn, CanterburyExplore 6 ski fields within an hour's drive of one another. From total beginner to advanced back country, the Selwyn fields offer the best range in New Zealand. See our guide for more.
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Mt Hutt Family Friendly SkiingCanterbury has numerous family-friendly ski fields to choose from, where in many cases children 5 and under ski for free. Check out our summary to help you decide where to take your young ones for a dose of snowy excitement this winter. -
Top Indoor Activities in Ōtautahi ChristchurchA rainy day doesn’t mean boredom has to strike. From escape rooms to museums, arcade games to crafts, check our guide of indoor activities to keep you entertained.
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Top Ski Experiences Right On Christchurch’s DoorstepSki the unique runs of The Central South Island.
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The Best Après Ski Experiences in CanterburyMake the most of your time on and off the field this winter, here's our hot tips.
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Heli Skiing In CanterburyHeli Ski/Snowboarding is the perfect way to experience Canterbury’s most amazing landscapes.
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Credit: Rachel Gillespie Top Winter Must Do's In The MackenzieWhether you’re after an adventure-packed holiday or a place to get away from it all, the Mackenzie Region is the perfect winter getaway. Just 2.5 hours drive from Christchurch, the region transforms into a winter playground that offers something for all ages. -
Mt Hutt Skiing & Snowboarding In CanterburyWhen the temperature drops, Canterbury's peaks become a winter playground – with more ski areas than anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. -
Ski MackenzieTake in the stunning surrounds and skip the lift queues. The Mackenzie boasts picturesque ski-fields and a range of epic ‘bucket list’ ski experiences including backcountry touring, heli-skiing and skiing the mighty Tasman Glacier. From the beginner to the advanced skier or boarder – the Mackenzie has you covered.
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Credit: Amelia Roams Limestone Giants And Alpine Waterfalls - This Is SelwynDeep blue rivers, alpine villages, massive limestone giants and plenty of waterfalls – Selwyn District is stacked with winter adventure right on the city’s doorstep. -
Unique Adventures In Mid CanterburyThe Ashburton District is a true underrated South Island gem. Here's a few reasons why you need to visit.
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Mid Canterbury - The Region That’s Got It AllWinter Activities In Mid Canterbury, Rakaia And Waimakariri Rivers.
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Alpine Village Haven Near Ōtautahi ChristchurchHanmer Springs is the ultimate holiday destination, with a mix of relaxation, adventure and family-filled activities. Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, it’s it an easy road trip for Cantabrians and a short drive for visitors arriving into Christchurch Airport.
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Top Activities In Aoraki/Mt CookIt may be home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand, but you don’t have to be a mountain expert to experience the Aoraki/Mt Cook region in winter. From short walks and day hikes, to snow adventures and scenic flights, this area is sure to tick the boxes. So chuck on an extra layer or two, and explore the winter activities on offer in Aoraki/Mt Cook.
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Credit: Bare Kiwi Non-Skiers Family Holiday In Christchurch’s BackyardThe ultimate winter family holiday is more than skis and snowboards. Round up the kids, the parents, the grandparents for goodness sake – your mid-year family getaway is about to get much cooler. Geothermal hot pools, ice skating, snow tubing – even an award-winning playground – get out there and explore more. -
Get Your Adrenaline Ski FixWith epic terrain and in the right snow conditions, The Central South Island’s fields offer thrills and spills.
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Mt Hutt Slopes For EveryoneA guide to Canterbury’s extraordinary range of ski fields. -
Cruise The Blue TrailsExplore The Central South Island's plethora of intermediate trails accessed by either T-Bars or chairlifts.
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How To Slow Down In AshburtonA Guide To Elevating The Drive Through
Our Regions


Ōtautahi Christchurch
Ōtautahi Christchurch is the city of exploration, a refreshing urban centre full of new secrets to discover. If you haven’t been here in a while, you’re in for a surprise. The city has been through some massive changes in the past few years, and the time has come to explore it all.

Kaikōura
A 3 hours' drive north from Christchurch, you'll find Kaikōura - New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destination, with an amazing variety of marine and birdlife along its dramatic rugged coastline.

West Coast
Between towering mountains and the crashing sea, the West Coast is bigger than anticipated and greater than you thought. If you yearn for something more from your holiday, real people, real towns and real experiences, then this is the place for you. This is - Untamed Natural Wilderness.

Hurunui & Hanmer Springs
A place of relaxation and adventure for generations, Hurunui and Hanmer Springs is a premier Canterbury destination. With rugged coastlines, lush forests, thermal pools, and wineries – this area is popular year-round.

Waimakariri
Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch’s hustle and bustle is a region of vast natural beauty, slower paced country towns and beach settlements all offering their own unique experience.

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Banks Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most unique landforms. With endless hills, bays and hidden bush, this is Nature's Playground right on Christchurch's doorstep.

Mid Canterbury
From the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, with stunning snow-capped Mt Hutt and bordered by impressive braided rivers and crystal clear lakes, Mid Canterbury offers an inspiring range of activities, complemented by genuine New Zealand hospitality.

South Canterbury
A destination for families, foodies and adventure seekers, South Canterbury is the place to explore.

Mackenzie
Clearest starry skies, highest mountains, vivid turquoise lakes, expansive golden grasslands - welcome to the Mackenzie Region!

Arthur's Pass & Selwyn
From the majestic Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass, down the braided Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers and over the patchwork Canterbury plains to the vast coastal lake of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, Selwyn is the place to explore!

Great Alpine Highway
Stretching across the Canterbury Plains from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps, enjoy mountain vistas, a Lord of the Rings film location, and New Zealand's highest altitude settlement, the alpine village of Arthur's Pass. Continue on this great highway to the untamed natural wilderness of the West Coast.

Alpine Pacific Touring Route
Unlock the gems of North Canterbury on a 3-day itinerary or savour the magic over 5 days. The Alpine Pacific Touring Route highlights 450 km of spectacular coastal and alpine townships and unique environments.

North Canterbury Food & Wine Trail
Combine family-owned vineyards with an innovative approach to viticulture, and throw in close proximity to Ōtautahi Christchurch and you've got the North Canterbury Wine Region. The region is home to more than 90 vineyards, most of them independently owned by a tight community of local families.

Inland Scenic Route 72
Take a relaxing journey through the heartland of New Zealand. Visiting thriving country towns, see historic buildings and country museums. In addition to traditional farming, the area produces cheeses, truffles, saffron, olives and mead. You'll discover delightful picnic and camping places across the route.

South Canterbury Heritage Trail
A destination for families, foodies and adventure seekers. Travel through breath-taking scenery, rugged farmlands and heritage areas. Visit New Zealand's highest peak, largest glacier and in the evening take in the gold status international dark sky reserve.