Christchurch Is Just The Beginning
Slopes, streets and sea to nightlife, shopping, and eats, Ōtautahi Christchurch is just the beginning of your winter different adventure!
Combine ski runs with relaxing hot pools. Après-ski with mates atop a city rooftop bar or with dolphins. From glaciers to stargazing do winter different this year.
Inspire Me
Winter Different
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Christchurch Is Just The BeginningThe Central South Island of New Zealand – Te Waipounamu. Mountains slope down to seaside villages, hot pool retreats sit among vast bushlands, and at the heart of it all a city that acts as a perfect destination to explore it all.
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Christchurch City - Winter 'Must Do' GuideWinter is coming! Don't spend all your time rugged up at home, the crisp, cool days of winter is the perfect time to get out and explore the city.
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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 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.
Explore 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.
Need More Inspiration?
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Top Eats In Mid CanterburyMid Canterbury boasts a range of eateries well worth getting to know. We’ve gathered some of the best to help you explore the region. Expect everything from traditional Japanese ramen and your classic baked goods, to hearty pub grub and quality coffee.
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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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Top Things To Do In Lake TekapoSurrounded by snowy mountains at the heart of an expansive region is the popular holiday town of Tekapo. Here are our top tips to explore this beautiful place.
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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. -
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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Heli Skiing In CanterburyHeli Ski/Snowboarding is the perfect way to experience Canterbury’s most amazing landscapes.
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Hit The Pie Trail In SelwynWe've found the best spots to grab that perfect palm warmer wherever you find yourself in the Selwyn district.
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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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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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Best Cakes In ChristchurchWhoever said a celebration without a cake is just a meeting, was spot on. Lucky for us there’s plenty of brilliant cakers around town to create that special party centrepiece to elevate your gathering.
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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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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. -
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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Methven - The Ski Town That’s Got It AllSurrounded by dramatic mountain backdrops and the epic blue-green waters of the Rakaia River, the small resort town of Methven is a chilled place (‘scuse the pun) to explore Mid Canterbury during winter. An abundance of outdoor activities will jam-pack your day before Methven’s nightlife takes over.
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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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Mt Hutt Family Friendly SkiingCanterbury has numerous family-friendly ski fields to choose from, where in many cases children 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. -
Get Your Seafood Fix In KaikōuraIf there’s one place in Canterbury where you should indulge in seafood, Kaikōura is it. With the Pacific Ocean lapping at the town’s doorstep, fishing and celebrating seafood is ingrained in the way of life here. While a trip to Kaikōura wouldn’t be complete without a taste of it’s namesake delicacy, there’s plenty of ocean bounty to enjoy here.
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Hot Pools a Plenty Across Central South IslandIs there a better way to chill and relax than in an outdoor hot pool? Equal parts luxury and serenity, the central South Island is home to some of the best in the country.
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Arts & CultureChristchurch city is alive with everything from street art, exhibitions, history and theatre.
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Top 11 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 entertained.