Winter
22 April 2026
3 night ski and city winter escape in Christchurch
Christchurch is the ultimate winter escape complete with easy access to slopes, hot pools, great dining, shopping and a vibrant, walkable city.
Your ultimate ski and city winter escape in Christchurch
Christchurch is a winter destination that gives you the best of both worlds — alpine adventure by day and vibrant city life by night. With world-class ski fields less than two hours away, a compact and walkable centre, seaside hot pools, a refined dining scene, and effortless travel options, this three-night itinerary is built for skiers who want to maximise every moment.
Day 1: Arrive and ease into winter mode
Fly into Christchurch Airport and pick up your rental car just minutes from the terminal. You'll be in the city centre in around 20 minutes!
MORNING
Discover the city’s cultural side
Spend your first afternoon getting a feel for Christchurch’s creative heart.
- For bold exhibitions and beautiful spaces, head to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū with a significant permanent collection and rotating international exhibitions.
- From there, the Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora is a short walk, a beautifully restored Gothic Revival precinct of stone courtyards, artisan studios, boutiques and considered food and retail.
- If you’re keen on a brisk walk to get your bearings, wander the city streets and marvel at the colourful murals and hidden laneway gems.
evening
Time to grab a drink
It’s time to perch up at one of the city’s bars, sip on something tasty and watch the world go by.
Christchurch is home to a unique bar scene, including a few spots tucked away in heritage buildings – check out OBG or The Church, both occupy beautifully restored spaces.
For rooftop views head to Mr Brightside, for stellar cocktails try Kong or for underground speakeasy vibes check out the Austin Club (it’s seriously cosy!)
Dinner on New Regent Street
As evening falls, make your way to New Regent Street, you can’t miss it with its beautiful pastel facades, twinkling lights, buzzing eateries and cosy winter vibes. You’re spoilt for choice with dinner spots – local favourites include Twenty-Seven Steps, Francesca’s, Story and gin gin. Oh and it’s only right you finish your night at the iconic Rollickin Gelato, it’s never too cold for gelato right?
Day 2: Snowy slopes and steaming pools
Today you hit the mountain, but that's not before proper fuelling! Start early with coffee and a pastry from Grizzly Baked Goods – a local favourite known for exceptional sourdough and flaky pastries.
morning
Head to Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt is a snow lovers goldmine – and right on Christchurch’s backdoor. Leaving from the central city, the drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. And you’re in for some stunning sunrise views along the way.
Good to know:
- Ensure you have chains on hand in case required, depending on conditions.
- Parking on the mountain is generous, on a first in first served basis, except for carpool priority days where full vehicles get preference.
- Those not renting a car can book the Mt Hutt shuttle service from the central city bus interchange, leaving at 7am and arriving on the mountain at 9am, for $30 return.
- Rental gear, lessons and passes can all be sorted on‑mountain or booked online beforehand.
- Check the snow report for live updates on lifts, track status and snow levels.
Discover how to plan for your ski day and find out more about additional ski fields close to Christchurch.
snowy slopes
The mountain
Mt Hutt combines easy access with a genuinely world-class alpine experience. Sitting at 2,086 metres, it offers a mix of groomed runs, natural features and challenging off-piste. With sweeping stretch across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean - a backdrop few ski fields can match.
Mt Hutt snowboarder with views of the Canterbury Plains
Groomed trails at Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt with Canterbury Plains in view
Snowboarding at Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt terrain action
evening
Recover at He Puna Taimoana
Let’s be honest – a full day on the slopes takes its toll. Christchurch’s answer? An hour or two soaking in steaming hot pools to the sound of crashing waves.
Once you return to the city, head straight to New Brighton for a soak at He Puna Taimoana. With five heated saltwater pools, as well as a sauna, steam room and cold plunge, you’ll be in full restorative mode after a day of icy adventures.
Dinner at Riverside Market
After a big day of adventure, grab an easy and delicious dinner at Riverside Market. The large indoor market is home to a range of eateries, perfect for a group with different tastes. Choose from the amazing variety of international cuisines and don’t forget to grab something sweet for the walk home.
Early night recommended – you’re skiing again tomorrow.
Day 3: Porters snow day and a night on The Terrace
Porters Alpine Resort is the closest field to Christchurch - under an hour and a half from the city centre. Unwind back in the city with dinner and drinks.
morning
Porters Alpine Resort
If you want to try a different ski field, Porters Alpine Resort is another great option. The closest ski field to Christchurch, Porters is under 1 hour 30 minutes' drive from the central city. The family-friendly club field is smaller the Mt Hutt, but big on epic runs and friendly vibes.
Good to know:
- Easy access and straightforward parking on site.
- Ensure you have chains on hand in case required, depending on conditions.
- A free shuttle bus runs from the chain-fitting area on the mountain each day.
- Wide intermediate runs, great beginner slopes and access to challenging terrain.
- Rental gear, lessons and passes can all be sorted on‑mountain or booked online beforehand.
- Check the snow report for live updates on lifts, track status and snow levels.
evening
Warm up and freshen up
Head back to your accommodation for a hot shower and moment to decompress before getting ready for the evening. Rug up and wander down to the city’s much-loved collection of bars and restaurants set along the Ōtākaro Avon River – also known as The Terrace.
Christchurch’s riverfront dining precinct lights up at night and on a cool winter evening, there’s nothing more inviting than the warm hum of busy bars and restaurants welcoming you in.
Drinks first, dinner second
- Bangalore Polo Club - A cosy, character-filled bar with a lively dance floor that’s often scattered with peanut shells
- Kong – A glamorous cocktail lounge channelling the elegance of the 1930s, with a cinematic King Kong twist
- Delilah - A lush, colourful space that turns into a buzzing late‑night spot with DJs and great dance‑floor energy
- The Little Fiddle – A classic, feel‑good Irish pub serving cosy vibes, live music and late‑night fun.
For dinner, check out
For dinner, King of Snake sets the standard — bold Euro-Asian flavours, a striking interior, and river views above the Avon. For something more intimate, Hugo’s offers a Parisian bistro feel, with classic French flavours in a polished, unhurried setting.
King of Snake - a modern Asian-fusion restaurant with stunning interior
Hugo - a chic Parisian style bistro serving classic French flavours
Roca - A chic, fire‑and‑smoke‑centred Mediterranean eatery with bold flavours
Day 4: Slow morning and farewell Christchurch
After two big days of skiing and two delicious nights of unforgettable dining, enjoy a relaxed final morning in Christchurch.
morning
Start the day with brunch
Christchurch's brunch scene punches well above its size.
- Child Sister – brings a Korean-influenced lens to classic brunch
- Akin – small, simple and seriously good. A local favourite for a reason
- Hello Sunday - a destination for serious food lovers - award-winning and a must for visiting foodies
- Explore more brunch options.
afternoon
Finish with a spot of shopping
Christchurch’s compact city centre makes winter shopping a breeze with everything so close and walkable.
Wander City Mall for major retailers and high-end favourites, then dive into nearby laneways to discover independent boutiques, homewares, artisan goods and New Zealand designers.
The Crossing brings together premium fashion, beauty, lifestyle stores and cafés under one beautifully designed precinct, perfect for a mid‑shop warm‑up.
Time to head off
Enjoy a final walk along the Avon River, through the Botanic Gardens, or around the city’s laneways before making your way to the airport. Depart refreshed, recharged and already planning your next winter escape.
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