Winter
15 April 2026
Family friendly skiing in Canterbury
Waitaha Canterbury has numerous family-friendly ski fields to choose from, with many offering lessons and programmes for kids as well as beginners' packages.
How to plan for a family ski holiday in Christchurch
The family‑friendly ski fields of Mt Hutt and Porters Alpine Resort are both an easy trip from Christchurch.
Both mountains put a big emphasis on family fun, offering lessons and programmes that help little ones (and grown‑ups) feel confident and enjoy their time on the slopes.
Find out why these fields are perfect for families, where to stay close by and what you need for a great day on the snow.
Why is Mt Hutt good for family skiing?
Family is important at Mt Hutt which has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort ten years running at the World Ski Awards.
They have four freestyle terrain parks, which are hugely popular with older kids and young adults.
Kids five and under ski free and they offer ski and snowboard lessons and coaching for ages 4-15 at all ability levels, from first timers to performance coaching. They also run a range of kids' programmes for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. Ranging from newbies to competitive skill development coaching.
But you don't need skis to enjoy Mt Hutt, if you're looking for a little more fun on the snow, they've got you covered too with yooner and toboggan hire.
Whether you're taking the kids up for the day, a week or are committing to the whole season, there are passes to suit what all families are looking for.
Where can I stay near Mt Hutt?
Enjoy a relaxed start to your day by staying in Methven, just a 40‑minute drive from Mt Hutt.
Family friendly options include:
- Methven Resort is just a short distance from Methven village and an easy drive to Mt Hutt. It offers comfortable rooms plus handy facilities like ski/snowboard storage and a drying room.
- Ski Time has a range of rooms — from simple lodge rooms to more deluxe options — so there’s something for every budget. They offer a drying room, ski storage, a workshop, and the ski shuttle stop is right across the road.
- Brinkley Resort is a 4.5-star Qualmark-rated, self-contained resort in the heart of Methven. During ski season, the shuttle picks up right outside reception. After a day on the slopes, you can unwind in one of the two spa pools while taking in the mountain views.
What makes Porters Alpine Resort good for families?
Porters Alpine Resort offers the nearest skiing to Christchurch, which means less time on the road and more on the snow. The best part for families is that children 10 and under are free when accompained by a paying adult.
If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before, they have a designated area for you to learn and progress and for those used to skiing and riding across all terrain, there is still plenty to explore!
They have a special beginner group lesson for children under five called Ski Play. This lesson aims to introduce children to skiing through games and activities that promote balance, coordination, and movement. They also have beginner lessons for youth and adults as well as ski and snowboard programmes for children, youth, and adults which take place over multiple days.
There are a range of passes to accommodate everyone.
Where can I stay near Porters Alpine Resort?
- Porters Lodge is located at the base of Porters Ski Area. It offers a cosy, fully serviced stay with a restaurant, bar, and bunk-style rooms suitable for families or solo travellers.
- Forest Lodge is a relaxed and affordable option close to Porters, Mt Cheeseman and Castle Hill. Surrounded by beech forest and native tussock, it’s perfect for nature lovers. In winter, you might even get to skate on their natural ice rink.
When is the ski season in Christchurch?
Opening dates vary from season to season.
Most fields are normally open by mid-June, with the season running through to late September or early October, depending on the field.
Be sure to check with the individual ski fields regarding their opening times and dates.
What is the temperature like in Christchurch during the winter?
Winter runs from June to August, with daytime temperatures usually sitting between 3–14°C.
Christchurch winters are known for crisp, clear days. Often sunny and settled, though nights can dip below freezing.
Compared with other New Zealand cities, winters in Christchurch are relatively dry.
What clothing should I pack for a day up the mountain?
It’s best to be prepared for all weather conditions, and the easiest way to do that is by dressing in layers.
Layering lets you adjust your warmth and stay comfortable as temperatures change throughout the day.
Items to pack include:
- Base layers - merino or thermal tops and leggings
- Mid layers - fleece, wool sweater, or lightweight down jacket
- Outer layers - waterproof ski jacket and pants
- Extras - Merino socks, waterproof gloves, neck warmer, goggles, helmet
Where can I hire ski gear from?
Most commercial ski areas offer on‑mountain gear hire, but if you’re planning to visit several mountains over multiple days, multi‑day ski hire from a local shop can save you both time and money.
In Christchurch, you can hire gear from:
Where can I hire snow chains from?
Winter often brings days when chains are mandatory for all vehicles.
Save yourself time by organising them in advance.
Rental car companies can usually supply chains, or you can hire them from:
I don't want to drive my own car to the mountain. How can I get there?
Driving up a ski road can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not used to alpine conditions.
A simple way to take the stress out of the journey is to hop on a shuttle from the Christchurch CBD or directly from your accommodation.
- If you’re heading up to Mt Hutt, Snowman Shuttles makes it easy. They run every day the mountain is open, leaving the Christchurch Bus Interchange at 7:00am, with extra pick‑ups at Church Corner and Rolleston. You’ll usually arrive at Mt Hutt around 9:00am. The return trip leaves the mountain at 4:00pm, getting you back to Christchurch between 5:45pm and 6:30pm. Drivers are experienced in winter conditions, and the vehicles come equipped with snow chains and plenty of room for all your ski or snowboard gear.
- Smylies Tours offers 4WD transport to Porters, Broken River, Mt Cheeseman, Craigieburn, and Mt Olympus. They run a daily return service to Porters during the season and can also organise one‑way or on‑demand trips to the club fields.
- Alpine Expeditions provides door‑to‑door 4WD transport from anywhere in Christchurch to Mt Hutt, Mt Cheeseman, Porters, Broken River, or Craigieburn Valley. They also do airport pick‑ups and can arrange custom transport for ski‑week guests at Mt Cheeseman.
I'm staying longer in the Canterbury region, what other ski fields should I visit?
Although Porters and Mt Hutt are the closest ski fields to Christchurch, the Canterbury region is also home to several other fantastic family‑friendly mountains that are well worth exploring.
Roundhill Ski Area
Roundhill Ski Area is located on the Tekapo side of the Two Thumb Range and is a fantastic spot for families. It offers groomed trails with plenty of natural dips and curves.
Roundhill is owned by Tekapo locals the Rieder family, they grew up skiing at Roundhill and have created a ski field with Mum, Dad, and the kids in mind.
It’s a very relaxed, social, family atmosphere – you’ll meet like-minded people who are only too happy to have a yarn about the day and the spectacular environment surrounding you.
Children who are five years and under ski for free.
Image credit: Bare Kiwi
Mt Dobson Ski Area
Mt Dobson Ski Area is an owner‑operated field known for its relaxed atmosphere and impressive alpine views.
Regular snowfalls and wide, open slopes create reliable conditions for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
The field has a large, sunny beginners’ area and well‑designed trails that make it easy for learners to progress at their own pace.
There’s also a purpose‑built toboggan zone with sleds available for hire — a great option for visitors who aren’t skiing or riding.
Hanmer Springs Ski Area
Hanmer Springs Ski Area offers a truly affordable, grassroots snow experience.
The field has an excellent beginner area close to the day lodge, serviced by a fixed‑grip learners’ rope tow. For more confident skiers and riders, a Poma and an additional rope tow provide access to extra terrain.
The ski area is operated by a small team with support from a volunteer ski club, so help and friendly guidance, including how to use the rope tow is always nearby.
A parents’ pass allows couples to alternate between skiing and childcare without buying two passes. Children 10 and under ski for free with a paying adult.
Mt Lyford Ski Area
Mt Lyford Ski Area is a family‑friendly, family‑run field where children aged 0–6 ski for free. The skifield is also dog‑friendly, with a dog pass available for $20 per day.
The terrain is well suited to entry‑level and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, offering gentle rolling slopes and a centrally located day lodge positioned beside both the learners’ area and the main intermediate lift.
For visitors who aren’t skiing, snow tubing is available — ideal for a quick thrill or for towing younger children around in the snow.
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