Christchurch/Canterbury
With the stunning Southern Alps on its door step, the Christchurch/Canterbury region is the ideal gateway to explore the South Island of New Zealand.
Situated on the Island’s east coast, the region spans from the pacific ocean up to some of the country’s most awe inspiring snow capped mountains. When the temperature drops, the region’s peaks become a winter playground. Within 90 minutes drive of Christchurch, you can’t go past the region’s two main commercial ski fields of Mt Hutt and the Porters Ski Area. Both of these two international standard resorts offer great family skiing along with more challenging expert terrain.
For the more advanced skiers, there are a range of smaller ski resorts and private club fields offering unique local experiences. The region also has some of New Zealand’s most extreme ski terrain only accessible by heli-skiing tours.
There are plenty of off-mountain options to keep you busy as well. The region’s valleys are the perfect location for walking, golf, horse riding, fishing and hunting, food and wine experiences and a range of other adventures. After a day’s activity on and off the slopes, the region’s quaint ski towns provide a great place to experience the local hospitality. You will find a range of accommodation and a fun après ski scene with plenty of restaurants, bars and entertainment to choose from.
Just 90 minutes drive from the Christchurch International Airport, which boasts great airline connections around New Zealand and to Australia, the Christchurch/Canterbury ski region is a great place to start your New Zealand South Island adventure.
For more information about travelling to Christchurch / Canterbury, please visit the the official Tourism New Zealand website – www.newzealand.com