Hit the ski runs of Christchurch's closest and one of New Zealand's most popular South Island skiing fields, Mount Hutt, on this eight-day family adventure!
Staying in the laid-back town of Methven, you'll have the joy of a four-day lift pass enabling you to hit the slopes whenever you like. During your downtime, you can enjoy the many activities on offer in this town made for outdoor enthusiasts. Jet boating, scenic flights, hiking, hot air ballooning and more await you!Hit the ski runs of Christchurch's closest and one of New Zealand's most popular South Island skiing fields, Mount Hutt, on this eight-day family adventure!
Staying in the laid-back town of Methven, you'll have the joy of a four-day lift pass enabling you to hit the slopes whenever you like. During your downtime, you can enjoy the many activities on offer in this town made for outdoor enthusiasts. Jet boating, scenic flights, hiking, hot air ballooning and more await you!
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Christchurch, Collect Your Rental Car & Scenic Drive to Methven
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Upon arrival, you'll collect your rental car and head out of Christchurch through the town of Rakaia which sits on the southern side of the Rakaia River. Next, it's onto Ashburton, which sits between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers. Point your car towards the Southern Alps and you'll be in Methven in about half an hour. The checkerboard fields of the Canterbury Plains provide soothing scenery all the way.
Accommodation
Methven Motels & Apartments★4 star
Transportations
Rental Car from Christchurch International Airport to Methven
Destinations
Methven
Day 2
Day One of South Island Skiing on Mount Hutt
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Voted the best ski resort in New Zealand for four years running, Mt Hutt boasts a great variety of runs that are perfect for those donning their skis for the first time and the seasoned powder hounds. With some of the driest snow in the area, Mt Hutt offers much more than just perfect terrain, there are numerous activities to enjoy that offer fun for all the families as well as great sightseeing opportunities around Canterbury. Today, you'll enjoy your first day on the slopes!
Accommodation
Methven Motels & Apartments★4 star
Activities
Mt Hutt Ski Area
Destinations
Methven
Mount Hutt
Notes
The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to ski and ride Queenstown's closest mountains; Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and Methven's Mt Hutt. Get more choice, more fun and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
With four days of New Zealand Superpass fun, you'll be in heaven. You can decide on the day whether you're skiing Mt Hutt, The Remarkables or Coronet Peak or maybe you fancy a spot of evening skiing at Coronet Peak. If so, visit the Guest Services Desk to swap one of your Superpass days for a Twilight Pass.
With so much flexibility and freedom, you'll have an awesome time no matter the weather. And if you find that your legs aren't going to hold up to the fourth day of skiing, no worries you can swap a Superpass day for credit towards thrilling off-mountain activities, great shopping and some of the best bars and restaurants in Queenstown and Methven.
Don't own your own gear or snow clothing, or not sure if your skills are up to scratch? No worries, you can add rentals and lessons.
Day 3
Day Two on the Mount Hutt Ski Field
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Mount Hutt is the most popular ski field in the Canterbury region and a firm favourite with Christchurch locals. Mount Hutt offers 365 hectares of skiable terrain for you to explore, with the longest run a lengthy two kilometres. With its mixture of trails, there's one for everyone to conquer. Today, you can head up the mountain for your second day of skiing and perhaps with a little more confidence, you can take on some different trails!
Accommodation
Methven Motels & Apartments★4 star
Activities
Mt Hutt Ski Area
Destinations
Methven
Mount Hutt
Day 4
Explore Methven
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Today, you can rest your legs and take a day off skiing to explore Methven. Situated on the Inland Scenic Route 72, Methven is both a summer and winter adventure land. In winter, the small rural village is bustling with people intent on spending as much time on the slopes of Mt Hutt ski field. When the snow melts, other activities take prominence, including walking, hot air-ballooning or jet boating. Methven is a friendly town to spend some time off the snow during your travels.
Accommodation
Methven Motels & Apartments★4 star
Activities
Explore MethvenOptional Activity
Destinations
Methven
Day 5
Day Three on the Mount Hutt Ski Field
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After a break yesterday to explore Methven, it's time to strap on your skis once again and hit the powder! If you want to progress your skills or build your confidence, you can book in a lesson with a qualified instructor to take you to the next level. Otherwise, you can head out and hit one of the many slopes! Mount Hutt offers 365 hectares of skiable terrain for you to explore, with the longest run a lengthy two kilometres.
Accommodation
Methven Motels & Apartments★4 star
Activities
Mt Hutt Ski Area
Destinations
Methven
Mount Hutt
Day 6
Day Four on the Mount Hutt Ski Field
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Today is your fourth and final day of skiing. By now, you will have gained lots of confidence and may even be ready to take on those more challenging runs - the choice is yours! When you do need a break from skiing, there's a range of eating establishments and cafes on the ski field as well as plenty of places in Methven to enjoy a spot of apres ski!
Accommodation
Methven Motels & Apartments★4 star
Activities
Mt Hutt Ski Area
Destinations
Methven
Mount Hutt
Day 7
Another Day to Explore Methven
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Today, you'll have another day to explore Methven and take advantage of its other activities on offer besides skiing. After all, it is an outdoor enthusiast's playground! Renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and warm hospitality, Methven is a great place to chill out in between skiing runs and numerous outdoor activities. Jet boating, hot air ballooning, hiking, scenic flights and mountain biking are your go-to activities.
Accommodation
Methven Motels & Apartments★4 star
Activities
MethvenOptional Activity
Destinations
Methven
Day 8
Travel Back to Christchurch & Departure
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Today, it's time to say goodbye to Methven. You'll follow the inland scenic route across the Rakaia Gorge taking time to stop and enjoy the spectacular views of the river. The tiny villages of Windwhistle, Glenroy and Glentunnel guide you towards Darfield, a larger agricultural service centre and then onto the city of Christchurch. You'll have the chance to explore more of Christchurch before heading to the airport to drop off your rental car.
Activities
ChristchurchOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Methven to Christchurch International Airport
Destinations
Methven
Christchurch
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What’s included?
7 nights accommodation
4 activities
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Licensed English speaking guides
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 1,606/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
New Zealand in 8 days
4-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
