Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
MT HUTT SKI AREA
Canterbury's premier ski field, Mt Hutt (
Click here
) has the largest skiable area of any of NZ's commercial fields
(365 hectares), with its longest run stretching for 2km. Half of the terrain is suitable for intermediate skiers, with
a quarter each for beginners and advanced. Usually the season runs from mid-June to mid-October.
The skifield is only 26km from Methven but in wintry conditions the drive takes about 40 minutes; allow two
hours from Christchurch.
Methven Travel
(
03-302 8106, 0800 684 888;
www.methventravel.co.nz
) runs
mountain buses in season ($20).
Activities
Ask at the i-SITE about walking trails, horse riding, mountain biking, fishing, clay-shoot-
ing, archery, golfing, scenic helicopter flights and jetboating through the nearby Rakaia
Gorge.
Methven Heliski
(
SKIING
Jul-Sep)
Trips include guide
03-302 8108;
www.methvenheli.co.nz
;
Main St; 5-run day trips $975;
service, safety equipment and lunch.
Black Diamond Safaris
( 027 450 8283;
www.blackdiamondsafaris.co.nz
; May-Oct)
Provides access to uncrowded club
ski fields by 4WD. Prices start at $100 for 4WD transport and safety equipment only,
while $275 includes a lift pass, guiding and lunch.
SKIING
Aoraki Balloon Safaris
( 03-302 8172;
www.nzballooning.com
;
flights $385)
Early morning combos of snowcapped peaks
and a breakfast with bubbly.
BALLOONING
Skydiving NZ
( 03-302 9143;
www.skydivingnz.com
;
Pudding Hill Airfield)
Offers tandem jumps from 12,000ft
($335) and 15,000ft ($440).
SKYDIVING
Big Al's Snow Sports
( 03-302 8003;
www.bigals.co.nz
;
The Square, Main St; mountain bikes per hr/day from $15/45)
In winter the
focus is ski and snowboard gear, while in summer Big Al turns his attention to mountain
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
