Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central Canterbury
Mt Hutt
( 03-302 8811;
www.nzski.com
;
day lift pass adult/child $95/53; 9am-4pm) One of the highest ski
areas in the southern hemisphere, as well as one of NZ's best. It's close to Methven; Christchurch is 118km to the west -
ski shuttles service both towns. Road access is steep − be extremely cautious in lousy weather. Plenty of beginner, inter-
mediate and advanced slopes, with chairlifts, heliskiing and wide-open faces that are good for learning to snowboard.
HeliPark New Zealand
( 03-303 9060;
www.snow.co.nz/helipark
; access incl 1st run $325, per subsequent run $75)
One of NZ's snow-white gems, sitting on Mt Potts above the headwaters of the Rangitata River, 75km from Methven. It
offers a helicopter-accessed skiing experience. Accommodation and meals are available at a lodge 8km from the ski
area.
Porters
( 03-318 4002, snow-phone 03-379 9931;
www.skiporters.co.nz
; daily lift pass adult/child $84/44) The
closest commercial ski area to Christchurch (96km away on the Arthur's Pass road). 'Big Mama', at 620m, is one of the
steepest runs in NZ, but there are wider, gentler slopes, too. There's a half-pipe for snowboarders, good cross-country
runs along the ridge, and lodge accommodation.
Temple Basin
( 03-377 7788;
www.templebasin.co.nz
; daily lift pass adult/child $68/37) A club field 4km from the
Arthur's Pass township. It's a 40-minute walk uphill from the car park to the ski-area lodges. There's floodlit skiing at
night and excellent backcountry runs for snowboarders.
Craigieburn Valley
( 03-318 8711;
www.craigieburn.co.nz
;
daily lift pass adult/child $72/35) Centred on Hamilton
Peak, Craigieburn Valley is 40km from Arthur's Pass. It's one of NZ's most challenging club areas, with intermediate
and advanced runs (no beginners). Accommmodation in please-do-a-chore lodges.
Broken River
( 03-318 8713;
www.brokenriver.co.nz
; daily lift pass adult/child $70/35) Not far from Craigieburn
Valley is another club field, with a 15- to 20-minute walk from the car park and a real sense of isolation. Reliable snow;
laid-back vibe. Catered or self-catered lodge accommodation available.
Cheeseman
( 03-344 3247, snow-phone 03-318 8794;
www.mtcheeseman.co.nz
;
daily lift pass adult/child $79/39)
Another cool club area in the Craigieburn Range, this family-friendly operation is 99km from Christchurch (the closest
club to the city). Based on Mt Cockayne, it's a wide, sheltered basin with drive-to-the-snow road access. Lodge accom-
modation available.
Mt Olympus
( 03-318 5840;
www.mtolympus.co.nz
; daily lift pass adult/child $70/35) Difficult to find (but worth
the search), 2096m Mt Olympus is 58km from Methven and 12km from Lake Ida. This club area has intermediate and
advanced runs, and there are solid cross-country trails to other areas. Access is sometimes 4WD-only, depending on
conditions. Lodge accommodation available.
