Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 03-302 8172;
www.nzballooning.com
; flights $385)
Early morning combos of snowcapped
peaks and a breakfast with bubbly.
Skydiving NZ
SKYDIVING
( 03-302 9143;
www.skydivingnz.com
;
Pudding Hill Airfield)
Offers tandem jumps from
12,000ft ($335) and 15,000ft ($440).
Big Al's Snow Sports
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
( 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 biking. Ask for a map of Mt Hutt Bike Park (near the bottom of Mt Hutt
Skifield Access Rd) which has 26 tracks ranging from kid-friendly to extreme.
Sleeping
Some accommodation is closed in summer, but the following are open year-round. Dur-
ing the ski season, it pays to book well ahead, especially for budget accommodation.
We've listed summer prices; expect them to rise in winter.
Alpenhorn Chalet
HOSTEL $
( 03-302 8779;
www.alpenhorn.co.nz
; 44 Allen St; dm $30, d $65-85; )
This small, invit-
ing home has a conservatory housing an indoor garden and a spa pool. A log fire, free in-
ternet and complimentary espresso coffee seal the deal. Bedrooms are spacious and
brightly coloured, with lots of warm, natural wood. Some of the doubles have en-suite
bathrooms.
Redwood Lodge
HOSTEL $
( 03-302 8964;
www.redwoodlodge.co.nz
;
3 Wayne Pl; s $50-60, d $90; )
Despite being
a BBH member there are no dorms at this charming family-friendly hostel. En-suite
doubles have their own TVs, and there's a large shared lounge and kitchen. Bigger rooms
can be reconfigured to accommodate families.
Big Tree Lodge
HOSTEL $
( 03-302 9575;
www.bigtreelodge.co.nz
; 25 South Belt; dm $35-40, r $75, apt $120-160; )
Once a vicarage, this relaxed hostel has bunk-free dorms and wood-trimmed bathrooms.
Tucked just behind is Little Tree Studio, a self-contained unit sleeping up to four people.
Snow Denn Lodge
HOSTEL $
