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7 Days
Christchurch to Methven
Heading out of Christchurch, you will drive through the town of Rakaia which sits on the southern side of the Rakaia River, and is 'the salmon capital of New Zealand'. The Rakaia bridge spans 1.8 kilometres of one of the world's best examples of a 'braided' river system. Next, it's onto Ashburton, which sits between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers. It is a large town that serves the local rural community. It has about six museums and some excellent craft galleries. Trout fishing is the local obsession, and the ski fields of Mt Hutt are an easy drive away. 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. The village of Methven is a mecca for those who love outdoor sports.
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Collect Rental Car
Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range. From compact economy, hatchbacks to prestige SUVs.
Welcome to Christchurch City
Christchurch New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that's right it is built of cardboard!
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Christchurch Gondola
In the Heathcote Valley, just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Christchurch City, ride the Christchurch Gondola for nearly a kilometer to the collapsed rim of an extinct volcano, which exploded six million years ago. Take in the spectacular panoramic views of the central city, Lyttleton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury Plains, and the distant peaks of the Southern Alps. Wander the summit complex, enjoy a coffee or lunch in the cafe, and choose one of many nature walks to explore or visit the Christchurch Discovery Rice, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch.
Accommodation
Methven Motels and Apartments
Contemporary architectural design melded with immaculate presentation, tasteful decor and breathtaking views of Mount Hutt and surrounding peaks makes Methven Motels and Apartments the place to stay in Methven.
Mt Hutt Ski Field
Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for seven years running at the World Ski Awards. A true alpine experience, with wide-open terrain, leg-burning runs, monster snowfalls, and spectacular views. You’ve not skied in New Zealand until you’ve skied Hutt!
Mt Hutt is your go-to for epic freestyle skiing and snowboarding with four terrain park zones featuring jumps and features for all abilities and with the Summit chairlift is an easy way to access great backcountry riding and skiing.
Mt Hutt offers 365 hectares of skiable terrain for you to explore, with the longest run, a lengthy 2km. With its mixture of 25% beginners, 50% intermediate, and 25% advanced terrain there is a range of trails for everyone to conquer. Food and beverages are available at Sixteen10 Espresso Bar, Ski High Cafe, and Opuke Kai which offers mulled wine and an a la carte experience on the mountain, where you can recharge your batteries for your next run. For visitors to the South Island, it's easy to hire all the gear you need on the mountain, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. For the littlies, there is a licensed child's creche for 3 months to 5yrs and a snow sports school for both kids and adults who are finding their snow legs.
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Methven to Mt Hutt Ski Field
Mt Hutt Ski Field is just 26km from Methven. After leaving the Methven township, you will drive a short distance through Canterbury countryside until you reach the well-signposted access road to Mt Hutt ski field. After your day in the snow, you will return to Methven on this same route.
5 Day Lift Superpass with NZ Ski
The New Zealand Superpass is the most flexible lift pass in New Zealand, giving you access to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt along with Snowplanet, Turoa, Whakapapa, Porters, Roundhill, Mt Dobson, and Ohau ski areas. Get more choice, more fun, and more snow time with your New Zealand Superpass, and make the most of your New Zealand holiday!
With 5 days of New Zealand Superpasses, you've got lift access to New Zealand's premier ski areas plus the fun and excitement of a range of off-mountain attractions around New Zealand. You can mix it up a little and ski a day at the different alpine resorts or maybe you've got your eye on a run that you want to conquer over 5 days. Want to ski a little longer, don't own your own gear or snow clothing, or not sure if your skills are up to scratch? No worries, chat to us about adding additional days, rentals, or lessons.
Accommodation
Methven Motels and Apartments
Contemporary architectural design melded with immaculate presentation, tasteful decor and breathtaking views of Mount Hutt and surrounding peaks makes Methven Motels and Apartments the place to stay in Methven.
Mt Hutt Ski Field
Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for seven years running at the World Ski Awards. A true alpine experience, with wide-open terrain, leg-burning runs, monster snowfalls, and spectacular views. You’ve not skied in New Zealand until you’ve skied Hutt!
Mt Hutt is your go-to for epic freestyle skiing and snowboarding with four terrain park zones featuring jumps and features for all abilities and with the Summit chairlift is an easy way to access great backcountry riding and skiing.
Mt Hutt offers 365 hectares of skiable terrain for you to explore, with the longest run, a lengthy 2km. With its mixture of 25% beginners, 50% intermediate, and 25% advanced terrain there is a range of trails for everyone to conquer. Food and beverages are available at Sixteen10 Espresso Bar, Ski High Cafe, and Opuke Kai which offers mulled wine and an a la carte experience on the mountain, where you can recharge your batteries for your next run. For visitors to the South Island, it's easy to hire all the gear you need on the mountain, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. For the littlies, there is a licensed child's creche for 3 months to 5yrs and a snow sports school for both kids and adults who are finding their snow legs.
Accommodation
Methven Motels and Apartments
Contemporary architectural design melded with immaculate presentation, tasteful decor and breathtaking views of Mount Hutt and surrounding peaks makes Methven Motels and Apartments the place to stay in Methven.
Methven to Arthurs Pass National Park
Leaving Methven the Rakaia Gorge offers some spectacular views from the bridge crossing. Arriving onto State Highway 73 more spectacular scenery awaits as you drive west into the Southern Alps. Castle Hill Scenic Reserve sits in limestone country and the area is dotted with remarkable rock outcrops. Today its a popular location for climbers to practice but in the past it was also an important place for Maori in past years as they provided shelter on their seasonal journeys between the coasts. There is a network of walking paths allowing you to explore. The high country lakes and mountain landscape is unique. Arthur's Pass National Park covers 114,500 ha right in the heart of the Southern Alps.
Details
Mt Hutt Ski Field
Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort for seven years running at the World Ski Awards. A true alpine experience, with wide-open terrain, leg-burning runs, monster snowfalls, and spectacular views. You’ve not skied in New Zealand until you’ve skied Hutt!
Mt Hutt is your go-to for epic freestyle skiing and snowboarding with four terrain park zones featuring jumps and features for all abilities and with the Summit chairlift is an easy way to access great backcountry riding and skiing.
Mt Hutt offers 365 hectares of skiable terrain for you to explore, with the longest run, a lengthy 2km. With its mixture of 25% beginners, 50% intermediate, and 25% advanced terrain there is a range of trails for everyone to conquer. Food and beverages are available at Sixteen10 Espresso Bar, Ski High Cafe, and Opuke Kai which offers mulled wine and an a la carte experience on the mountain, where you can recharge your batteries for your next run. For visitors to the South Island, it's easy to hire all the gear you need on the mountain, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. For the littlies, there is a licensed child's creche for 3 months to 5yrs and a snow sports school for both kids and adults who are finding their snow legs.
Accommodation
Arthurs Pass Alpine Motel
Located in the main part of Arthur's Pass, this is the ideal location to enjoy and explore Arthur's Pass National Park. Close to cafes and the visitor centre, your accommodation is in comfortable, self-contained units.
Porters Alpine Resort
Porters Alpine Resort is a relaxed, welcoming ski field just over an hour from Christchurch. It’s known for its easy-access slopes, varied terrain, and some of the best learner facilities in the region. Beyond the groomed runs, adventurous skiers and boarders can explore wide basins and natural features higher up the mountain. With big views across the Canterbury high country and a casual, friendly vibe, Porters is a local favourite for both quick day trips and laid-back family adventures.
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Arthurs Pass to Porters Alpine Resort
Driving from Arthur's Pass to Porters Alpine Resort is a scenic journey of approximately 70 km along State Highway 73, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes under normal conditions. Departing Arthur's Pass Village, you'll head east on SH73, descending through the Southern Alps and passing through the picturesque Castle Hill Basin. After passing Lake Lyndon, look for the well-signposted turnoff to Porters Alpine Resort on the right. The access road to the resort is about 9 km long, mostly sealed and well-maintained, though it becomes steeper near the top, during winter, snow chains may be required.
Accommodation
Arthurs Pass Alpine Motel
Located in the main part of Arthur's Pass, this is the ideal location to enjoy and explore Arthur's Pass National Park. Close to cafes and the visitor centre, your accommodation is in comfortable, self-contained units.
Arthur's Pass to Christchurch
Descending into the valleys of the Waimakariri this drive offers some spectacular views of the braided river valleys. Castle Hill Scenic Reserve sits in limestone country and the area is dotted with remarkable rock outcrops. A popular place with climbers it was also an important place for Maori in past years as they provided shelter on their seasonal journeys between the coasts. There is a network of walking paths allowing you to explore.
Descending onto the Canterbury Plains the rich farmland that attracted and helped settlers prosper becomes apparent as you head into the city of Christchurch.
Details
Porters Alpine Resort
Porters Alpine Resort is a relaxed, welcoming ski field just over an hour from Christchurch. It’s known for its easy-access slopes, varied terrain, and some of the best learner facilities in the region. Beyond the groomed runs, adventurous skiers and boarders can explore wide basins and natural features higher up the mountain. With big views across the Canterbury high country and a casual, friendly vibe, Porters is a local favourite for both quick day trips and laid-back family adventures.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Dinner onboard the Christchurch Restaurant Tram
A truly unique dining experience in the heart of Christchurch. You'll board New Zealand's only dining tram for an unforgettable moving four-course restaurant experience. Enjoy a curated fine dining-style menu while taking in the city sights on your journey through the streets of central Christchurch. This experience includes a meal with multiple courses as the tramway route passes New Regent Street, the Avon River, High Street, and Victoria Square.
Accommodation
Quest on Cambridge
Quest on Cambridge serviced apartment-style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Christchurch accommodation experience. Each room has an open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and natural light. Quest on Cambridge is a short walk from the south shopping centre and to the Botanic Gardens.
Farewell from Aotearoa-New Zealand
Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!
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Return Your Vehicle to Christchurch Airport
It's time to return your rental car and let the South Island journey come to an end. If time allows spend the day exploring more of Christchurch, we'd suggest a leisurely drive up the Port Hills for some great sites and then over to the harbour of Lyttleton, before circling through the tunnel and back to the airport to continue your journey home.