Six reasons to pick Canterbury for your snowy getaway
Image credit: Christchurch Airport
1. To carve up the slopes at New Zealand's Best Ski Resort
Ready to get your snow on? Look no further than Mt. Hutt.
Voted New Zealand's Best Ski Resort for six years in a row (and current reigning champion), Mt Hutt caters to all abilities whilst boasting epic views across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific and the snow-capped Southern Alps.
To escape the crowds, head over to Porters Ski Fields midweek. Porters has a great, family-friendly atmosphere with some of the cheapest deals for beginners around. The more experienced will want to tackle 'Big Mama', one of the largest vertical drops in New Zealand.
Coined 'Playground of the Gods', Mount Olympus is home to your expert level skiers and snowboarders. This little but mighty mountain requires some courage and stamina to face the terrain, but you will be gifted a true adventure by the Snow Gods.
Note: It's not easy to find Mount Olympus, we recommend booking a tour or day trip with hired transport to ensure you get there safely.
Image credit: Miles Holden
2. To feel dwarfed by New Zealand's longest glacier
See the world from a different perspective when you take a scenic helicopter ride to the top of the majestic Tasman Glacier. Join the Tasman Glacier heli-hike tour and experience a guided 'white ice' trek followed by a fly-by of the 1,000 metre high Hochstetter Icefall.
If heights aren't your thing, you can always explore the Tasman Glacier and terminal lake by boat. Learn the history of this unique natural area and feel the ice that has been around for hundreds of years.
Alternatively, sit back (and stay dry) on a stunning 5 hour journey between Christchurch and Greymouth as you traverse through the majestic Southern alps on the TranzAlpine train. Experience New Zealand's scenery in comfort from the open air carriages and stay warm with a hot chocolate from the cafe.
Image credit: Hanmer Springs
3. To rejuvenate your body and mind in geothermal country
Soak and soothe in the mineral-rich thermal waters of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. You are guaranteed to unwind as you work your way around its rustic rock pools, volcanic sulphur pools, and revitalising aqua therapy pools. For the ultimate pampering experience, we recommend the coconut milk and honey scrub and body wrap.
Tekapo Springs also offers rejuvenating hot pools and luxurious spa treatments, with stunning lake and mountain views from every room. Adults can also book a steam, sauna and plunge package designed for complete relaxation.
Top tip: In Winter, Tepoka Springs also offers ice skating and snow tubing to get the adrenaline pumping.
Image credit: Julian Apse
4. To visit one of the few dark sky reserves in the world
The Mackenzie Region has New Zealand's clearest, darkest and the most spectacular night skies - and you don't have to take our word for it. It is one of only eight International Dark Sky Reserves in the world and is home to New Zealand's premier astronomical research centre, the Mount John Observatory. Take the Tekapo Star Gazing tour, New Zealand's only hot pools & stargazing experience, for a 2-hour soak and storytelling experience.
Image credit: Graeme Murray
5. To indulge with unique foodie experiences
If you love seafood then the town of Kaikōura needs to be on your itinerary. The Maori translation for Kaikōura literally means 'to eat crayfish' and where better to enjoy it then a delicious lunch at Nin's Bin - rated 7th in Lonely Planet's top 10 food experiences.
For an all organic wine and dine experience, Black Estate's Cellar Door and Restaurant is where you want to be. Sip on some of the finest craft wines before enjoying a local, organic meal with views of the Waipara Valley. If you're feeling more adventurous, stop by Inati in Christchurch Central for a real innovative dining experience.
Keep it local with the much loved Bacon Brothers. This burger bar has got what you need with vegetarian and vegan options catered for! Or have a novelty experience on Christchurch's Tramway Restaurant where you can sightsee the central city whilst dining in style.
Image credit: Miles Holden
6. To be entertained by Christchurch's vibrant city-life
There is a lot going on in Christchurch and you will need to give yourself plenty of time to get around it all.
Some of our absolute favourite things to do include a ride on the 360-views of the Southern Alps from the Christchurch Gondola, a self-guided or organised walking tour of the street art (including the iconic Riverside Mural), and a tour of the Curiosity Gin workshop.
The International Antarctic Centre is an absolute must too. Be buffeted by Antarctic winds in the Storm Dome, buckle up and hold on for a trip on the Hägglund – an all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle, and make friends with the little blue penguins and huskies.
Getting there
Spend less time travelling and more time relaxing when you fly direct:
- Fly from Perth to Auckland in just over 6 hours with Air New Zealand
- Find out what to expect when you travel through Auckland Airport
- Book your car hire with Perth Airport
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