Christchurch Travel Forum

We're going to Christchurch in Aug and would love to drop by the ski mountains. I heard there are 3 main ones, but any idea how do they work? We probably don't intend to stay over at the ski resort, can we just drive up for like half a day? Or actually book accomodation at the foot of the moutain or something?

Also, the car rental company offered snow chains, how do these work and how many do we need?

Sorry for the stupid questions, we hail from a tropical island! :)

Appreciate all advices!

Of course these are not "silly" questions.

Check out these web sites for a little more information about the great skiing areas in the South Island:-
www.nzadventure.com/skiing.html
www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zealand/skiing/
Yes you can get a "Day Pass" for any one of the Resorts when you just turn up.

Definitely, it is essential to have snow chains when driving in snow or slush ice conditions. The car rental company will give you a demonstration and instruction when you pick up your vehicle. Basically, they are constructed of very thick hard rubber type substance wired by steel that fit completely around the usual road tyres of your vehicle and held in place by clips. Maybe just a 10 minute job when they become necessary. The snow chains allow the vehicle to grip the road, and without them, you would not be able to get traction with your car and could have an accident.

Hi there, the main ski centres close to Christchurch are Mt. Hutt (near Methven), Porter Heights, Mt. Cheeseman and Temple Basin (all three between Chch and Arthur's Pass). You can also go skiing in Hanmer Springs and on Mt. Lyford (near Waiau).

Mt. Hutt is definitely the most famous and advanced of those ski resorts. Even a world cup slalom has taken place there many years ago. The skifield normally has the longest season in the South Island.

Many people from Chch go there for the day, it is just a 90mins drive. It is also the best place to hire all ski gear, and they even offer Heliskiing.

And true, you should always carry snow chains as in the ski resorts in NZ you have to drive up a hill before reaching the lift. They also have ski shuttles from Chch, so you would not have the hassle of driving.

Here are contacts in Chch:
Snowbus, Email: extremeexp@actrix.co.nz
Mt. Hutt Express, Website: www.skimthutt.com (They also offer services to Arthur's Pass and Hanmer Springs.)

You could contact the Methven i-site for further information, Email: info@methven.net.nz

Happy skiing!