Skip to content
Day 1: Christchurch to Methven (photo 3), Family Fun at Mt Hutt Skifield
South Island · Ski Package

Family Fun at Mt Hutt Skifield

  • 7 days, 6 nights
  • Starts and ends in Christchurch
  • Motels

Overview

Head to Mt Hutt this winter for an outstanding family ski holiday. 7 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: Christchurch to Methven, 3 Day Lift Superpass with NZ Ski, Mt Hutt Ski Field. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 9 optional add-ons

Trip highlights

Included in your price

  • Christchurch to Methven
  • 3 Day Lift Superpass with NZ Ski
  • Mt Hutt Ski Field
  • Walking tracks in and around Mt Somers
  • Explore Methven
  • Last Day Mt Hutt Ski Field

Extras (optional)

Not in your price. Add any of these and we re-quote, or leave them and decide once you are here.

  • NZSki: Equipment Rental
  • Clothing Rental with NZ Ski
  • International Antarctic Centre General Admission
  • Christchurch Gondola
  • Christchurch Combo - Tram and Gondola

What is included

6 nights of accommodation, staying in motels
6 nights of accommodation, booked and confirmed before you travel
A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel

This itinerary can be customised: extra nights, different rooms, more activities or a different vehicle. Tell us what you would change.

Day by day itinerary

Christchurchview on Google Maps

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.

Collect Rental Car

This tour’s from price includes an intermediate-sized vehicle, setting you up for comfortable travels. Yet, we understand every adventure is unique! Feel free to select the perfect wheels from our incredible collection of rental cars, spanning from economy hatchbacks to premium SUVs.

ChristchurchTourism New Zealand
Included this dayAbisko Lodge Methven

Abisko Lodge offers a comfortable accommodation close to the foothills of Mount Hutt. It is located a short stroll from the Methven village centre with all its charm and specialist boutique shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs makes Abisko Lodge the smart choice in “hassle free” accommodation for your stay in Methven.

Christchurchview on Google Maps

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 3 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 3 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.

NZSki: Equipment RentalOptional

Everything you need for Mt. Hutt Skifield is available directly on the mountain, no need to carry it all up. You’ll find the latest gear, from clothing to equipment, and the on-site technicians keep it in top condition. Use the revolutionary Head BYS ski fitting system designed to reduce the amount of time taken to fit boots and skis allowing you maximum time on the slopes. The snowboard gear is the industry leading Burton 'Learn to Ride'. If you want to swap, exchange, upgrade or if you find something is not quite right, they’ll take care of it on the spot. Please note: you can not hire out gloves, goggles or sunglasses for hygiene reasons. Please bring your own or these items can be purchased from the retail outlets on each ski area, or in town.

Clothing Rental with NZ SkiOptional

Everything you need for the Mt Hutt ski field is available directly on the mountain, no need to carry it all up. You’ll find the latest gear, from clothing to equipment, and the on-site technicians keep it in top condition. Please note: you can not hire out gloves, goggles, or sunglasses for hygiene reasons. Please bring your own or these items can be purchased from the retail outlets on each ski area, or in town.

Included this dayAbisko Lodge Methven

Christchurchview on Google Maps

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.

NZSki: Equipment RentalOptional

Everything you need for Mt. Hutt Skifield is available directly on the mountain, no need to carry it all up. You’ll find the latest gear, from clothing to equipment, and the on-site technicians keep it in top condition. Use the revolutionary Head BYS ski fitting system designed to reduce the amount of time taken to fit boots and skis allowing you maximum time on the slopes. The snowboard gear is the industry leading Burton 'Learn to Ride'. If you want to swap, exchange, upgrade or if you find something is not quite right, they’ll take care of it on the spot. Please note: you can not hire out gloves, goggles or sunglasses for hygiene reasons. Please bring your own or these items can be purchased from the retail outlets on each ski area, or in town.

Clothing Rental with NZ SkiOptional

Everything you need for the Mt Hutt ski field is available directly on the mountain, no need to carry it all up. You’ll find the latest gear, from clothing to equipment, and the on-site technicians keep it in top condition. Please note: you can not hire out gloves, goggles, or sunglasses for hygiene reasons. Please bring your own or these items can be purchased from the retail outlets on each ski area, or in town.

Included this dayAbisko Lodge Methven

Christchurchview on Google Maps

There are a number of walking trails around Mt Somers. Below are some of the easier walking tracks including information provided by the Department of Conservation. You can find more information on longer hikes on the website and in the brochure of hiking in the area. Nature Trail - Time: 45 min one way; Distance: 1km one way Cross the bridge over Woolshed Creek before continuing up the true left of the creek. The river is then forded (take care fording the river, if in doubt, return the way you came) before climbing out through the dross (old coal dust) screened from coal at the bottom of the jig before returning to Woolshed Creek car park. Sidewinder Track - Time: 45 min one way; Distance 1km one way This steep hill track begins with a short walk through a small pocket of silver beech/tawhai that escaped fires that swept through the Ashburton Gorge. The track then steepens and climbs up to and through the tailings of the old Blackburn Mine where it links with Miners Track to provide either a return trip back to the Woolshed Creek car park or a chance to continue on to Woolshed Creek Hut.

Explore Methven

Methven, situated on the Inland Scenic Route 72, is both a summer and winter adventure wonderland. In winter the small rural village is bustling with people intent on spending as much time on the slopes of Mt Hutt ski field. When the snow melts, other activities take prominence, including walking, hot pools, hot air-ballooning or jet boating. Methven provides a good range of eating establishments and is a friendly town to spend some time in during your travels.

Included this dayAbisko Lodge Methven

Christchurchview on Google Maps

It’s now or never.... ensure you tick off all the runs you want to get in today and why not soak in the views and your body at the same time in New Zealand’s highest altitude spa pool at the top of the summit six chair.

NZSki: Equipment RentalOptional

Everything you need for Mt. Hutt Skifield is available directly on the mountain, no need to carry it all up. You’ll find the latest gear, from clothing to equipment, and the on-site technicians keep it in top condition. Use the revolutionary Head BYS ski fitting system designed to reduce the amount of time taken to fit boots and skis allowing you maximum time on the slopes. The snowboard gear is the industry leading Burton 'Learn to Ride'. If you want to swap, exchange, upgrade or if you find something is not quite right, they’ll take care of it on the spot. Please note: you can not hire out gloves, goggles or sunglasses for hygiene reasons. Please bring your own or these items can be purchased from the retail outlets on each ski area, or in town.

Clothing Rental with NZ SkiOptional

Everything you need for the Mt Hutt ski field is available directly on the mountain, no need to carry it all up. You’ll find the latest gear, from clothing to equipment, and the on-site technicians keep it in top condition. Please note: you can not hire out gloves, goggles, or sunglasses for hygiene reasons. Please bring your own or these items can be purchased from the retail outlets on each ski area, or in town.

Included this dayAbisko Lodge Methven

Christchurchview on Google Maps

Following earthquakes that razed its centre and much of the outlying suburbs, Ōtautahi-Christchurch is well into a billion-dollar makeover. In the middle of the Canterbury Plains, bordering the pacific ocean, New Zealand’s newest city is an ideal gateway to exploring the middle of the South. Go punting on the Avon River, take a historic tram ride, catch the gondola to the rim of an extinct volcano or do all three! See the world’s only Cardboard Cathedral and for nature enthusiasts - wander the renowned Christchurch Botanic Gardens, or head to Oxford Terrace in the city to find a great spot to eat or drink. Drive an hour in any direction to ski, mountain bike, wine taste, whale-watch, bungy jump or play golf. Take the winding Port Hills road to the French settlement of Akaroa & Banks Peninsula and tour the vines in Waipara for an authentic New Zealand wine-tasting experience.

Methven to Christchurch

Follow the inland scenic route across the Rakaia Gorge taking time to stop and enjoy the spectacular views of the river. The tiny villages of Windwhistle, Glenroy and Glentunnel guide you towards Darfield, a larger agricultural service centre and then onto the city of Christchurch.

International Antarctic Centre General AdmissionOptional

The International Antarctic Centre aims to recreate the atmosphere and environment of Antarctica, providing visitors with an interactive, fun, and educational experience. Feel the full Four Seasons of Antarctica, where you’ll experience a custom-built snow and ice experience, then warm up in the Scott Base interior exhibit, a replica Antarctic field camp, or other informative displays in the gallery. You’ll also learn about life in modern-day Antarctica, view real little blue penguins, and experience a thrilling ride in a Hagglund all-terrain vehicle.

Christchurch GondolaOptional

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.

Included this dayQuest 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.

Christchurchview on Google Maps

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.

Christchurch Combo - Tram and GondolaOptional

Experience two of Christchurch’s iconic attractions in one day: the Christchurch Tram and Christchurch Gondola. The historic tram is a delightful way to explore the evolving inner city, taking in the various sights with the hop-on hop-off pass and learning about the city from the live commentary. You’ll also enjoy a bird’s eye view of Christchurch and the Canterbury region including the distant peaks of the Southern Alps when you ride the gondola cableway to the top of the Port Hills in Heathcote Valley.

Good to know

Departures

This itinerary departs on the dates that suit you, subject to availability. Peak season (December to February) books out early, so enquire well ahead for summer travel.

Make it yours

Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or extend into the other island. Tell us what you would change and we will re-quote, no obligation.

Never travelling alone

Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.

Watch: Christchurch on this itinerary

Asked before booking

Still deciding? Worth a read: The New Zealand ski season, explained properly · The best time to visit New Zealand, from people who live here

  1. Tell us about your trip

  2. Get your firm quote

  3. Shape it until it fits

  4. Confirm with a 20% deposit

  5. Everything is booked for you

  6. Travel with us beside you

The Silver Fern Promise

You never hand over more than a small deposit

Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.

How your money is protected

A firm quote within one business day

Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.

No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire

Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.

One person, before and during your trip

The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourismInsider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.

Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.

Keep Exploring
All tours

Mt Hutt Break Escape

Starts and ends in Christchurch3 days

3 days across the South Island, starting and ending in Christchurch, lift passes, lessons and lodging in one booking. Strong on ski packages.

Ski Package Motels Customisable

Journey from Queenstown to Christchurch, with Glaciers and TranzAlpine Train

Queenstown to Christchurch3 days

3 days across the South Island, from Queenstown through to Christchurch, built around the famous trains. Strong on family touring.

Rail Journey Motels Customisable

Queenstown Ski Escape

Starts and ends in Queenstown5 days

5 days across the South Island, a loop from Queenstown, built around the winter season. Strong on adventure.

Ski Package Motels Customisable