New Zealand Ski Regions: Canterbury
Canterbury is one of the top New Zealand ski and snowboard destinations. In Canterbury there are many ski fields to chose from. There are large commercial fields such as Mt Hutt, and small club fields such Temple Basin.
Canterbury has a great range of accommodation and visitors can base themselves in Christchurch, Methven, or Hanmer Springs. All these towns have lively café / bar scenes. When not ski there are plenty of activities for the whole family, including jet boating, hiking, sightseeing and much more . . .
Ski & Snowboard Areas in Canterbury:
© Craigieburn Vally Ski Area
www.craigieburn.co.nz
Located in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps Craigieburn has achieved cult status amongst NZ's hottest skiers. Wide open powder bowls, steep narrow chutes and when you come off the hill at the end of a big day, kick back in the bar at the cosy lodge.
- Club field, rope tows only
- Best chute skiing around
- Small canteen on field
- On-field accommodation
- Short walk from car park to ski area
- Very affordable skiing
- Outstanding native forest on field
© Mt Hutt Ski Area
www.nzski.com, Miles Holden
Located high inside the eastern rim of the Southern Alps Mount Hutt overlooks the spectacular vista of the sprawling patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains. Skiers and snowboarders from all round the world can revel in the longest season in the Southern hemisphere.
- Biggest field in Canterbury
- Most facilities and vertical drop
- One huge basin, fantastic views
- Very high, good dry winter snow
- Only 90 min. from Christchurch
- Enormous range for intermediates
© Porter Heights Ski Area
www.snow.co.nz
Located high in the beautiful Craigieburn Range of New Zealand's Southern Alps. With a top elevation of 2000 metres, Porter Heights is endowed with regular natural snow from both southerly and westerly weather patterns providing some of the best snow conditions for skiers and boarders.
- Closest area to Christchurch
- Great family atmosphere
- Plenty of intermediate terrain
- Plenty of facilities
- Protected from Nor-Westers
- Easy access road
With great terrain, Temple Basin covers everything from beginners to daredevil stuff. The sunny aspect means Temple Basin can have great snow when other South Island ski areas are barely covered. It is just 4 kilometres west of Arthur's Pass in the middle of one of New Zealand's most spectacular national parks.
- Most reliable snow in Canterbury
- Club field, limited facilities
- On-field accommodation
- 40-60 minute walk to ski slopes
- Lots of intermediate terrain
- Never crowded, 4 rope tows
- Cheap skiing and boarding
Heli Ski & Heli boarding around Canterbury:
Heli-Skiing is the ultimate activity for freedom and exhilaration. At Alpine Heli Ski Ltd we are driven by a passion for deep snow, maximum freedom and chasing the ultimate alpine adventure. Our backyard is the Southern Alps of New Zealand – both beautiful and wild. Alpine Heli Ski Ltd is a highly professional and dynamic Heli Ski/Boarding operation. We provide outstanding day, multiday and private charter Heli Ski/Boarding on spectacular untouched alpine terrain surrounding the world renowned adventure travel destinations of Queenstown, Wanaka and Canterbury
New Zealand National & Regional Accommodation Guides: New Zealand Accommodation | Auckland Accommodation | Taupo Accommodation | Christchurch Accommodation | Methven Accommodation | Dunedin Accommodation | Marlborough Accommodation | Queenstown Accommodation | Wanaka Accommodation