Suggested Itineraries
Christchurch – Methven (3 – 10 days)
Fly directly into the South Island’s primary airport, Christchurch International, and pick up a rental car from one of the many operators based at the airport.
Either spend a couple of days enjoying the Garden City or drive the 91kms to Methven, also known as Mt Hutt Village. Base yourself in this split personality rural/mountain Kiwi town and get yourselves ready for some of the best skiing/riding the South Island has to offer.
We suggest a 3 of 4 or 6 of 7 day Mt Hutt lift ticket with the down days an opportunity to experience one of the many local club fields or even an outing to the famous Hanmer Springs.
Methven is expanding and offers accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets with enough bars and restaurants to keep all but the hardest party monsters busy.
If you are in the dark about what to do, ask a local, they don’t bite and will often have insider knowledge of the best places to go on a given night.
Christchurch – Methven - Ohau – Queenstown
(5 days – a lifetime!)
Similar to the above and depending on the time you have. A couple of days skiing or riding Mt Hutt based out of Methven, then the spectacular drive to Queenstown with a night at Ohau Lodge (an institution not to be missed & bookings essential) and a day on the mountain at Ohau. A club field which punches above its weight in terms of terrain, snow quality and views into Lake Ohau and over the McKenzie Basin, the good news is that it offers a chairlift not just surface lifts.
The drive from Ohau to Queenstown is only a two hour affair through some of the most spectacular alpine-lake scenery in the world. Queenstown, well what can be said about Queenstown? Palpably beautiful, a huge array of accommodation choices, more activities than most could cover in a lifetime and two of the country's premier ski areas right on the doorstep.
A multiday pass covers both Coronet Peak and The Remarkables and can be purchased from 2 – 10 days in duration. Multiday passes from three days have a one day grace period ie. a 5 day pass can be used over 6 calendar days.
Alternatively pick up an NZSuperpass, the ski and activity pass with a difference. NZSuperpass gives you access to 13 ski areas in the country and around 100 different activities in Canterbury and Queenstown. This really is the "safari" product you need to have – check www.nzsuperpass.com for more details, terms & conditions.
Queenstown Stay Put (3 days – a lifetime!)
Subject to the time you have available, Queenstown can be visited for anything from 3 days (a long weekend) to a lifetime. Fly direct into Queenstown from Australia, Auckland or Christchurch and let the games begin.
One of the most beautiful mountain towns on the planet with accommodation to suit all tastes. Legendary restaurants, over 200 activities and……most importantly, two of the country's premier ski areas on the doorstep.
Coronet Peak just 20 minutes away up a sealed road and The Remarkables only 45 minutes door to door. If maximizing your mountain time is what it is about, we suggest a multiday lift ticket which allows you an extra day's grace over the period purchased. For example, a 3 day pass can be used over 3 days leaving a day freeto explore the region or recover from some heavy Queenstown après ski!
For those less focused on getting onto the mountain every day, try NZSuperpass, the ski and activity pass with a difference! Ideal for those wanting a winter holiday with as much or as little skiing as they see fit. Ski or ride 13 resorts in the South Island or enjoy one of the many activities included on this pass. Upgrades may be required in some cases – see www.nzsuperpass.com for more details, terms & conditions.
