Canterbury has a massive reputation as an awesome place to base yourself for a ski or snowboard holiday.

Not only does the region offer easy access to ten great ski areas, featuring everything from resorts of international quality to quaint club fields and off-piste heli skiing action, but the snow here is superb in quality and quantity – Mount Hutt is often the earliest opening ski area in New Zealand.

Methven, at the base of Mount Hutt, is the centre of off-piste action during winter. The village’s cafés, bars and restaurants are packed with snow-seeking visitors during the ski season and there’s plenty of entertainment.

Christchurch is an historic city famous for its old buildings, although some of these were damaged in the earthquake of 22 February 2011. It is also known for its live music, cultural activities, great shopping and vibrant nightlife.

Beyond the city, Canterbury is home to a diverse selection of towns and villages. Rent a car and hit the road to really explore the region’s essence.

Christchurch

The biggest centre in the South Island, Christchurch is an English-style colonial city. On 22 February 2011, the city was struck by an earthquake that damaged many heritage buildings. Damage was localised, though, and outside the CBD, it’s life as usual in most places. The shopping district of Riccarton and the bars of Merivale are busy and other activities are operating as usual. Visitors can still play golf, go rafting or swim with dolphins. With 1,900 motel rooms and the airport fully functioning, Christchurch is still the gateway to the South Island.

Hanmer Springs & Hurunui

Hanmer Springs is a picturesque mountain village sheltered by pine-covered hills. It is popular for its steaming hot pools, plus adventure activities from hiking and mountain biking to bungy and jet boating.

Methven & Mount Hutt

Methven (Mount Hutt Village) is popular year-round, but in winter it really comes alive! Gateway to Mount Hutt, it’s also a base for heli skiing. When you’re not on the slopes, there are other activities to try, from skydiving to jet boating.

Selwyn

A 30-minute drive from Christchurch, Darfield is a great base for a snow holiday. It is also well placed for activities such as jet boating. A little further on, Springfield is at the foot of the Southern Alps and beyond is the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass.

Need to Know

Hanmer Springs Ski Area, Mt Lyford Alpine Resort, Temple Basin, Mt Olympus, Mt Cheeseman, Broken River, Craigieburn Valley Ski Area, Porters, Mt Hutt, HeliPark New Zealand.

Population Christchurch 378,900. Average July temperature 6.6˚C. Main centres Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Darfield, Springfield, Methven.

Air Christchurch International Airport, 20 min from the CBD, offers domestic and international flights. Rail Tranz Scenic links Christchurch with Picton and Greymouth. Road Christchurch is 4 hours, 50 min from Picton and 5 hours, 10 min from Dunedin. Coaches offer regular services.

There are heaps of car rental companies in Christchurch. The city is served with public transport, phone +64 3 366 8855 or see www.metroinfo.org.nz. There are shuttles to nearby ski areas. Mt Hutt Express (0800 808 070) and Mt Hutt Snowbus (0800 766 928, www.mthuttsnowbus.com) provide transport to and from Christchurch.

(Towns) From Christchurch to: Hanmer Springs 1 hour, 55 min; Darfield 30 min; Springfield 1 hour; Methven 1 hour, 45 min. (Ski areas) From Christchurch to: Hanmer Springs Ski Area 2 hours; Mt Lyford Alpine Resort 1 hour, 40 min; Temple Basin 2 hours; Mt Olympus 2 hours; Mt Cheeseman 1 hour, 30 min; Broken River 1 hour, 30 min; Craigieburn Valley Ski Area 1 hour, 30 min; Porters 1 hour, 15 min; Mt Hutt 1 hour, 30 min; HeliPark New Zealand 2 hours.

Online www.destination-nz.com, www.christchurchnz.com, www.visithurunui.co.nz, www.amazingspace.co.nz, www.skiselwynsix.co.nz. By phone Christchurch +64 3 353 7774, Hanmer Springs +64 3 315 0020, Methven +64 3 302 8955. In person Christchurch Airport i-SITE Visitor Centre Domestic Terminal; Hurunui i-SITE Visitor Centre 42 Amuri Avenue West, Hanmer Springs; Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre 121 Main Street; Springfield Visitor Information King Street (Springfield Railway Station).

Defining Experiences

Explore the suburbs of Christchurch for great coffee, restaurants and shopping.
Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat adventure at the Rakaia Gorge near Methven.
Enjoy a round of golf at Terrace Downs, one of the country’s most spectacular courses.
Go whale watching in Kaikoura.
Pop over the hills to explore French-flavoured Akaroa.
Sample galleries and gourmet delicacies in Geraldine Town.

Winter Highlights

TranzAlpine train journey
Ice skating at Alpine Ice Canterbury
Take a break from skiing at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
International Antarctic Centre
Hanmer Springs Hot Pools
Winter wonderland walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park
Night-skiing at Temple Basin
Try Canterbury heli skiing Be part of the action in the Peak to Pub

Events

Extreme Off-piste Downhill Race (Temple Basin) 23 – 24 Jul 2011
International Ice Hockey USA vs Canada (Christchurch) 30 Jul 2011
Bacardi Cup Fancy Dress Race (Hanmer Springs Ski Area) 6 Aug 2011
Full Moon Party (Temple Basin) 13 – 14 Aug 2011
Methven Big Air (Methven) 27 Aug 2011
100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games – Super G & Super G Adaptive (Mt Hutt) 27 – 28 Aug 2011
Peak 2 Pub (Mt Hutt) 15 Oct 2011