Your journey through the South Island gateway starts now, soon enough your skis will be hitting the powder while you enjoy some of our impressive snow experiences.
Arrive in Ōtautahi Christchurch and you’ll notice its new, cool confidence. The South Island’s largest city has developed in leaps and bounds over the past decade and it’s better than ever.
Grab an e-bike or e-scooter and get lost as you roam.
Don’t miss Riverside Market. It has an abundance of local merchants selling some of the best treats the South Island has to offer, if savoury’s more your jam The Butchers Pie Shop is the one for you.
Meander through the boutiques in the laneways surrounding Riverside – grab a kiwi-made keepsake from Beehive Collective or Shopology.
Christchurch is the birthplace of some iconic outdoor apparel brands – so ensure you’re fully decked out for your trip at Macpac and Kathmandu.
For dinner, The Terrace offers everything from teppanyaki to modern Mexican fare and if you fancy something sweet to finish your day, visit the delightful patisserie Sweet Soul (the brainchild of two Brazilian sisters) or another local favourite Rollickin’ Gelato.
Maybe a tipple after dinner is what you need, The Pink Lady Rooftop Bar will offer a unique view of the city and late night cocktail bar the Austin Club has an intimate atmosphere and live music (don’t forget to look up the secret password on their website).
There are plenty of options for a leisurely breakfast in Christchurch … award-winning eggs benny from Little Poms, a pork belly croffle (croissant waffle!) from Doubles or Miro’s breakfast board.
Once you’re fuelled up, whip to Christchurch Adventure Park. This place has the longest zipline in New Zealand, mountain biking, walks (for both the fearless and the faint-hearted) and a chair lift with phenomenal views.
Cruise west to Methven.
A brew and a dinner at The Blue Pub or The Brown Pub (or both) are a great way to wind down and ensure a good night’s sleep so you’re ready for the snow tomorrow.
Wake up and get cracking - Mt Hutt is calling.
Voted New Zealand’s best ski resort seven years running, Mt Hutt has wide-open terrain and spectacular views over the Canterbury Plains.
This great ski field caters for all abilities with off-piste skiing for those looking to test their skills.
Have a mid-ski pit stop at Corona Bar located halfway down the mountain at the top of Highway 72 and Broadway runs.
If your muscles are starting to ache and it feels like time to call it a day, Ōpuke Thermal
Pools and Spa are just down the road with both adults-only and family options depending on what kind of soak you’re after.
For dinner, look no further than The Dubliner which has classic pub grub that will taste extra good after your day on the slopes.
Mōrena! Jump in the car and hit the road early.
If you can wait for an hour or so for brekkie – you’ll be able to treat yourself to the breakfast of champions - a pie from the Fairlie Bakehouse. Pork belly with apple sauce and crackling (is your mouth watering?), steak and cheese, and bacon and salmon are all bangers but you could pick any flavour you like and be in for a win.
If you’re up for the extraordinary, book an epic adventure with Helicopter Line or head off the beaten track in a 4WD with Tekapo Adventures.
Unwind with an afternoon soak and massage at Tekapo Springs – it has some of the best views in town.
Come dinner time, you’re spoiled for choice … Kohan offers great Japanese, dine with a view at the waterfront’s TLV Restaurant or head to Blue Lake Eatery and Bar for some great Kiwi kai.
Start the day and grab a quick bite for breakfast from the Greedy Cow then let’s get cracking.
Mt Cook has a plethora of glacial activities waiting to be explored, undeniable highlights are Ski the Tasman Glacier, NZ's longest glacier!) and back country heli-skiing.
These promise to be one of the best days in your life – with New Zealand's longest ski runs amid panoramic vistas of the biggest mountains and glaciers in the country. There’s a reason it’s on many people’s bucket lists.
Or, for a different view of the glacier, grab a boat ride with Glacier Explorers and marvel at the glacier and the icebergs that float around it.
After the best day ever, it’s only right that you indulge in Tekapo’s finest: Ramen Tekapo. The spicy miso ramen is incredible.
Fuel up before you hit the road at The Greedy Cow – it’s so good you’ll wish you could eat here tomorrow too. If it’s busy head to Jack Rabbit.
There are plenty of pitstops on the way to Queenstown – the scenery’s so spectacular you’ll want to take five regularly to grab some snaps.
No matter what night of the week it is, Queenstown will be abuzz. For drinks, all you need to know is the three B’s - Bardeaux, The Bunker and Barmuda.
Dinner is the dealer's choice, brave the lines of the infamous Fergburger (it’s absolutely worth it), go upmarket at Rātā or perhaps Asian fusion with a whole lot of flare at Blue Kanu.
Whatever you decide, trust us and do Patagonia Ice Cream for desert – there’s a reason their banana split is award-winning.
Queenstown has some brilliant places for brekky, including Bespoke Kitchen, Vudu Café & Larder and Yonder.
Today is another day to hit the slopes and you are spoiled for choice - the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardona and Treble Cone.
The Remarkables Ski Field is a short 40-minute drive from Queenstown. It spans more than 380 hectares - freeride terrain, a jump park and plenty of room to back-country ski – the views are stunning.
Coronet Peak is a hop, skip and a jump from Queenstown making it a popular option. Its runs cater to both beginners and experienced skiers with night skiing sessions on offer … you won’t want your day to end.
Further afield, Cardrona is home to wide open slopes, a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, and the Southern Hemisphere's most extensive terrain parks with four parks of varying levels. We should add, Cardrona has more to offer than just ski fields – it has nine different eateries and a decked bar.
Down the road from Cardrona is Treble Cone, the home of skiing in Wānaka. Great for those who want to take their skiing or riding to the next level, 'TC' is known for its steeps, off-piste terrain, and some of the longest groomed runs in NZ. This is the place for more experienced snowboarders and skiers with 90% of the terrain dedicated to those of higher skill.
If you chose Cardrona or Treble Cone, head to Francesca’s Italian Kitchen for dinner. Don’t look at the menu (you don’t need to) get potato skins and beef cheek gnocchi.
Closer to Queenstown? Book into Botswana Butchery or Jervois Steak House for some of the best food you’ll ever eat.
7 days
506 kms
