Discover New Zealand’s Snow Highway

Calling all powder hounds! Kiwi ski adventures are back, and the South Island is ready and waiting with a fresh and exciting new offering: Aotearoa’s very own Snow Highway.

This all-new itinerary will deliver more of what you love about winter in New Zealand: accessible and fun skiing, warm hospitality and stunning scenery. So, what exactly is the Snow Highway, and where will it take you? Let’s dive in.

What is the Snow Highway?

The Snow Highway is the brainchild of SOUTH* (Christchurch Airport’s regional tourism partnership), and NZ’s youngest Olympic Gold-medallist, freestyle skier Nico Porteous.

Designed to highlight the best of South Island skiing, the Snow Highway ticks all boxes in one incredible week-long (or longer) itinerary.

In a nutshell: fly to Ōtautahi Christchurch, then drive to nearby Methven to ski Mt Hutt, then from here it’s off to explore the remarkably picturesque Lake Tekapo before capping it all off in style in Queenstown or Wanaka. Sound pretty good? Yep, we thought so too.

Snow Highway map from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo

The incredible ski fields starring in NZ’s freshest ski adventure

With a mix of big names and backcountry gems, this ski adventure showcases something for everyone. Here are the mountains you can enjoy on the Snow Highway.

Mt Hutt, Methven

Winner of the ‘best NZ ski resort’ award for 7 years running, Mt Hutt boasts an expansive skiable area, predictable snowfall and affordable prices. It’s a short drive from the alpine town of Methven, which is itself just one hour’s drive from Christchurch city, so you could either stay overnight in the city or head directly to Methven from the airport.

Mount Cook National Park

New Zealand’s tallest mountain can be seen from afar, but it’s even more impressive up close. Staying in the small township at Mount Cook is recommended for those keen to explore the ice caves and long ski runs as part of the Ski the Tasman glacier skiing experience.

Queenstown & Wanaka ski fields

Queenstown and Wanaka offer a dream line up for skiers and boarders of all abilities — not to mention the jaw-dropping scenery literally everywhere you look.

The Remarkables has incredible backcountry terrain and a brilliant learner offering, while Coronet Peak is a family favourite just 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown. In Wanaka, you can enjoy Cardrona, the snowboarder’s paradise with excellent terrain parks, or Treble Cone, which is a great workout for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Learn more

The conclusion of the Snow Highway is a short flight from Queenstown to Christchurch, then back home — but of course, you could choose to extend your adventure and stay a little longer …

To learn more about the Snow Highway, contact our team today or check out our Snow Highway ski packages.

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