If you had a dollar for every snowbound traveller that asked you about skiing in Aotearoa New Zealand and only mentioned Queenstown, you’d probably own a small ski field yourself. ANZCRO want you to know there’s so much more to see, do, and ski along New Zealand’s newest road trip route, the Snow Highway.
The Snow Highway demonstrates how much variety the South Island has when it comes to hitting the slopes. The route travels from Christchurch to Mt Hutt, through to Tekapo and Mt Cook, and ends at the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown (obviously).
As the Snow Highway is a self-drive route, with your help, your clients have the freedom to plan the perfect winter road trip.
An idyllic winter road trip
While ANZCRO recommends an 8-night itinerary (see below), you can also mix and match the stops and points of interest to suit your client’s wildest snow bunny desires.
Maybe they rate award-winning destinations, in which case, they’ll want more time skiing or snowboarding Mt Hutt as it’s New Zealand’s most awarded ski resort.
Perhaps your client loves astronomy almost as much as they love shredding on the slopes. Book them extra days in Tekapo to enjoy the Mackenzie region’s Dark Sky status.
And maybe they are diehard Queenstown and Wanaka fans but are willing to be a little adventurous this year. Therefore, leave more time at the end for those beloved slopes and scenery.
ANZCRO’s suggested Snow Highway itinerary:
- 1 night in Ōtautahai Christchurch to see the local attractions
- 2 nights in Methven to find out why Mt Hutt won all those awards
- 2 nights in Tekapo for starry skies and New Zealand’s longest ski run
- 3 nights in Queenstown to ski and board the region’s four ski areas
Need to snow
To plan the kind of itinerary that reveals why there is so much more to skiing New Zealand, you need to know your Mt Hutt from your Treble Cone. With four stops and 10 points of interest, we’ve got everything you need to know.
Snow Highway stop 1: Christchurch
Ōtautahi Christchurch is the first stop of the epic Snow Highway journey. With ample car, campervan, and RV companies at Christchurch International Airport, it’s effortless to get on the road quickly.
The snow-capped peaks of Mt Hutt can wait while your clients take in Christchurch’s charisma and creative flair. A city transformed, heritage, cultural, arts, and outdoor activities await, alongside a diverse culinary scene.
Snow Highway stop 2: Methven & Mt Hutt
Only 90 minutes from central Christchurch, the alpine village charm of Methven awaits, nestled in the striking Southern Alps. The Opuke Thermal Pools and Spa is an idyllic reward after a day on the nearby slopes at Mt Hutt. Methven has more affordable accommodation, too.
There’s one way to find out why Mt Hutt has snagged the award for ‘Best NZ Ski Resort’ for eight consecutive years: ski or snowboard there!
With the most complete terrain mix of any South Island ski area, plus world-class slopes, fun-filled terrain parks, and pinch-me mountain views, Mt Hutt is the real deal. And despite winning all those awards, Mt Hutt is still New Zealand’s best-kept secret.
Snow Highway stop 3: Tekapo
The journey from Methven to the Mackenzie Basin is stunning in itself. And in Lake Tekapo, ‘wow’ and ‘unbelievable’ are the two most used adjectives.
Lake Tekapo is a stunner alright. Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, it’s in the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve and famous for its unreal night skies. A soak at the award-winning Tekapo Springs is another must-do thanks to the divine Southern Alps views.
Snow Highway stop 4: Aoraki Mt Cook
New Zealand’s highest peak makes for an excellent midway Snow Highway stop. Aoraki Mt Cook is home to several outdoor adventures.
For skiers, a trip with Ski the Tasman sees them tour Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest glacier, blue ice caves, and race the country’s largest ski run! There are also heli-snowboarding options.
Snow Highway stop 5: Queenstown & Wanaka
Queenstown is New Zealand’s most well-known ski region with world-renowned ski fields.
Coronet Peak Ski Area
Not only is Coronet Peak the country’s first commercial ski area, but it’s also the closest ski area to a town or city and only 20 minutes by car from downtown Queenstown.
With vast and varied terrain and spectacular Wakatipu Basin views, the fun lasts as long as your stamina. It’s worthwhile saving some energy for Night Skiing, though. The mountain comes alive with live beats, crackling fires, and snow bunnies whizzing down the floodlit trails.
The Remarkables Ski Area
The Remarkables offer big mountain terrain, sun-drenched bowls, and world-renowned chutes.
Only 45 minutes from central Queenstown, The Remarkables terrain suits all levels, though it’s particularly great for beginners and families. The ski school has a solid reputation.
Cardrona Ski Area
Cardrona Alpine Resort is New Zealand’s most popular ski area, with appeal to beginners and families through to Olympic and X Games athletes!
Between Queenstown and Wanaka, Cardona’s top-rated terrain park is a favourite, as are the wide-open trails and warm Kiwi hospitality.
Treble Cone Ski Area
For off-piste lovers, Treble Cone is it, seriously! Only 40 minutes from Wanaka, Treble Cone has the South Island’s largest ski area and loved for its uncrowded groomed runs and out-of-this-world views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
For intermediate and advanced levels, Treble Cone’s steep and challenging terrain matches the thrills sought, as does the ski area’s massive 700m vertical drop.
The deets
Learn more about the Snow Highway here: anzcro.com.au/deals/snow-highway or contact them at anzcro@anzcro.com.au.
Did you take ANZCRO’s Snow Highway quiz last year?
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