What makes a good ski holiday? Sure, it’s the fresh powder, bluebird days, and range of runs, but ANZCRO says when you take Aotearoa New Zealand’s Snow Highway, it’s about so much more. Discover how this stunning self-drive South Island route wows your clients both on and off the slopes.
You think you know New Zealand skiing, but since the Snow Highway launched its self-drive route from artsy Ōtautahai Christchurch to thrilling Queenstown, we’ve all had to think again.
You’ve learnt more about the Snow Highway from ANZCRO, and you even upskilled with this quiz. Now, ANZCRO is here to upgrade your knowledge again with the lesser-known gems along this now-legendary snow bunny route.
What is the Snow Highway?
In case you’ve been off-piste and missed the nuggets, here’s a recap. The Snow Highway journeys 500km from Christchurch to Queenstown. As it’s a self-drive route, your clients can make it as long or short as they like.
ANZCRO recommends:
- 1 night in Ōtautahai Christchurch
- 2 nights in Methven
- 2 nights in Tekapo
- 3 nights in Queenstown
As you can see, the Snow Highway is how you get your clients out of their Queenstown-only skiing/snowboarding rut.
Sure, Queenstown can be how you ski New Zealand – and no one is suggesting skipping the Adventure Capital of the World – but there’s so much more to see and do when you take the Snow Highway to get there.
Ski/board & so much more
So, the Kiwi ski fields on this route are a given on your client’s itinerary, but what else can they do between hot chocolate for brekkie and diamond runs?
Christchurch
While Christchurch doesn’t have a central ski field like Queenstown (imagine!), it does have a gamut of exciting things to do, making it a worthwhile first stop on any Snow Highway adventure.
You know about the mainstay tourism attractions – Punting on the Avon, the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, and the city’s vibrant murals. But what about the lesser-known gems?
- Port Hills winter hikes (self-guided): Often overlooked, the scenic Port Hills trails offer panoramic city and snow-capped Southern Alps views.
- International Antarctic Centre: The perfect complement to a winter vacay, this Christchurch attraction offers an Antarctic snowstorm simulator, all-terrain Hägglund rides, and penguins!
Methven
Mt Hutt is the drawcard to visit Methven; it’s New Zealand’s most-awarded ski field (eight years in a row, baby!). It impresses with its most complete terrain mix of any South Island ski area. Plus, world-class slopes, epic terrain parks, and unbelievable Southern Alps views.
Methven is only 90 minutes from central Christchurch, allowing for more time on its expansive slopes (and more affordable accommodation than Queenstown).
While spending time whizzing down wide-open slopes is the obvious goal on a ski holiday, there’s also:
- Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa: What feels better after a day on the slopes than a soak in soothing hot pools? Especially when fed by alpine water in a serene winter setting.
Tekapo
For Australians who’ve only experienced Queenstown in winter, the wonders in Tekapo leave visitors awestruck. Even the drive from Methven to Tekapo feels more like a destination than a journey!
The Mackenzie Basin’s scenery is out-of-this-world. Literally, if you count its unreal opportunities to see far, far into our galaxy at the UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
ANZCRO recommends:
- Stargazing: A tour with Dark Sky Project reveals the galaxy at large under some of the clearest night skies in the world. Exceptional commentary – including Māori legends – and their impressive 125-year-old telescope make this a Tekapo must-do.
- Ice skating & snow tubing: You know of Tekapo Springs’ relaxing hot pools, but did you know they also offer ice skating and snow tubing to ramp up the winter fun? Yes, even for adults.
- Aoraki Mt Cook: Only 75 minutes from Tekapo, New Zealand’s highest peak can be an easy day trip or detour on the journey south. Skiers love to race the country’s largest ski run, and snowboarders enjoy the thrills of heli-snowboarding.
- Ski the Tasman Glacier: Experience the ultimate in backcountry skiing on New Zealand’s longest glacier. A bucket-list adventure for skiers of all levels, this experience takes you by ski plane to the top of the Tasman Glacier, where you’ll carve turns down wide-open, powder-filled runs framed by towering ice formations.
Queenstown & Wānaka
Until the Snow Highway came along, Queenstown was synonymous with skiing in Aotearoa, thanks to its four world-renowned ski fields, wide-ranging accommodation, and fun après-ski scene.
Only 20 minutes from Queenstown, Coronet Peak Ski Area appeals for its varied terrain and fun night skiing scene. The big mountain terrain of The Remarkables is a popular spot for beginners and families.
Cardrona Ski Area is renowned for its Kiwi hospitality and wide-open trails. And Wānaka’s Treble Cone thills intermediate and advanced snow bunnies with its uncrowded runs and drop-dead gorgeous views.
ANZCRO recommend these other wintery attractions:
- Scenic soaks: Reduce slope-earned aches at the Onsen’s private cedar tubs, overlooking the Shotover river
- Central Otago wine tasting: Does a picturesque snow-capped winter scene wine taste better? Test this theory at Cromwell’s Cloudy Bay, Wānaka’s Rippon Vineyard, and Gibbston Valley Winery.
Discover more
Learn more about the Snow Highway with ANZCRO or contact them at anzcro@anzcro.com.au.
This article is brought to you by ANZCRO.
