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Cool Canterbury
Unlike many places in the world, where the onslaught of Winter signals an end to outdoor activities, Canterbury comes alive with an abundance of things to do, both indoors and out, all of which add to the region's growing reputation as a destination for all seasons.
With the awesome Southern Alps a little over an hour's drive from downtown Christchurch it is easy to see why mountain based activities have become extremely popular amongst the residents of the region. The Alps are one of the many playgrounds of Canterbury and really come alive during the winter months from May to October when ski fever hits the country and people throng to the slopes.
Canterbury boasts ten ski areas ranging from highly organised commercial fields such as Mount Hutt to the smaller, more laid back club fields such as Amuri, Craigieburn and Erewhon.
Mount Hutt is the most developed ski area in Canterbury and offers everything the beginning or demanding skier could want. Spectacular views over the Southern Alps and the Canterbury plains to the Pacific Ocean are a trademark of a visit to Mt Hutt as is its enviable record of consistently being the first field in New Zealand to open each season. With opening day in mid-May, Mount Hutt enjoys a five month season right through to late October. All the facilities you would expect from an international class ski field can be found at Mount Hutt and, for lively aprés ski and accommodation, the resort town of Methven lies only a short drive away.
While you're at Mt Hutt, try tandem paragliding above the slopes of the skifields for an unforgettable alpine flight.
For a different ski experience why not try one of the many club fields in Canterbury where the skiing is superb and the lack of crowds an undeniable attraction. While the facilities at club fields may not be as comprehensive as higher profile, commercial fields, the skiing is equally as impressive and often preferred by purists due largely to the abundance of off-piste skiing and ungroomed trails. These fields provide an opportunity to track fresh, ungroomed snow on a regular basis. This might be a little scary to those of us who are used to the huge, groomed pistes of Europe and the States but regulars at these fields agree it's the only way to ski. Virgin powder snow, completely untracked and no competition to get on it - skiers' heaven!
Some of the best skiing to be experienced in Canterbury requires the services of a helicopter and guide (not to mention more than a few extra dollars !) But for the extra outlay you'll be guaranteed some of the best skiing anywhere in the world. Taking you into the heart of the Alps you can experience total isolation and the opportunity to be the first to track fresh, powder snow. Some fields offer heliskiing as a standard option and those that don't can organise it upon request.
An increasingly popular alternative to downhill skiing is cross-country or Nordic skiing. With a specifically designed ski and binding where only the front of your boot is fixed into the binding cross-country skiing can be hard work, however the variety of terrain you can cover more than compensates for the additional effort.
Before you think that skiing is the only outdoor activity on offer during the winter months let me suggest a few other choice activities which really come into their own during the chilly months.
For the best views of the entire region nothing beats the grandeur of a seat in the basket of a hot air balloon suspended high above the Canterbury Plains. In the middle of winter when the air is crisp and clear and you can see from the majestic, snow-clad Alps to the brilliant, azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The romance of long distance train travel is brought to life by Tranz Rail's Tranz Alpine Express service from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass and on to Greymouth on the West Coast. To see the Alps at their most striking, winter is the time to do it and there is no better way to see it (if you want to stay warm and dry!) than in the comfort of a Tranz Alpine Express carriage. Racing through the Canterbury Plains, on to the snowclad foothills, across the majestic Alps and down through exotic rain forest to the rugged West Coast. This is truly one of the ultimate train journeys in the world.
If you're in the north of the region, winter is one of the best times of the year to go whale watching. The sight of the snow-clad Kaikoura Ranges makes for a stunning backdrop for the many photos you're sure to take.
Take a spell to unwind in the surrounds of Hanmer Springs and the stimulating waters of the Thermal Springs. After a hard day's skiing at one of several nearby fields there is nothing more relaxing than a soak amidst the scenic backdrop of snow clad peaks.
Of course weather is a major factor in planning your outdoor activities so, when the skies turn ugly and the heavens open, it's nice to know there's a plethora of opportunities that exist in and around Christchurch itself. The Arts Centre, Robert MacDougall Art Gallery, Museum, Air Force World and the Antarctic Centre are just a few of the opportunities that exist to keep you amused until the sun comes out once again.
Canterbury is a destination for all seasons and winter is no exception. All you need to remember is your enthusiasm to ensure you get the most from the many activities which are jam packed into the region.
Similar Articles:
Skiing & Snowboarding in New Zealand's South Island.
Winter in New Zealand.
Additional resources:
New Zealand Skiing & Snowboarding directory.
New Zealand Adventure / Outdoor activities
New Zealand Accommodation
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