This 12 day ski self drive from Christchurch showcases the very best of New Zealand’s South Island winter scenery and ski terrain. Travelling at your own pace, you’ll enjoy iconic alpine drives, welcoming mountain towns and some of the country’s most celebrated ski fields. The route has been designed to balance time on the slopes with memorable scenery and relaxed evenings.
The itinerary includes Mt Hutt, Aoraki Mt Cook, Wanaka and Queenstown, offering a varied mix of terrain and landscapes. Flexible lift passes allow you to follow the best snow conditions while enjoying uncrowded runs and stunning views. Comfortable, well located accommodation completes a winter journey that feels both effortless and rewarding.
Start your South Island snow journey in Christchurch, a city blending lush gardens with vibrant urban renewal. Today is all about settling in, collecting your wheels, and heading towards the Canterbury high country.
Explore Christchurch City — Wander through tree‑lined avenues, vibrant street art and tranquil botanic gardens, soaking up the relaxed Kiwi city vibe.
Collect Rental Car — Pick up your car for the trip ahead and choose the perfect vehicle to match your driving style.
Christchurch to Methven Drive — Travel through classic plains scenery past Rakaia and Ashburton, with lovely southern vistas as you approach the mountains.
Explore Methven Village — Methven’s a friendly alpine town with great eateries and outdoor adventure options to preview ahead of hitting the snow.
Enjoy a peaceful night at this lovely resort with superb mountain views and easy access to Mt Hutt.
Today you hit one of New Zealand’s most celebrated ski fields, perfect for all levels. Enjoy every moment on the mountain with plenty of options to tailor your snow experience.
5‑Day NZ Ski Superpass — Your pass gives you flexible access to multiple ski areas, making it easy to vary your days on the snow.
Mt Hutt Ski Field — Wide open terrain and stunning Southern Alps views make this one of NZ’s most fun and scenic ski areas.
Suggested: Full Day Private Coaching — Improve your skills with expert guidance and personalised tips from a dedicated instructor.
Suggested: Clothing Rental — Pick up all your base layers and outerwear right on the mountain for convenience and comfort.
Suggested: NZ Ski or Snowboard Equipment Rental — Get fitted in the latest skis or snowboard gear with professional boot fitting to maximise your day.
Meals included: Breakfast
Enjoy another full day on Mt Hutt, exploring even more of its legendary terrain. With fresh runs to try and views to savour, today promises more snowy fun.
Mt Hutt Ski Field Continued — Master new trails or perfect your favourites as you enjoy another great day in the snow.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s drive up through the Mackenzie Basin is one of New Zealand’s most scenic, with changing light and huge mountain views around every corner. Mt Cook Village sits at the heart of an alpine playground that’s perfect for exploration and relaxation alike.
Inland Scenic Route to Mt Cook — Stop for café treats, superb views and that sense of big South Island landscape as you roll into alpine territory.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park — Take in the staggering height of NZ’s tallest peak and abundant glacial scenery in this amazing World Heritage area.
Suggested: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Museum & Theatre Explorer Pass — Discover the history of Sir Ed’s remarkable mountain achievements and life in this engaging museum.
Suggested: Alpine Explorer Heli Flight — Get aerial views of snowy peaks and land on a glacier for a truly unforgettable experience.
Walking Tracks in the Park — Choose from a range of short walks with stunning vistas and wildlife‑rich terrain.
Settle in with panoramic mountain views and comfortable rooms at this iconic alpine base.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you drive onwards through classic Southern Alps passes into Central Otago, with its rugged tussock landscapes and silvery lakes. Wanaka’s alpine charm and lakeside setting make it a perfect base for your next ski experiences.
Mt Cook to Wanaka Drive — The Lindis Pass provides beautiful remote scenery before the sparkling expanse of Lake Wanaka comes into view.
Arrive in Wanaka & Collect Lift Pass — Grab your Cardrona x Treble Cone passes now and enjoy quick access to tomorrow’s slopes.
Cardrona & Treble Cone 3‑Day Lift Pass — This pass gives you flexibility to ski varied terrain from family‑friendly slopes to challenging runs.
Stay lakeside with easy access to town and walking trails that frame this beautiful alpine village.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is all about exploring Treble Cone, known for its big mountain terrain and epic views over Lake Wanaka. After skiing, dive into some of the best local après spots around town.
Drive to Treble Cone — A scenic lakeside drive gets you to the base of this impressive ski area.
Treble Cone Ski Field — Long groomed runs and sweeping landscapes make this a favourite for confident intermediate and advanced skiers.
Après Bars in Wanaka — Unwind after your day on the slopes with great food, drinks and local hospitality at several top spots.
Meals included: Breakfast
Head to Cardrona today via stunning alpine roads, ready for gentle slopes and terrain parks suited to all abilities. There’s also a fun option tonight if you’d like to relax off the mountain.
Drive to Cardrona Ski Field — The beautiful Cardrona Valley sets the tone for a classic Central Otago ski day.
Cardrona Alpine Resort — With varied terrain and facilities, Cardrona caters wonderfully to families and riders of every level.
Cinema Paradiso — After a day in the snow, enjoy films and snacks in a quirky boutique cinema experience.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you explore more of Cardrona’s great terrain before making your way over to Queenstown via Crown Range Road, one of NZ’s most scenic alpine drives. The change in scenery and vibe as you approach Queenstown is exciting and cinematic.
Cardrona Ski Field Second Day — Take time to find new runs and soak up that incomparable Southern Alps backdrop.
Queenstown Transfer via Crown Range Road — Enjoy dramatic hairpin turns and beautiful vistas on your scenic descent into Queenstown.
Snow Farm — Try cross‑country skiing or snowshoeing on groomed trails in this fun winter playground.
Suggested: Queenstown Skyline Gondola — Ride to the top for sweeping views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.
Stay in the heart of town, with nightlife and adventure right on your doorstep.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today you decide between two iconic Queenstown ski options: The Remarkables with its fun varied terrain or Coronet Peak’s polished runs. Both make for an unforgettable ski day against epic alpine scenery.
Choose Remarkables or Coronet — Use your Superpass to head where the weather and snow look best for your group today.
The Remarkables Ski Field — Gentle beginner terrain and big mountain runs make this a great choice for all levels.
Onsen Hot Pools Evening Session — Wind down in relaxing hot pools with views over the Shotover River canyon.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today is all about Coronet Peak’s outstanding terrain and festive ski culture. Whether you chase powder or enjoy ski‑in café stops, there’s something here for everyone.
Drive to Coronet Peak — Enjoy the short scenic drive from Queenstown up to this classic ski area.
Coronet Peak Ski Field — Legendary trails and great snowmaking make Coronet a highlight for many riders.
Queenstown Ice Bar — For something different, warm up with drinks in a chilly ice‑sculpture setting that’s brilliant fun.
Meals included: Breakfast
Make the most of your last full day on the snow with another session at your favourite ski area. Today’s flexible to suit every appetite for adventure or a scenic final cruise.
Last Runs at Coronet or The Remarkables — Choose where you want to ski today and enjoy every minute on slope.
Coronet Peak Night Ski Pass — If available, try night skiing under lights for a memorable experience.
Meals included: Breakfast
On your final day, make sure your transport is organised so you can get to the airport with ease and no stress. It’s the perfect time to reflect on an amazing South Island ski adventure.
Transport Options — Chat to us about airport transfers or rental car return details that best suit your plans.
Depart Queenstown — Drop your car at Queenstown Airport and prepare for your journey home after an unforgettable trip.
Meals included: Breakfast
Yes – if you're driving up to ski fields in New Zealand, carrying snow chains is highly recommended, and sometimes legally required. Most ski areas like Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Mount Hutt, and Turoa have alpine access roads that can be icy, snowy or steep – especially during winter (June to August).
Even if you're in a 4WD, ski field operators or road signs may still instruct you to fit chains before ascending, depending on conditions. It's common to see checkpoints or signs that say “Chains must be fitted beyond this point.” If you don’t comply, you can be turned around or fined.
Tip for Car Rentals: Hire cars often don’t come with snow chains by default – ask for them when booking and make sure you know how to fit them before you head up the mountain.
Yes – most major car rental companies in New Zealand offer ski racks as an optional add-on during the winter season. If you're heading to the snow with skis or a snowboard, it's worth requesting a ski rack when booking your rental, especially if you're travelling in a group or have bulky gear.
However, not all vehicle types can be fitted with ski racks (e.g. some compact cars or campervans), so it's best to check with the rental provider in advance. Larger SUVs and 4WDs are the most common vehicles equipped for ski racks and are ideal for accessing alpine roads to places like Cardrona, The Remarkables, or Mt Hutt.
Tip: Ski racks often book out quickly during peak season (July–August), so reserve early to avoid missing out.
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