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South Island

Start: Christchurch
Finish: Queenstown
Location: Christchurch
Duration: 9 days

Ski the Snow Highway from Christchurch to Queenstown

The Snow Highway is a New Zealand winter road trip built around skiing some of the South Island’s best alpine resorts. This self-drive itinerary travels from Christchurch to Queenstown, with ski days at Mt Hutt and Queenstown’s premier fields included as part of the journey. With lift passes, car hire and accommodation all organised, it’s an easy and flexible way to plan a winter ski holiday.

Between ski days, the Snow Highway balances on-mountain time with alpine recovery, including hot pool experiences in Lake Tekapo and Methven. Carefully chosen stops keep travel times short, maximising time on the slopes while still allowing time to unwind. Finishing in Queenstown, this ski-focused winter road trip delivers variety, value and access to multiple ski fields in one seamless itinerary.

Note: All self-drive packages are fully customisable and can be tailored or combined to match your travel plans. Just let us know your preferences in the enquiry form!

Inclusions

  • 9 Days Car Hire in a Medium SUV Auto with basic insurance^
  • 1 Night at Crowne Plaza Christchurch in a Standard Room
  • General Admission to the International Antarctic Centre
  • 2 Nights at Brinkley Resort Methven in a Studio Room
  • Discovery Hot Pools Entry at Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa
  • 2 Nights at the Godley Resort Hotel Lake Tekapo in a Standard Lakeview Room
  • Entry to Lake Tekapo Hot Springs
  • 3 Nights at Garden Court Suites & Apartments in Studio Room
  • 4 Day NZ Superpass Lift Pass
  • Ski Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak & The Remarkables

Code: SB268NTSH

Frequently asked questions

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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