Explore Selwyn and the West Coast for sea, slopes and wilderness
Turn your ski trip into a fully-fledged winter adventure with a road trip from Christchurch to Selwyn’s slopes and the West Coast’s wilderness
SKI AND SNOWBOARD IN SELWYN
The Selwyn region is home to six of New Zealand’s most unique ski areas offering world-class off-piste skiing, uncrowded slopes and awesome terrain.
• Craigieburn: Exciting and challenging trails suited to intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
• Broken River: A hidden gem consisting of two main bowls with wide, open, rolling slopes and steep chutes for adventurous intermediate and expert skiers/boarders.
• Porters: Great for families, and the purpose-made terrain park has fun features for everyone.
• Mt Cheeseman: Children 10 and under ski free here, and kids will love the iceskating rink located at Forest Lodge.
• Mt Olympus: An intermediate through to advanced snowfield with ski-in, skiout accommodation, a fully catered bar and the famous Mt O hot tub.
• Temple Basin: Perfect for those who enjoy the backcountry of Arthur’s Pass. There’s a ski-in, ski-out lodge, night skiing, and rope tow access to peaks on the main divide.
THE GREAT ALPINE HIGHWAY
Immerse yourself in Selwyn’s hospitality, cuisine and landscapes along this magnificent touring route.
Here are some recommendations:
• Sample a famous Sheffield Pie, or grab a photo at the Springfield donut;
• View the rock formations of Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill;
• Ride in New Zealand’s only airboat on the stunning Waimakariri river
• Walk to the Devils Punchbowl waterfall – Arthur’s Pass
ACCOMMODATION ALONG THE WAY
Break up your journey along the Great Alpine Highway by staying in one of these country lodges and resorts:
• Grasmere Lodge: A high country retreat set amid towering 7000 ft peaks.
• Wilderness Lodge: Nature discovery & working sheep farm in the heart of the alps.
• Flock Hill Station: A perfect alpine escape at a remote high country sheep station
• Bealey Hotel: Stay amongst alpine high country in all its untamed and unspoiled magnificence.
WEST COAST WILDERNESS
Once you’ve made it to the West Coast, a whole other world awaits, with a plethora of activities for adventurous travellers. • Heli-Hike: Experience an exhilarating helicopter ride over jaw-dropping scenery, then get up close to the
West Coast’s spectacular glacial landscapes on foot.
• Hokitika Gorge: Walk through rimu and podocarp forest to the otherworldly turquoise waters of this spectacular gorge.
• Kayak: Take in the flat, calm lake waters in winter with perfect reflections of the snowclad Southern Alps.
• Haast: Surrounded by National Parks, Haast is perfect for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, tramping and jet boating.
• Wilderness Trail: Enjoy riding beside beautiful flats, wild coastlines, tempestuous rivers, ancient forests and tidal lagoons.
Ōtautahi Christchurch: Your base camp Christchurch makes the perfect start or end to your Selwyn and West Coast winter road trip , with plenty of attractions and activities for all kinds of travellers. From museums and boutique shopping to scenic walking trails and delicious dining options, you can gear up for or wind down from your winter road trip in this flourishing city.
For more inspiration to plan your Selwyn and West Coast winter adventure, visit explorechc.com.