Make The Most Of Your Time
On And Off The Field
There's plenty of après ski options in Canterbury, from soaking in New Zealand’s highest hot tub to tucking into a classic Kiwi burger at a sub-alpine lodge. Make the most of your time on and off the field this winter, here's our hot tips.
Porters Lodge
Porters is the closest ski area to Christchurch, just over an hour from the city on the way to Arthur’s Pass. Porters Lodge is six kilometres along the ski area’s access road with accommodation, a café/restaurant and licensed bar on site. Ski all day and stay the night in a comfy bed after chilling out by the fire with a local craft beer or hot toddy and enjoying a menu stacked with homemade burgers, pizzas and classic Kiwi dishes.
Credit: Thomas Stephens
Mt Olympus
Mt Olympus is one of the region’s ‘club’ fields, which is run by members but also open to the public. Accommodation at these rustic ski areas is often right on the mountain and the 'social' aspect is a key component of any stay. Mt Olympus has a reputation for having the rowdiest parties of the lot, which often start with après ski beers while soaking in New Zealand’s highest hot tub followed by an invitation to raid an amazing dress-up box.
Mt Lyford Lodge
A 90 minutes' drive from Christchurch and just 45 minutes from Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs is Mt Lyford Lodge - a traditional log cabin nestled in the foothills of the Inland Kaikoura mountain range. The lodge is an ideal alpine retreat with breathtaking scenery, mouth-watering food and a cosy atmosphere. Snuggle up by the log fire in the public bar or find a table in the restaurant. The lodge caters to a variety of guests from backpackers seeking bunk rooms to those looking for a more deluxe experience.
The Pubs Of Methven
You can’t miss The Blue Pub because it’s smack bang in the middle of Methven and, well it's blue. The Brown Pub is easy to find too – it’s across the road. Just a snowball’s throw from Mt Hutt and within driving distance of several other ski areas, both are great places to relax after a day on the slopes. The Blue Pub not only has a fantastic bar it also offers a restaurant and backpacker style accommodation upstairs and if you're lucky live music. After more of a country pub experience, then head across the road. The Brown Pub has a welcoming, warm homely atmosphere.
Hot Pools That Are More Than Just Hot Water
Is there a better way to chill and relax than in an outdoor hot pool? Equal parts luxury and serenity! Canterbury is home to some of the hottest of hot pools, conveniently located near some of our top ski fields.
