New Zealand’s South Island has long been a credible ski destination for international travellers — world-class alpine scenery, reliable snowfall, and ski fields that cater to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. The Snow Highway is a structured week-long itinerary designed to showcase the best of South Island skiing in a single self-drive circuit, developed by SOUTH* (Christchurch Airport’s regional tourism partnership) and New Zealand’s youngest Olympic Gold medallist, freestyle skier Nico Porteous.
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What is the Snow Highway and what does the itinerary cover?
The Snow Highway is a week-long (or longer) self-drive ski itinerary connecting the South Island’s best ski fields in a logical south-westward circuit from Christchurch. Clients fly into Christchurch, drive to Methven for Mt Hutt, continue through Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, and finish in Queenstown or Wanaka — two of New Zealand’s most celebrated alpine destinations — before flying back to Christchurch.
- Day 1–2: Christchurch → Methven (Mt Hutt) – One hour from Christchurch, Methven is the base town for Mt Hutt. Clients can overnight in Christchurch on arrival and drive to Methven the following morning, or head directly from the airport.
- Day 3–4: Methven → Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook – A scenic drive south through the Mackenzie Basin, with Lake Tekapo — New Zealand’s most photographed alpine lake — as a natural stopping point. Mount Cook township is the base for the Ski the Tasman glacier experience.
- Day 5–7: Mount Cook → Queenstown or Wanaka – The final leg delivers clients to the Queenstown-Wanaka ski hub, with access to four major ski fields: The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona, and Treble Cone.
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What ski fields are included in the Snow Highway, and which clients do they suit?
The Snow Highway covers six ski fields across three regions — a range that suits beginners through to advanced skiers and provides a genuine reason for multiple day allocation at each stop rather than a single pass. The table below gives advisors a quick reference for matching the right field to the right client.
| Ski Field | Best For | Advisor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mt Hutt (Methven) | All levels, families, value-conscious clients | Seven-time winner of Best NZ Ski Resort. Expansive skiable area with reliable snowfall. Methven is significantly more affordable than Queenstown or Wanaka — a strong pitch for clients who want world-class skiing without the premium alpine resort price tag. |
| Ski the Tasman (Mt Cook) | Advanced skiers, bucket-list travellers | Heli-ski access to runs on the Tasman Glacier — the longest glacier in the Southern Alps. A unique and premium experience combining glacier skiing with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Ice cave exploration also available from the township. Best suited to fit, experienced skiers. |
| The Remarkables (Queenstown) | All levels, beginners, backcountry enthusiasts | Excellent learner facilities alongside serious backcountry terrain. 20 minutes from Queenstown. Strong family offering and one of the most dramatically scenic ski fields in the country — the Remarkables range is the backdrop in virtually every Queenstown photograph. |
| Coronet Peak (Queenstown) | Families, all levels, night skiing clients | The closest ski field to Queenstown (20 minutes). Night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays makes it the only field in the region offering an after-dark run. A reliable, well-groomed field and the most convenient option for clients based in town. |
| Cardrona (Wanaka) | Snowboarders, terrain park enthusiasts, families | New Zealand’s premier terrain park destination with purpose-built features for freestyle riders. Strong family facilities and a well-regarded ski school. One hour from Queenstown, 30 minutes from Wanaka. |
| Treble Cone (Wanaka) | Intermediate to advanced skiers | New Zealand’s largest ski area relative to its vertical drop, with long groomed runs and minimal crowds compared to the Queenstown fields. Best suited to intermediate and advanced skiers who want challenging terrain without the Queenstown lift queue. |
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What ski fields are included in the Snow Highway, and which clients do they suit?
New Zealand’s South Island ski season runs from approximately June to October, with peak conditions typically in July and August. Unlike Northern Hemisphere ski resorts, the South Island season falls in the Australian and New Zealand school winter holidays (July), which is the busiest and most expensive period for both flights and accommodation.
- Peak season (July) – School holidays across Australia and New Zealand drive strong domestic demand. Accommodation in Methven, Queenstown, and Wanaka books quickly — advisors should recommend booking 6–12 months ahead for July travel. Lift passes and ski hire can also be pre-booked to avoid peak-day queues.
- Shoulder season (June and August–October) – Better availability, lower prices, and less crowded fields. August in particular can offer excellent snow conditions with lower visitor numbers than July. A strong recommendation for clients with flexible timing.
- Weather variability – South Island ski weather can change rapidly. Brief clients to plan for rest days between ski days, particularly at Mt Hutt and Treble Cone, which sit at higher altitude and are occasionally closed due to wind. Queenstown’s lower-altitude fields (Coronet Peak) are more consistently operational.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Snow Highway in New Zealand?
The Snow Highway is a week-long self-drive ski itinerary connecting the South Island’s best ski fields, developed by SOUTH* (Christchurch Airport’s regional tourism partnership) and Olympic Gold medallist Nico Porteous. The route runs from Christchurch to Methven (Mt Hutt), through the Mackenzie Basin and Mount Cook, to Queenstown and Wanaka — covering six ski fields suited to all ability levels. The Snow Highway is bookable through ANZCRO as a winter touring package.
What is the best ski field in New Zealand for first-time skiers?
Mt Hutt near Methven is ANZCRO’s recommended starting point for first-time skiers visiting New Zealand — it has been named New Zealand’s best ski resort seven years running and offers affordable lift passes, reliable snowfall, and good beginner facilities. In the Queenstown-Wanaka area, The Remarkables has a well-regarded learner zone and Cardrona is the preferred choice for beginner snowboarders.
When is the best time to ski in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s South Island ski season runs from June to October, with peak snow conditions typically in July and August. July coincides with Australian and New Zealand school holidays and is the busiest and most expensive period. August offers excellent conditions with lower crowds and better accommodation availability. Advisors should recommend booking 6–12 months ahead for July travel and 3–6 months ahead for August.
Can travel advisors book the Snow Highway ski package through ANZCRO?
Yes — ANZCRO builds the Snow Highway as a winter ski package from Christchurch, including accommodation in Methven, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Queenstown or Wanaka, lift pass options, and ski hire coordination. The package can be extended with non-ski activities, Milford Sound day trips from Queenstown, or additional South Island touring. Contact ANZCRO’s reservations team or log in to ANZCRO Connect to start building a Snow Highway ski package for your clients.
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To book the Snow Highway ski package for your clients, contact ANZCRO’s reservations team or log in to ANZCRO Connect. USA & Canada advisors: 1(800) 941-5360.