Mount Hutt Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Mt Hutt Skifield - NZ Ski Ltd - Patrick Fallon
Photo provided by Mt Hutt Skifield - NZ Ski Ltd - Tony Harrington
Photo provided by Mt Hutt Skifield - NZ Ski Ltd - Tony Harrington
Mount Hutt
Rakaia Gorge showing tranquil scenes and a river or creek

Hit the slopes at this family-friendly South Island ski area and enjoy stunning mountain views. Choose from a diverse range of runs for beginners to off-piste experts.

Mount Hutt crowns the region of Canterbury in New Zealand’s South Island and is one of the country’s largest ski areas. Visit Mount Hutt to experience its scenic ski fields for all abilities, from beginner runs to challenging off-piste areas. Ski or snowboard over pristine snow while taking in views of the Southern Alps and all the way to the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.

Driving north from Methven, the village closest to Mount Hutt, discover beautiful mountain views looking out over the Rakaia River. Hire ski gear on the mountain if you didn’t bring your own and hit the slopes. Mount Hutt features 3.65 square kilometres (1.4 square miles) of skiable areas and a vertical height of 683 metres (2,240.8 feet), one of the longest vertical drops in the South Island.

Explore the network of groomed runs for all ages and abilities. Ski or snowboard over the mountain’s diverse terrain or work on your technique at the dedicated learning areas. Advanced skiers can try the terrain park, exciting off-piste areas and “The Towers”, a challenging run that weaves through rock formations at the top of the ski field.

Enjoy Mount Hutt’s high-speed six-seat chairlift as well as its quad and triple chairlift facilities. Beginners will appreciate the Magic Carpet, an enclosed surface lift that gently transports skiers up the slope.

Relax with a scenic lunch at the Mount Hutt restaurant and café, which features beautiful views of the Canterbury Plains and the mountain.

Mount Hutt has a five-month ski season and is regularly the first ski field in the Southern Hemisphere to open at the beginning of each season. The mountain is a family-friendly destination and features the Methven Kids 4 Free deal, in which children aged 10 and under are given free accommodation and meals in Methven Village and free lift passes daily on Mount Hutt.

Ski rental, lift passes and lessons can be purchased on Mount Hutt but accommodation is not available on the mountain. Mount Hutt is located a 35-minute drive from Methven and a 90-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport.

Novotel Christchurch Airport

Novotel Christchurch Airport

4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
The price is AU$265 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$265
per night
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"Great hotel in a great location - if you’re flying from Christchurch airport of course… Only negative - receptionist was surly and unfriendly. Not only at check in but on departure too. Question for her - why are you in a hospitality role?"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

3.5 out of 5
165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
The price is AU$76 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
AU$76
per night
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"No free parking and Parking is on another street"

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City

5 out of 5
47-49 Salisbury Street, Christchurch, Canterbury
The price is AU$207 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
AU$207
per night
25 Sept - 26 Sept
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (466 reviews)
Sudima Christchurch
"Clean comfortable beds in a modern hotel. We enjoyed Sudima hotels around NZ."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Sudima Christchurch City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets

Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets

2 out of 5
5259 Arundel Rakaia Gorge Rd, Methven, Canterbury
Stay at this chalet in Methven. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Awa Awa Rata Reserve and Methven Golf Course are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
Close to the snow
"A few days skiing at Mount Hutt as were the other folk staying. Amazing value for money. Quiet, close enough to the snow and town. We might come back with the wider family and stay in the big unit"

Reviewed on 6 Sept 2025

Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets
Brinkley Resort

Brinkley Resort

2.5 out of 5
43 Barkers Rd, Methven, Canterbury
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Methven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 31 July 2025

Brinkley Resort
Mt Hutt Views at 23 Methven.
Fabulous Methven Apartment with Great Mountain View

Mt Hutt Views at 23 Methven. Fabulous Methven Apartment with Great Mountain View

Methven
Stay at this apartment in Methven. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven Golf Course ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Very nice- heater didn't work in hallway though. Needs some TLC,"

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2025

Mt Hutt Views at 23 Methven. Fabulous Methven Apartment with Great Mountain View
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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