The Skiers' Guide to Mt. Hutt Ski Area: Expert Analysis & Reviews

30 mins drive from Methven, an hour and a half from Christchurch - unsealed access road, so ideally 4x4, with chains carried on off chance required. You can get a bus/thumb up from the bottom car park, chains also available to rent below. Three chair lifts - 6 man to top; new 8 man, and a 4 man. Great variety of runs for NZ ski field. Virgin mile has breathtaking views over Canterbury plains. Great off piste when day permits, but not often mind. Ski touring off the back which opens up the skiable area massively! Occasional hot tub at summit, so bring swim shorts. Bungee jumping no longer available from car park. Worth watching Mt hutt rescue season 1. The annual Peak to pub race which combines a ski, bike down access road worth an entry if you're around for same!

The road up to Mt Hutt is fairly extreme and when you get up there are no trees and the off piste is often ice. However, it has so much charm. As a small mountain you can easily explore the whole place in a day and start to feel right at home. There is something to be said for a comfy mountain. Also, their ski school is so welcoming.

Skiing in New Zealand is completely different to Europe. The ski fields as they are called have to be driven up to from the resort there is no ski back to accommodate at Mt Hutt. When there is heavy snow the resort is closed as the gravel access road in closed. When open good skiing although there were plenty of T bar lifts when I was there a few years ago. The runs are not long but have a good variety. No Apres-ski in the area and would have to go back to near by town such as Rakia.