Mount Hutt is a popular ski resort located on the South Island of New Zealand.
It is situated within the Southern Alps, about 90 kilometres northwest of Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island.
Mount Hutt is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. It offers a variety of terrain suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. The ski season typically runs from June to October, depending on snow conditions.
Mount Hutt has a skiable area of over 365 hectares (900 acres) with 365 meters (1,200 feet) of vertical drop. It features wide open slopes, steep chutes, and off-piste terrain. The resort has several chairlifts, including a high-speed quad chairlift, which provide easy access to the slopes.
Mount Hutt receives reliable snowfall and is known for its quality dry powder snow. The mountain's elevation and location in the Southern Alps contribute to its favourable snow conditions. Additionally, the resort has an extensive snowmaking system to supplement natural snowfall.
The resort offers a range of facilities and services to enhance visitors' experience. These include equipment rentals, ski schools, terrain parks for freestyle riders, restaurants, cafes, and accommodation options. There are also childcare facilities available for families.
Mount Hutt is easily accessible from Christchurch, with a drive of approximately one and a half hours. Christchurch International Airport serves as the main gateway for domestic and international travellers.
Things to do in and around Mount Hutt, NZ in the warmer months
While Mount Hutt is primarily known as a ski resort during the winter months, there are also activities to enjoy in the area beyond skiing and snowboarding. Here are some things to do in and around Mount Hutt during the warmer months and summer.
- Hiking and Nature Walks: During the summer months, when the snow has melted, Mount Hutt offers several hiking and nature walking trails. You can explore the alpine terrain, enjoy breathtaking views, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Be sure to check trail conditions and take appropriate safety precautions.
- Scenic Drives: The region surrounding Mount Hutt boasts stunning landscapes, and there are several scenic drives you can take to appreciate the beauty of the area. The nearby Methven-Upper Rakaia Road and Mount Hutt Scenic Drive offer picturesque views of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains.
- Mountain Biking: If you're a fan of mountain biking, Mount Hutt has some fantastic trails to explore. The Methven Bike Park, located in Methven (the nearest town to Mount Hutt), offers a variety of trails catering to different skill levels.
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, there are opportunities to cast your line in the rivers and lakes near Mount Hutt. The Rakaia River, in particular, is known for its salmon and trout fishing.
- Relaxation and Spa: After an active day on the slopes or exploring the outdoors, you can unwind and rejuvenate at one of the local spas or wellness centers in Methven. Treat yourself to a massage or indulge in a spa treatment to relax your body and mind.
Where To Stay Near Mt Hutt, New Zealand
The Granary at Gunyah Country Estate
In the rolling foothills of the Southern Alps west of Christchurch, you’ll find Gunyah Country Estate. Visitors to nearby Mt Hutt and Methven looking to experience the mountains, scenery and outdoor pursuits couldn’t find a more central base than Gunyah. Your Mount Hutt Methven accommodation needs are catered for at our magnificent heritage rural retreat.
The newly refurbished Granary is located within the grounds of Gunyah Country Estate’s orchard and offers independent year-round accommodation for up to 6 people. Guests staying in self-catering accommodation can also have dinner or breakfast at The Lodge also on the Estate, with prior reservation.
The Granary features a full kitchen with oven, microwave, fridge freezer, Dining room, Sitting room, Log burner, 3 double bedrooms(one with a king bed, one with a queen and one twin singles), Linen supplied.
Bathroom with shower and underfloor heating, Washing machine and clothesline, TV, Free wifi Internet access, Our own farm fresh free-range eggs available for sale daily.
The Stablehand Quarters at Gunyah Country Estate
The Stablehand Quarters features a full kitchen with oven, microwave, fridge freezer, Dining room, Sitting room, Log burner, 2 double bedrooms (one with a king bed, one with twin singles), and an extra single bed in a corner of the living room for a 5th person, Linen supplied, Bathroom with shower and underfloor heating, Washing machine and clothesline, TV, Free wifi Internet access, Our own farm fresh free-range eggs available for sale daily.
The Mulberry Cottage at Gunyah Country Estate
In the rolling foothills of the Southern Alps west of Christchurch you’ll find Gunyah Country Estate. Visitors to nearby Mt Hutt and Methven looking to experience the mountains, scenery and outdoor pursuits couldn’t find a more central base than Gunyah. Your Mount Hutt Methven accommodation needs are catered for at our magnificent heritage rural retreat.
The newly refurbished Mulberry Cottage is located within the grounds of Gunyah Country Estate’s orchard and offers independent year-round accommodation for up to 5 people. Guests staying in self catering accommodation can also have dinner or breakfast at The Lodge if they wish, with prior reservation. Please contact us as soon as you receive confirmation of your reservation if you wish to book for dinner or breakfast.
The Mulberry Cottage is a small, cute, bijou place and it a kitchen with benchtop oven, under bench fridge, Dining room, Sitting room, Log burner, 2 double bedrooms(one with a double bed and one with single bunks), a sofa bed in the living area, for a 5th person although this arrangement would not be suitable for long stays. As the cottage is small, Linen supplied the bathroom with shower, washing machine and clothesline, TV, and Free wifi Internet access. Farm fresh free-range eggs are available for sale daily.
