Explore Winter Your Way
Winter is the perfect time to get out and discover more. From skiing and skating to scenic flights above snow-covered peaks, Mid Canterbury invites you to experience its landscapes in ways you won’t expect.
We Make Winter Worth Going
Closer than you think, with more than you imagined.
Just one hour from Christchurch Airport, Mid Canterbury transforms into a winter playground of snow, stillness, and warm hospitality.
Ski fresh lines, soak under the stars, or glide across ice at the foothills of the mountains. This is winter, done differently.
Plan a relaxed escape
+Find Family-Friendly Fun
+See the Winter Landscapes
+
You’re invited to our winter wonderland
Nestled between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, Mid Canterbury quietly delivers some of the most memorable winter experiences in New Zealand.
Often overlooked, this is a place of unexpected discovery—where fresh powder, frozen landscapes, and warm welcomes sit side by side.
It’s where adventure meets stillness. Where you can carve down the slopes in the morning and unwind in hot pools by afternoon.
Whether you’re here to unwind, explore, or reconnect, Mid Canterbury invites you to take your time.
See what you can discover
Relax & Recharge
Winter is the perfect time to slow down. Soak in hot pools, settle into peaceful stays, and unwind in surroundings where the pace is gentle and the atmosphere is quietly restorative.
Indulge in the Flavours of the Season
Winter is the perfect time to linger. Discover local dining, warm hospitality, and seasonal flavours shaped by the land.
Explore Mid Canterbury
Ashburton
Ashburton (Maori: Hakatere) The main service centre for the district, combines city shopping and dining with rural friendliness. Ashburton is the commerical centre of Mid Canterbury, and there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including the EA Network Centre that features several heated swimming pools, spa and steam room.
Ashburton
Ashburton (Maori: Hakatere) The main service centre for the district, combines city shopping and dining with rural friendliness. Ashburton is the commerical centre of Mid Canterbury, and there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including the EA Network Centre that features several heated swimming pools, spa and steam room.
Hinds
Located on the Canterbury Plains on the south bank of the Hinds River, Hinds is a typical rural village servicing the surrounding area, with a primary school and play centre, village shop, two churches, tavern, community centre, domain to cater for sports and recreation, and swimming baths.
Methven
Tranquil yet exhilarating, relaxing yet vibrant, Methven offers a perfect escape no matter what your taste or budget. Just one hour from Christchurch on Inland Scenic Route 72.
Mayfield
Mayfield is located about 35km from Ashburton on the Inland Scenic Route 72 that runs through Mid Canterbury. The community can trace its roots back to 1879 when the first post office was established.
Mt Somers & High Country
Mt Somers (Māori: Te Kiekie) and Mid Canterbury high-country offer some of the most spectacular landscape scenery in New Zealand, possibly the world. Mt Somers is the gateway to the Hakatere Conservation Park and the high country.
Rakaia
When you visit Rakaia, you will get to taste the community charm and take in the walkways, beauty and peacefulness that Rakaia has on offer. Oh, and get up close to the magnificent oversized Salmon.
Staveley
Staveley, where the handmade sausage rolls at the Staveley Cafe & Store (established in 1876) have a national following! It's also home to one of New Zealand's few community run outdoor ice skating and curling rinks.
It's worth going, especially in winter.
Adventure for the bold, calm for the weary, and fun for the whole family - all within easy reach of Christchurch.
Plan Your Winter Visit