Best winter escapes in Canterbury

WINTER usually equals one of two things for holiday makers. Some bolt to the tropics to sip cocktails pretending that winter is non-existent. Others don the right gear and tackle winter and its beauty head on.

Float in a hot-air balloon to discover where you might want to escape to next. Picture: Supplied

NEW ZEALAND’S Canterbury region offers some of the best winter escapes — spectacular snow adventures, indulgent foodie experiences and a landscape that just keeps on astounding.

If you’re not into braving the great outdoors there are options for you too — think hibernating by a log fire perusing yet another wine menu. It’s tough … we know.

For urban fun

Everyone should spend at least a few days in the thriving metropolis that is Christchurch — and this is one city that has everything covered. Five-star dining, luxe hotels, parks abundant in luscious green foliage and friendly locals that are keen to show you around. Since the earthquake Christchurch has rebuilt itself as a creative, funky, artsy city, and although echoes of the old city remain, locals have embraced the new look and shaped the new feel. Getting among it is contagious, which is perhaps why everyone is talking about Christchurch.

Do: Everything! Be sure to check out the colourful cardboard cathedral, a nod to the pop-up culture that Christchurch has become famed for. It’s made from cardboard (obviously) as well as timber, steel and concrete. What makes it even more unique is that the panels are from the original pre-earthquake cathedral.

Eat: Chillingworth Road for fine dining fun. Chef Darren Wright only recently re-entered the Christchurch fine dining scene and he’s done it in style. Beautifully presented, tasty food, often locally sourced. Apparently the fish comes straight from Wright’s father who fishes out of Akaroa — so seafood is a pretty good choice.

Drink: Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn is an old English-style pub that boasts more than 20 tap beers, including Kiwi craft beers.

Stay: Base yourself smack bang in the middle of the fun at Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square.

More: www.christchurchnz.com/australia

Christchurch’s colourful pop-up cathedral is worth checking out. Picture: Supplied

For watching the world go by

There’s something peaceful about sitting on a train and simply looking out the window, and with the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth you’ll get a whole shebang of remarkable views. The picturesque train trip takes in sprawling countryside and spectacular vistas alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River and then weaves its way through the Southern Alps where you’ll see stunning alpine landscapes. The final leg takes in the native beech forest and then you’ve arrived in Greymouth — the destination and also a great base for a new adventure. You can take a quick getaway (day trip) or book an overnight package with additional activities. We know which one we’d do …

Do: Nothing. Just sit back and enjoy the moving view.

Eat: There’s an extensive on-board menu to choose from, including options for the health conscious traveller.

More: www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz/tranzalpine

Just sit and watch — one of life’s most simplest pleasures. Picture: KiwiRail Scenic Journeys. Cass Bank

For gawking … at the scenery … and the stars

For magnificent landscapes and fun-filled adventures Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie is the region to head to. Any way you look you’re met with breathtaking vistas, and whatever your travel style (relaxing at your luxe cabin or intense cycling through coarse terrain) these views don’t lose their magic — pretty much whichever way you turn looks like it belongs in a movie set. The region boasts beautiful turquoise lakes (Lake Tekapo’s glacial lakes are of particular beauty) and snow-capped mountains, so it’s easy away to willow away an afternoon or even a few days just gazing around you. Come nightfall the region gets even more magic. The world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve can be found here — all 4300 square kilometres! Mount John Observatory one of the clearest places in the Southern Hemisphere to view the night skies.

Do: A Star Gazing Tour with Mount John Observatory

Eat: Local homemade beef and venison mains at Run 77 Café & General Store at Lake Tekapo.

Stay: Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort . The name gives it away — the views are spectacular!

More: www.mtcooknz.com

Made for gawking. Lake Tekapo. Picture: Flickr f2n-downtown

For serious snow fun

There are so many fantastic snow fields in the Canterbury region to choose from, but purely on size Mt Hutt is the biggest field. It’s more than just size that makes Mt Hutt awesome though. It overlooks the Canterbury Plains. Pretty view? Tick. The snow is the dry stuff that’s super fun to ski on. Tick. And it’s got the longest season in the Southern hemisphere too. Double tick.

Do: Ski, snowboard … do whatever you like as long as you make use of Mt Hutt’s fantastic snow.

Eat: Hotpots and soups at Huber’s Hut.

Stay: The nearby town Methven has a funky holiday vibe.

More: www.nzski.com and www.amazingspace.co.nz

Go wild at Mt Hutt. Picture: Supplied

For family snow fun

Porter Heights is the closest ski field to Christchurch (89 kilometres away) and has a special family feel that families come back for year after year. Wide, easy slopes are ideal for beginners and learners, but if you’re a pro (or think you are) there are also a heap of options for intermediate and advanced skiers. And snowboarders have a great terrain to play with too — it really is the ski field for everyone.

Do: Try snowboarding. Porter Heights has some great runs and the lower slopes are perfect for newbies giving it a go.

Eat: Hearty, home-style food (try the local-made pies) at Porter’s Cafe.

Stay: Porter Alpine Lodge is close by, so you can spend more time on the snow and enjoy the après ski atmosphere.

More: www.skiporters.co.nz

Beginners and pros will love all that’s on offer at Porter Heights. Picture: Supplied

For the best-ever food comas

The Mid-Canterbury region of the South Island is the go-to region for fabulous food teamed with local wines. The best bit about the Mid-Canterbury Food and Wine trail is the interaction with the producers, growers and wine makers. Travel through cutesy small country towns, like Rakaia, Ashburton, Mayfield, Mt Somers, Staveley and Methven, and chat to the people putting farm fresh on your plate. You’ll find tasty snacks like chocolates and pastries, sample fresh-picked goods with your midafternoon coffee, and then perhaps indulge in an evening dining experience … or classic kiwi takeaway — the world is your oyster.

Do: Umm … eat.

Eat: Try local produce, like Bullrush Chocolates, Crozier’s Turkeys, Sims Bakery treats … the list goes on.

Drink: Sample local wines at CharRees Vineyard.

Stay: Lake Heron Station for a stay seeped in history (it was first established in 1900!).

More: www.canterburyfoodandwinetrails.co.nz

Eat to your heart’s content on the Mid-Canterbury Food and Wine trail. Picture: Thinkstock