Ask any Cantabrian the best time to visit Christchurch, and they’ll tell you it’s winter. It might not be the balmiest time of year, but the skies are at their clearest, the Southern Alps are at their very best, and the city is yours to explore.
Whether you’re planning a South Island road trip or just a winter weekend away, here are our favourite reasons to visit Christchurch in winter.
Hit the Ski Fields
One of the biggest advantages to staying in Christchurch in winter is that the snow comes to you! Instead of trekking hours into the mountains, some of Canterbury’s best ski fields are close enough for an easy day trip, so you can hit the slopes and be back in the city for dinner.
Mt Hutt is usually top of the list for first-time visitors. About 120km from Christchurch, it has wide groomed runs with plenty of variety to keep everyone happy.
Porters Alpine Resort is even closer to the city, and often flies under the radar despite it being one of the easiest ski fields to reach. We recommend it to anyone new to skiing as it has lots of fantastic learner slopes, but there’s more challenging terrain too.
If you’ve skied before and enjoy more of a challenge, Craigieburn Valley Ski Area is known for steep terrain and off-piste runs rather than perfectly groomed trails. It’s best suited to confident skiers who don’t mind travelling a little further for the reward.
Warm Up at He Puna Taimoana
After a day in the cold, nothing warms you to the bone quite like a soak in a hot water pool. Just 15 minutes from central Christchurch, He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools it has five heated saltwater pools overlooking New Brighton Beach, as well as a sauna and steam room.
Winter Events, Gardens & Cosy Cafés
A frosty morning is one of the best times to wander through Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. While you might not get to enjoy the summer foliage, the low winter light makes the gardens take on a completely different character; perfect for photographers.
The city’s café culture also comes into its own in winter. Spend a slow hour sipping a coffee at Unknown Chapter, Child Sister or C1 Espresso, or keep an eye on the local events calendar for Christmas-in-July dinners, winter festivals and seasonal ice skating that pop up over June and July.
Where to Eat in Christchurch This Winter
A chilly winter evening is made for good food and a bottle of Central Otago pinot noir, and New Regent Street is one of the city’s best dining precincts, with everything from intimate wine bars to award-winning restaurants within a short walk of one another.
If you’re staying at The George, you don’t need to head back out into the winter weather to enjoy the best that the region has to offer. 50 Bistro serves up seasonal New Zealand cuisine and a phenomenal range of wines, which you can enjoy before moving through to the lounge for a nightcap beside the fire.
What to Pack for Winter in Christchurch
Winter temperatures generally sit between 0°C and 12°C, so layers are your best friend, particularly if you’re planning to head from the city to the skifields in the same day.
Bring a warm waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear if you’re visiting the snow or trying any of the local walks, and a hat and gloves to keep the edge off.
Stay Close to Christchurch’s Best Winter Experiences
One of the advantages of staying at The George is that you’re never far from Christchurch’s best winter experiences. Hagley Park is right across the road, Victoria Street’s restaurants and wine bars are a short stroll away, and day trips to Canterbury’s ski fields are easy to plan from the city.
If you’re planning a trip to Christchurch in winter, we’d love to be part of the experience. Learn more about The George, or explore our Special Offers.