Porters Ski Area Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Castle Hill Conservation Area is an awesome place for a morning stroll. Good photo compositions can be found all over the place. We didn't get great light that day but at least some moody clouds.
Castle Hill Conservation Area is an awesome place for a morning stroll. Good photo compositions can be found all over the place. We didn't get great light that day but at least some moody clouds.
Absolutely stunning! We visited on the opening weekend and it was great. Powdery open trails, get trails for all levels too. Not busy by any standard, and the views from the top are breathtaking.

Advice: It is in a basin where the sun doesn't get to much so dress warmly! And I would recommend a 4 wheel drive as the road is very steep gravel :) 

Other than that - just the essentials. Snacks, and a camera!
Castle Hill in New Zealand is named after the array of limestone boulders in the area, reminiscent of an old run-down stone castle. Apparently it's the epitome of the South Island's climbing scene, however when we were there, we had the whole place to ourselves. It really makes you feel like a tiny ant, like my little boyfriend who is in the picture ☺️🐜 #InStone #castlehill #newzealand #rocks
First hike of NZ trip.
Porters Lodge

Porters Lodge

2.5 out of 5
State Highway Castle Hill
The price is NZ$206 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
NZ$206
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this ski lodge in Castle Hill. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Porters Ski Area and Kura Tawhiti Scenic ...
9/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
Room was well maintained and the common bathroom/toilet was clean. Staff was friendly and food was good. Everything expected in a ski lodge.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Porters Lodge
Methven Resort

Methven Resort

3.5 out of 5
51 Main St Methven Canterbury
The price is NZ$129 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
NZ$129
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Methven. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 3 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (150 reviews)
Very helpful and friendly staff. Upgraded on arrival.

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

Methven Resort
Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery

Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery

4.5 out of 5
623 Coleridge Road Windwhistle
The price is NZ$342 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$342
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Windwhistle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Popular attractions Rakaia Gorge Walkway and Washpen Falls are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (158 reviews)
Young kindly staff, great location, good food but it’s not a 5 star resort.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
A quite gateway in the mountain! Cass cottage 1 - Lake Pearson, Authur's Pass

A quite gateway in the mountain! Cass cottage 1 - Lake Pearson, Authur's Pass

Lake Pearson Canterbury Region
Stay at this cabin in Lake Pearson. Enjoy patios.
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
We stayed in Cottage #1, it was comfortable ,super clean, everything we needed was there and worked, so that was much appreciated. But the real bonus staying here is getting to meet Barrie, the host - he was friendly, welcoming and great to talk to. If you are in the area, this is the place to ...

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

A quite gateway in the mountain! Cass cottage 1 - Lake Pearson, Authur's Pass
Brinkley Resort

Brinkley Resort

2.5 out of 5
43 Barkers Rd Methven Canterbury
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Methven. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven Golf ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
Upgraded to a 2 bedroom and was very comfortable. Impressed with staff, location and accommodation. Unfortunately due to the season the restaurant was mot open but plenty of food/restaurants in town just a short walk

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Brinkley Resort
Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets

Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets

2 out of 5
5259 Arundel Rakaia Gorge Rd Methven Canterbury
Stay at this chalet in Methven. Enjoy free parking, a garden and a picnic area. Popular attractions Awa Awa Rata Reserve and Methven Golf Course are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Lovely stay with my young family. Very clean, very peaceful and had everything we needed

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025

Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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