mt lyford
North Canterbury boasts a beautiful resort that
promotes itself as New Zealands sunniest snow park, where
the atmosphere is charged with the excitement of winter fun.
Mt Lyford also has the
distinction of being one of New Zealands first true alpine
developments. Below the ski field is a picturesque village of log
chalets, which includes a subdivision known as Mt Lyford
Wilderness Retreat. Avid winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the
unique benefits of a private holiday home only minutes from a ski
field.
This field is a favourite with
families as it has great facilities for learners and a variety of
challenging runs for the more experienced. Services include a
kindergarten, the Chamois Café, day shelter lodge,
ski and board rentals, heli-skiing on demand and skidoo hire.
Alternative activities are less than an hours drive away - whale
watching in Kaikoura, jet boating and bungy jumping at the Waiau
Bridge and soaking luxuriously in the hot pools at Hanmer
Springs.
The field is open from June to
October and embraces an area of 180 hectares with a high point of
1,750 metres. Snow ratings are 30% beginner, 40% intermediate and
30% advanced, and lifting capacity is provided by 2 pomas, 2
platters, 1 fixed grip and 1 rope tow. Snowboarding is catered
for with the Wild Ride terrain park and a great
natural half-pipe, as well as tubing and tobogganing areas. You
can stay overnight in rustic log cabins set amidst the beautiful
beech forest, or in the spectacular Mt Lyford Lodge, the largest
log building in New Zealand.
Road access is off Highway 70
between Kaikoura and Waiau. The 8 km unsealed road passes through
the Lake Stella area, and ends at the Terako ski field car park.
A shuttle bus operates from Kaikoura, Waiau and Hanmer Springs.
Mt Lyford prides itself on its
ability to give visitors a natural high and the field
has every possible amenity to make this happen.
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