Christchurch is situated in Canterbury region of the South Island, and is the second largest city of New Zealand. It represents the getaway to Antarctica, while lying next to Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Overall the city is surrounded by Avon, Heathcote and Waimakariri Rivers, and the Canterbury Plains. The climate is considered to be temperate, with cool and mild summers (maximum temperature 23°C/73.4°F), and cold and frosty winters (temperatures fall below 0°C/32°F frequently).
One of the biggest ski areas near Christchurch is Mt Olympus. It is situated in the Craigieburn Range (in the heart of Southern Alps) and is a 2 hour drive from Christchurch at 128 km/79 mi. The site is open from mid July to mid October and offers a great destination for the lovers of off-piste/back country snowboarding.
Mt Olympus is mainly addressed to intermediate and advanced snowboarders, with many natural jumps and chutes, a varied terrain, a lot of challenging trails and a 450 m/1476 ft vertical drop. There are four rope tows to transfer you up the slopes. Enjoy the breathtaking alpine view!
