Getting Here

Now you’ve discovered us, you might as well come and say hello! And it really is so easy. We’re only 89km from Christchurch – just a bit over an hour in the car, out along the Great Alpine Highway.

Simply take Highway 73 heading west from Christchurch, and it’s an easy, predominantly straight drive to Porters. You’ll pass through the small country townships of Darfield (last spot to hire chains at Gnomes Snow Shop), Sheffield (great home-made pies at the bakery) and Springfield, which is our base village and is the last stop to get petrol and food before you head up.

From Springfield, you head through the Porters Pass, past Lake Lyndon, and we are well sign-posted on the left side of the road. We also run a free mountain road shuttle on demand, see below for further information.

If you happen to be coming to see us from Methven, click here and we’ll show you how close we really are!

Drive Yourself

Porters is a little more than an hour’s easy driving from Christchurch. Once you get here, it’s all good – our access road is in tip-top shape, it’s one of the easiest in the country.

However before you head off, remember to check the snow report on our website to see if chains are required. If you’s rather not bother with snow chains, check in with us, we have a free mountain road shuttle and can transport you from the chain fitting area to the base buildings in no time. Shuttle bookings are essential, so drop us a line at info@skiporters.co.nz.

Mountain Road Shuttle

Don’t have chains for your car? Well that’s no reason to miss out on great skiing! Jump on our FREE shuttle bus that runs from the chain-fitting area on the Porters Ski Area access road. NOTE: During school holidays and weekends, the mountain road shuttle operates only on days when chains are required for the access road for 2WD vehicles. Please contact us if you are unsure.

The shuttle runs for confirmed bookings only, leaving the chain fitting area at 9:30am only (with booking). If you would like a ride up the mountain in the shuttle, just give us a bell, or send us an email, and we’ll arrange it for you. Bookings are essential. When chains are required for the access road, we operate the shuttle more frequently as required.

Phone: +64 3 318 4002. Email: info@skiporters.co.nz

Take a Shuttle From Christchurch

If you’re anything like us locals, you’ll want as much time on the snow as you can get. For a full day on the snow, a good idea is to book a ride on one of our shuttle buses. They leave Christchurch at about 7.30am, and head home at 4pm , back in Christchurch around 6pm.  It’s an easy way to make the most of your day.

If you’d like a bit more info, send us an email or contact the transport operators below directly.

Smylies Mountain Shuttle
Our good friends at Smylies offer superb services to Porters, inclusive of accommodation in Springfield. Various options are available from Christchucrh or en route to Springfield and then on to Porters. Call Colin to organise your trip today.

Smylies Accommodation and Tours
, 13 to 17  SH73, 
Springfield , Canterbury 7681  New Zealand.


Phone: +64 3 318 4740,  
Fax: +64 03 318 4780, 
Mobile: Colin – 0274718109, Keiko – 0274350347
. Email: stay@smylies.co.nz, Web: www.smylies.co.nz.

Snowman Shuttles
Return transport from Christchurch direct to Porters (to ticket office) in fully equipped vehicles with experienced drivers/guides. Daily Service, departing Christchurch from 7:15am, returning by 6:00pm.

Adults: $55, Tertiary Students: $50, Youths: $50. All inclusive day packages also available. Door to door service – check www.snowmanshuttles.co.nz for service area. Bookings essential. Methven to Porters return service also available on Mondays and Thursdays.

Phone: +64 3 337 5750 or 0800 SNOWMAN (0800 766 962), Web: www.snowmanshuttles.co.nz, Email: info@snowmanshuttles.co.nz

Snowbus
Snowbus offer return transport to Porters (to ticket office), operating from Fri-Mon each week, and all school holidays. The service departs Christchurch from 7:00am, returning by 6:00pm. Call or email for rates, group and charter rates available (18 or 22 seater bus).

Designated pick up points – check www.christchurchandbeyond.co.nz for service area. Bookings essential.

Phone: +64 3 383 5512 or 0800 SNOWBUS (0800 766 928), Web: www.christchurchandbeyond.co.nz, Email: info@christchurchandbeyond.co.nz

Alpine Transport Castlehill

Operated from ‘The Burn’ Alpine B & B, transport is available ex Christchurch, Castlehill or Flockhill to Porters. All transport must be booked at least the day prior. Fully licenced 4wd vehicle with the option of a trailer when necessary. Rates start from NZ$50 per person ex Castlehill (min 2 persons). Contact Phil for more information and further rates ex other locations.

Phone: +64 3 3187559, Email: theburn@xtra.co.nz, Web: www.theburn.co.nz.

West Coast Shuttle
If you’re joining us from the West Coast, the shuttle bus is a good way to go. We’ve got a regular weekend service, and one available on weekdays for groups of four or more.

Cedric and Marlene Trounson, 
52 Marsden Rd, Greymouth.

Phone: +64 3 768 0028, 
Fax: +64 3 768 0328, 
Mobile: 025 353429. 
Email: ski@westcoastshuttle.co.nz, Web: www.westcoastshuttle.co.nz.

Transport for School and Corporate Groups

If you’re coming with a large group, you’ll need an operator who knows the roads and is used to driving in alpine conditions. We have a range of options you can contact for your trip to see us. We recommend:

If you’re unsure, or need further advice on getting your group to Porters, please contact us for more information.

Transport from Methven – Pinedale Lodge

Pinedale Lodge is the perfect spot if you are looking to stay at in Methven and ski at Mt Hutt but are also looking at skiing at Porters and any of the club ski areas. Pinedale also offer return transport to Porters on the weekends, and on demand at other times. For bookings and information, contact Tim and Penny below.

Phone: 0800 METHVEN (638 483). Email: pinedalelodge@xtra.co.nz, Web: www.pinedalelodge.co.nz.