Ski and Golf with Terrace Downs as Your Base

Terrace Downs Resort is a serene base for experiencing ski, golf and adventure outings in the rich Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island.

Do

A 25-minute drive from the Mount Hutt Ski Fields, many guests of the resort in winter opt for hitting the slopes. No car? No problem. Catch the Resort’s private helicopter and you will be at the top of the mountain in five minutes flat. Non-skiers can also book helicopter tours any time of year – the views of the rolling green hills, Southern Alps and electric blue Rakaia River are just magnificent. Experiencing it all from the sky is great but still not enough. Highly recommended is a Jet Boat ride on the Rakaia River. You will feel like you are flying alongside cliffs and forest, also with mountainous views. The resort sits alongside its own 18-hole Championship Golf Course with 10 lakes, more than 60 bunkers and even more stunning natural views. Unwind after all the excitement with a facial or deep-tissue massage in the spa.

Eat and drink

If you’d prefer to do mealtime at the resort you will eat well at its house cafe and its restaurant, Hunter’s. For dinner, it is really all about the Merino Lamb Rack or the Rakaia Salmon, paired, naturally, with local wines. For an outing, Shackleton's Bar and Grill at Brinkley Resort in Methven serves respectable Italian cuisine accompanied by a wine list heavy on quality New Zealand varieties. For something even more low-key and local, have a meal, or even just a beer, at The Brown Pub.

Stay

All of the Villa Suites have the same beautiful views overlooking the golf course, so it’s really more about whether you need one, two or three bedrooms. If you are after extra space, luxury and privacy, they have fully self-contained four- to seven-bedroom chalets.