Aussie breakfast viewers get a taste of Mt Hutt’s ski scene

8 June 2017

Aussie breakfast viewers get a taste of Mt Hutt’s ski scene

A new push to encourage more Aussies to visit New Zealand for a ski holiday gets a major boost this weekend with live TV coverage of the Mt Hutt season opening.

Weekend Today, Channel Nine’s breakfast programme will broadcast twelve live segments from Mt Hutt and Tekapo, with weather presenter Stevie Jacobs showcasing the ski field and surrounding area.

Tourism New Zealand is working with Air New Zealand and Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism to bring the Today Show to the South Island.

“Promoting New Zealand as a ski holiday destination for Australians is a key priority for Tourism New Zealand,” says Tony Saunders, Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager, Australia. “This broadcast is a great opportunity to show Australians that the season has started and Mt Hutt is ready to welcome beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders.”

Vic Allen, CEO from Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism’s said: “Canterbury offers some incredible winter experiences on and off the mountain and also appeals to beginner skiers, which is a real plus. The fact that Mt Hutt is only 90 minutes’ drive from Christchurch and just three hours flight from Australia’s Eastern Seaboard makes it easy for Australians to take a quick and easy winter holiday.

“Mt Hutt’s open terrain for all ski and snowboard levels and dedicated learning facilities makes it really attractive for everyone plus the fact that kids ten and under go free,” says Vic.

Weather permitting, Stevie Jacobs will cross live from Tekapo Springs on Saturday, showcasing the hot pools, spa and ice skating with pre-recorded shots of some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.

On Sunday, he will broadcast from Mt Hutt providing some season-opening updates as he gets into his ski gear and enjoys a ski and snowboard lesson before rounding off the day with a beer and hot chocolate at Huber’s Hut restaurant.

Air New Zealand Regional General Manager Australia Kathryn Robertson says Air New Zealand is committed to driving growth out of the Australian market by providing more options and greater flexibility for Australian travellers visiting New Zealand.

“In conjunction with our trans-Tasman partner Virgin Australia we operate over 200 flights per week forming the largest Australasian network available.”

Air New Zealand is now on sale to the South Island. Sale fares ex Australia start from $179 per person one way. Sale ends 14 June.

Australia is New Zealand's largest international source market for ski and snow sports. Over the past three years, an average of 15 per cent of Australian holiday visitors – about 70K included ski, snowboarding or snow sports as part of their New Zealand holiday

Mt Hutt boasts the longest ski season in New Zealand and was voted New Zealand’s best ski resort in 2016 and 2015 by World Ski Awards.

ENDS

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