About Us - Location

In the heart of a rural High Country community, Terrace Downs is nestled on the edge of the Rakaia Gorge at the base of Mt Hutt. It is at the Windwhistle end of Coleridge Road, seven kilometres off the Inland Scenic Route (State Highway 72).

While alternative arrangements can be made, it is recommended that our guests bring their own transport to Terrace Downs as this allows flexibility to take day trips from the resort and experience the delights of the stunning area in your own time. 

DIRECTIONS FROM CHRISTCHURCH - SCENIC ROUTE VIA DARFIELD
- From Christchurch take Highway 73 to the West Coast
- Continue to Darfield and follow signs to Mt Hutt ski area
- Turn left at Darfield towards Mt Hutt and join Highway 72 until you reach Windwhistle
- Turn right off Highway 72 at Windwhistle and follow the signs to Terrace Downs
- Approximate travel time 1 hour

ROUTE VIA HORORATA 
- From Christchurch take Highway 73 to the West Coast
- After West Melton, turn left at Aylesbury Corner and follow sign to Hororata, continue approx 26 kms
- At Hororata turn left at the roundabout
- Follow signs to Mount Hutt ski area
- At the Windwhistle intersection continue straight ahead
- Follow signs for 7km to Terrace Downs
- Turn left at the front stone entrance
- Approximate travel time 55 miuntes

Driving times and conditions to key features are as follows:

Christchurch International Airport: 50 to 60 minutes, mostly on straight roads through the countryside. Little or no traffic.
Christchurch Central City: 70 to 90 minutes, the first 20 to 30 of which are within the city and suburbs with generally moderate traffic.
Methven, Mt Hutt Village: 15 to 20 minutes with the option of taking SH 72 or the gravel Zig Zag Road to the Rakaia Gorge. Fantastic scenery and very light traffic.
Mt Hutt Ski Area: 20 minutes easy scenic drive to the Mt Hutt access road. To get from the base of the access road to the car park can take up to 40 minutes depending on conditions. 4WD vehicles with chains may be required.
Lake Coleridge: 25 minutes scenic drive on sealed roads with very light traffic.
Darfield: 30 to 40 minutes, mostly on SH 72.
Hororata: 20 to 30 minutes on one road with few corners and minimal traffic.
Ashburton: 45 to 55 minutes.

In addition to being an easy one hour drive from Christchurch International Airport, Terrace Downs is also convenient to the West Coast and South Canterbury, making it an ideal day trip destination or a great stopover while on a tour around the South Island.

Click here to download driving instructions from Christchurch International Airport
Click here to download driving instructions from Arthurs Pass (West Coast)
Click here to download driving instructions from Geraldine (South Canterbury)