Media release from Mt Hutt
09 February 2011

New Park & Ride service comes to Mt Hutt

Skiers and boarders travelling to Mt Hutt this winter can do so with new and affordable transport and car parking options following the introduction of the Mt Hutt Road Shuttle - a park & ride shuttle service, plus two new bus lines from Methven and Christchurch.

A brand new parking area and bus terminal at the bottom of the mountain’s access road will provide the shuttle pickup point. Shuttle services will run approximately every 20 minutes to and from the slopes, for just $5 return.

Those travelling to the high country ski area from further afield can jump on board one of two new bus services leaving from Methven ($10 return) and Christchurch (adult $45 return, youth $35 return). These services each include the price of the park & ride from the base of the mountain, but may require a changeover at the new bus terminal.

Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager Dave Wilson said the transport was designed to be cost effective and frequent enough to strongly encourage people to use it.

“The shuttle service will begin first thing in the morning and finish for the day when the last people are off the mountain – it’s a regular and convenient service,” he said.

“It’s designed to make it much easier for people who aren’t keen on messing about with snow chains and don’t want to own or rent a 4WD. This will be a great solution for those who love to ski, but don’t want the hassle of driving the mountain roads.

“The Park & Ride buses are 4x4 with 48-seat capacity and are built specifically for this type of service.”

A new building to provide shelter and to operate as ticket booth at the road base will be built in time for season opening and will enable people to buy their lift pass along with a return shuttle ticket.

For those considering buying a ski season pass, season bus passes are available, offering unlimited transport throughout the season.

Full season costs: The Christchurch Transport pass – adult $599 youth $399, The Christchurch Transport midweek pass - $399, The Methven Transport Pass - $199, and the Mt Hutt Road Shuttle season pass - $99.

ENDS

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