Just imagine a snow park getting extremely hot and sunny. Doesn't that astonish? North Canterbury boasts of a beautiful resort called ad Mt Lyford that props up as New Zealand 's sunniest snow park. Mt Lyford Alpine Resort is a stunning mountain property preferably located between the thermal resort village of Hanmer Springs and the renowned eco-tourism town of Kaikoura . Mt Lyford Ski Resort is a great attraction for skiers and snowboarders during the winter season. Lyford has an honour of being called as one of the New Zealand 's first true alpine development. The field is open from June to October and covers an area of 180 hectares with a high point of 1,750 metres.

Mt Lyford is a wonderful place to ski with wide open spaces, varied terrain to match all ski levels and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean . The surroundings of Mt Lyford are fully charged with the excitement of winter fun.

There are five lifts at Mt Lyford - 3 pomas, a platter and rope tow.   The Terako Rope Tow gives access to some of the best terrain on Mt Terako. There is no lift up to Mt Lyford so hiking is preferred.

Mt Lyford has very reasonably priced log cabins and lodges located approximately 15 minutes from the ski field. If there is a group of 10 people, get a log cabin booked for under NZD$15 per person per night. Another way is to stay in the town of Waiau which is situated about 23 kms from Mt Lyford. Waiau is a little town but it definitely boasts of a pub and take away outlet. They encompass small beds for NZD$15 per person per night. In addition to that there is a drying room, a TV and video. Other accommodation choices include luxury lodges, home stays or bed and breakfast lodgings. One can fly to Christchurch airport which is 2 hours away from Lyford and reach the exciting ski place.