Springfield is a small town on the Canterbury Plains and is a gateway to a handful of Canterbury ski fields. The quiet rural town has a population of just over 300 and is often used as a base for skiing/snowboarding or a pitstop for those on the way to Arthur’s Pass.
Springfield New Zealand was sort of put on the map by a Simpson’s doughnut (or donut as Homer would spell it) although thankfully this town doesn't have too much in common with the Springfield town featured in the Simpsons cartoon. The giant pink doughnut was bestowed upon the town by 20th Century Fox movie studio in 2007, until it was “eaten” by an arsonist a couple of years later, and then a robust concrete replacement adorned the town.
Where is Springfield New Zealand?
Springfield is located on the Great Alpine Highway (Highway 73) in the Selwyn District of Canterbury on the South Island of New Zealand. It is 65km northwest of Christchurch and 69km northeast of Methven, at the foot of the Southern Alps.
Ski Fields Near Springfield
Springfield makes a nice base to sample some Canterbury ski fields.
If you don’t have a vehicle, Smylie’s offer shuttles from Springfield to the above ski fields, but as to be expected considering the potential bespoke service required, it is rather costly.
Also possible but further afield are:
Springfield Accommodation
The
Springfield Motel and Lodge offers motel rooms and studios with kitchen, and a small lodge with private rooms and shared bathrooms, kitchen and lounge area. See our
review of the Springfield Lodge.
Smylies offers a range of accommodation options include a hostel with kitchen, lounge and backpacker dorm rooms, as well as studio motel rooms and cottages.
Bahara is situated on the fringe of town with plenty of surrounding land. It offers two twin/double units with ensuite and private kitchenette with fridge, microwave and toaster. A continental breakfast is provided.
Springfield Accommodation Listings
Springfield Restaurants
Springfield Hotel is the go-to for après ski drinks and evening dining. The Springfield Hotel is historic as it was first built in 1862 as a coach stop en route to the gold on the west coast. Whilst not quite in the same league as the charming historic Cardrona Hotel, the décor is shabby chic without too much chic. The staff are friendly, the bistro meal choice is quite extensive and affordable, and you may meet some colourful characters at the bar for company.
For daytime dining, the Taste of Kiwi Café serves up great coffee and plenty of options for breakfast or lunch.
The Yellow Shack Café may have found some new operators. It used to be unaffectionately known as “the **** off café” for its rep as the rudest café in NZ.
Another option for daytime eating is the Highway Café and it also seems essential to have a Springfield doughnut from the food van at the pub.
For supplies, you’ll need to head to the grocery store in Darfield.