Mount Lyford
Mount Lyford is a peak in the Amuri Range to the west of Kaikōura in the South Island of New Zealand. It is also the name of a ski area to the north of the peak, and an alpine village and ski resort to the south. The ski area is approximately by road north of Christchurch. The village and ski area are accessed via the Inland [Kaikōura Road] between Culverden and Kaikōura that forms part of the Alpine Pacific Touring Route.
The summit of Mount Lyford is at an elevation of, but the skifield has been extended to a field on the adjacent Mt Terako at.
Geology
Mount Lyford Village lies close to the Hope Fault, an active dextral strike-slip fault that forms part of the Marlborough fault system. The Hope Fault separates greywacke rocks in the northwest from younger tertiary rocks to the southeast. The fault zone is approximately wide in the area of the village.History
Mt Lyford is probably named for Adolphus William Lyford who for many years was a shepherd at Highfield Station and then at Cloudy Range Station, which are both properties in the vicinity of Mt Lyford.Mt Lyford was originally in Amuri County until the local government reforms in 1989 when it became part of the Hurunui District.
Mt Lyford village
In 1986 the village and ski field were developed by Doug and Jenny Simpson, who formerly farmed in the area. The Mt Lyford development constructed and marketed an alpine subdivision of 97 large sections on a 60 ha site. Recreational areas and artificial lakes were also planned and strict building codes were placed on the type of buildings and construction methods use within the subdivision. Originally only log chalets were allowed to be built, with a minimum roof pitch of 45 degrees. In 2020 the rules were relaxed slightly but external wooden appearance is still required to protect the appearance of the village. There are about 50 log houses through the native bush in the alpine village area at an elevation of between 500 m and 750 m above sea level. Some houses are inhabited permanently, whilst others are holiday homes. The village is surrounded by beech, manuka and kanuka trees. Birdlife includes the New Zealand bellbird, fantail, silvereye, golden finch, quail, native robin and other species.Mt Lyford ski area and alpine resort
In addition to the subdivision the Simpsons developed a commercial ski field catering for families, featuring ice-skating, a day shelter/cafeteria, ski tows and car parking. The first ski field, Lake Stella, operated from 1989 to 1992. Following a run of several years of disappointing snowfall the resort moved higher up the mountain and expanded to a field on the adjacent Mt Terako. The higher elevation makes snowfall more predictable and the ski resort now includes access to Mt Terako and caters for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The runs cover an elevation range of 1249 m to 1740 m. There are several types of lift including T-bar, poma lifts, platters, a rope tow, and an advanced rope tow. Most trails are groomed and there is a snowboard board with half pipe and "fun box".In early 2001 Mt Lyford Lodge was opened at the base of the ski field access road with accommodation, restaurant and bar facilities. The lodge services the village and passing traffic on the Inland Kaikōura Road.
In 2004, the Mt Lyford area was used as a location for the shooting of a Korean film Antarctic Journal about a Korean expedition to the Antarctic.