Methven - South Island, New Zealand

Methven Accommodation

Methven, located 100 kms west of Christchurch along SH77, is a winter sports capital and an excellent accommodation base for the skifields of Mt Hutt in the winter. During summer, Methven is a good launching pad to explore a wealth of natural attractions around it; Rakaia Gorge and Mt Somers along with many others.

Methven was first inhabited by Europeans in 1869 and was a farming town. In the mid 1970s, the skifield development transformed the town and it has been a sought after destination since then especially in winter. The only remnant of the old town is the Anglican Church.

Methven Activities

The jewel in Methven's crown is Mt Hutt Skifield, 26 kms to its northeast off the SH72, also dubbed the Inland Scenic Route. Mt Hutt is regarded as one of the best skifields in the southern hemisphere with a vertical rise of 655 metres and the longest run of 2 kms.

It offers a variety of skiing courses. The skifield does not provide accommodation and Methven is the best option for accommodation. There are frequent bus services running between Christchurch, Methven and Mt Hutt.

Washpen Falls is a 25 minute drive north of Methven and provides excellent walking trails. There are a variety of walks of differing durations. The basic walk provides splendid views of the Canterbury Plains.

All in all, it is a pleasant stress free relaxed tramp around beautiful bush. The advanced options include a guided tour for a minimum of four people and accommodation is provided.

Rakaia Gorge, located 15 kms north of Methven, is the point from where the Rakaia River originates. The Rakaia Gorge Walkway is a 15 km route and takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete and return.

It starts at the point where the SH72 crosses the river and goes through several forest areas and beautiful geological areas hardened by lava and volcanic rhyolite, through to the upper gorge lookout.

Below the gorge, the Rakaia River is a classic example of the braided rivers so common to this region of the South Island. Here, you can go on a jet boat ride for a heart throbbing pulse pounding experience.

Methven offers horse trotting and ballooning experiences that can be expensive. Horse trotting can be experienced 20 kms north of Methven. You can also participate in a race, driving in tandem in a horse cart drawn by a thoroughbred.

Hot air ballooning trips are a mindblowing experience here in Methven. It is a 4 hour sunrise trip and offers stunning vistas of the Canterbury Plains and the magnificent Southern Alps. This easily has to be one of the best ballooning flights in the South Island.

Mt Somers stands at 168 metres elevation and rises above the villages of Mt Somers township and Staveley. Mt Somers track provides a tramping opportunity in the high country above the bushline and in the shadow of the mountains.

The Staveley Geological and Historical Centre in the tiny village of Staveley, 22 kms southwest of Methven, is a 125 year old building and contains a great collection of information on the unique geology of Mt Somers.

A tramp to Sharplin Falls (1 hour return) is worth it if you are looking for a physically demanding activity. There are also 1 to 3 day eco-tours with accommodation, food and transport taken care of.

Lake Clearwater, on the way from Mt Somers through the Ashburton Gorge Road and adjoining the Mt Somers track, is an excellent spot for windsurfing. The highlight of the trip is the Mt Somers Track trek which is a 13 to 15 hour 1000 metre strenuous mountainous loop. This track demands peak level of fitness and the walk passes through defunct coal mines, volcanic formations and a deep river canyon.

Peel Forest Park is located 35 kms south of Mt Somers and is home to a vast expanse of beautiful forest and alpine vegetation. There are 13 walking tracks in the Peel Forest area. Of these, the Acland Falls Walking track, Allan's track and Deep Spur track are standouts.

The Peel Forest Park is home to the swift flowing Rangitata River. One of New Zealand's best white water rapids is in the Rangitata River and there are guided whitewater rafting adventures offered. The Grade 4 - Grade 5 rapids can send your adrenaline pumping to an all time high.

In winter, there is a wide variety of accommodation available in Methven. Only sixty percent of it is available in summer. There are some great cafes and coffee houses serving good quality food along with some lively bars. There is even a cinema hall screening movies.

LooknbookNZ can take care of your Methven accommodation and Methven activities bookings and let you maximise your time in Methven, the winter capital of the Canterbury Plains in the South Island of New Zealand.