Things To Do
Adventure
Skiing. Riding, Heliskiing, Mountain Biking, Jetboating, Heli Tours, Horse Riding & Hot Air Ballooning.
Walking & Hiking
From family friendly short walks around Methven, through to multi-day hikes in the high country.
Activities & attractions
Golf, Fishing, Clay Shooting & Archery, Ice Skating, Methven Encounter, Skate Park, Shopping & Art.
Health & Wellbeing
Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, GarGyms, Pilates Studio & a range of skilled therapists in a Therapists Directory.
Adventure
Mt Hutt
Mt Hutt has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort ten years running at the World Ski Awards. A true alpine experience, with wide-open terrain, leg-burning runs, monster snowfalls, and spectacular views. You’ve not skied in New Zealand until you’ve skied Hutt!
The skiable area of 365 hectares offers wide groomed slopes, all-lift access for all abilities, top to bottom terrain parks with world class jumps, and some of the best off-piste skiing around.
Aside from the terrain and friendly vibe, another feature that makes Mt Hutt popular is its height. At an altitude of 2086m this is the South Island’s highest chair lift. Check out the spectacular views the Pacific Ocean in one direction and into the heart of the Southern Alps in the other, before hitting a leg-burning run.
With an annual four-meter snow fall, Mt Hutt also typically results in one of the longest snow seasons in New Zealand with legendary powder days.
Mountain Biking & Cycling
Methven’s rural location and close distance to Mt Hutt, the Mid Canterbury foothills and Department of Conservation high country means that there are plenty of options for mountain biking & cycling.
A range of established mountain bike trails in the area ensures there is something for everyone – from beginners to advanced.
Bike Methven
Join the adventure with Bike Methven – the community-led bike club based in the heart of Mid-Canterbury, New Zealand. From flowing single-track and technical enduro lines to family-friendly loops, the club’s home at Mt Hutt Bike Park delivers over 40 km of trails across all levels of ability. With over 400 members and counting, Bike Methven brings together riders of every discipline – cross-country, downhill, enduro and road – all united by the trail.
You’re invited: grab your helmet, join a Wednesday ride, dig in at a trail build, or get involved in the next big event. The club is behind major developments like new intermediate tracks and a skills-park initiative, driving the future of riding in the region. Riding season, shuttle days, fun socials and community spirit, that’s what we’re all about.
Mt Hutt Bike Park
The Mt Hutt Bike Park at the base of the Mt Hutt Ski Area has over 40km of XC, downhill and single track trails. From a family friendly XC loop to epic single track, double-black diamond technical descents and with some nice climbs to link it all together.
All tracks are well maintained with berms, bridge features and jumps. But don’t let the jumps put you off; there are easy lines around all the features and jumps catering for all riders.
Methven Walkway
An easy track following grass verges beside private farmland and the Rangitata Diversion Race, the Methven Walkway starts/finishes at the Methven iHub, and is intersected by various country roads allowing several options around the outskirts of Methven.
Methven Skills Park
Located on Chertsey Road (behind the Medical Centre) in Methven for those wanting a place to learn, practice, and play..
Ashburton River Trails
Ashburton MTB Loop
A 20 minute drive from Methven is Mountain Bike Ashburton’s purpose built mountain bike track. The loop is well sign-posted to guide riders through the named sections in a clockwise direction. It is rideable for all ages but caution should be taken by less experienced riders. The full loop is 11.5km but can be shortened by turning around in several places.
> MTB Loop Map
Hakatere Conservation Park
An array of options is available for mountain bikers in the Hakatere Conservation Park, with most tracks being classed as grade 2 by the Department of Conservation – mostly flat with some gentle climbs on smooth track, with easily avoidable obstacles such as rocks and potholes. Options include:
- Stour River
- Lake Emma to Lake Camp
- Lake Clearwater
- Potts Hut
- Mystery Lake
- Buicks Bridge to Potts Bridge
- Lake Heron to Double Hut
Visit the team at the iHub Methven or Big Al’s Snowsports for trail-maps, riding tips and information on all the local trails. And just in case you were wondering why we would recommend dropping into a snow shop for MTB information – Big Al’s have been around bikes for a long as they have been around snowsports. They provide bike rental (full suspension x country and XC hardtrails), retail (including helmets, pumps, drink cages, car racks, and a good range of tyres and tubes), bike sales, and workshop facilities.
Heliskiing
Methven Heliski is the closest heliskiing to Christchurch and they are based in Methven. The heliski territory the “Arrowsmiths”, spans 3 mountain ranges.
The Arrowsmith, Ragged, and Palmer Ranges are at the headwaters of the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers. These mountains catch snow from every winter storm to deliver NZ heliskiing’s most consistent snow conditions and quality.
New Zealand’s best range of heliski terrain has runs for all standards of heliboarder and heliskier, from beginner to expert with over 1,000 square kilometres of mountains to roam and over 200 named heliskiing runs across 3 mountain ranges. The average vertical drop is approx 850 vertical metres.
Nowhere else in NZ (outside of the Mt Cook area) can you find the glaciated high-alpine heliskiing terrain that Methven Heliski offers.
Ski the Heart of Canterbury
With world-class Mt Hutt just minutes from the village, Methven is perfectly placed at the heart of Canterbury’s snow country. But the adventure doesn’t stop there.
A little further afield, Mt Dobson, Ohau and Porters Alpine Resort each offer their own unique experience. Mt Dobson boasts expansive runs and a relaxed, friendly vibe; Ohau pairs pristine powder with stunning lake views; and Porters is a convenient, family-friendly option close to Christchurch, known for its smooth groomers and welcoming atmosphere.
For those seeking a more traditional and adventurous experience, Canterbury is also home to the famous “Clubbies” — six volunteer-run ski fields including Craigieburn, Broken River, Mt Olympus, Cheeseman, Temple Basin and Fox Peak. These offer a backcountry feel, uncrowded slopes, and a chance to ski like a local.
Jetboating the Rakaia Gorge
Hold on tight as your skillful driver weaves the jet through an intricate braided river channel system, skimming along the rocky banks and gushing waters, home to Salmon and Trout fish. You will journey through the Rakaia Gorge, wind flowing through your hair and cool water splashing you with every twist and turn your driver makes as you take in the stunning scenery.
The scrub covered hills change to towering coal and limestone cliffs in shades of greys and browns, carved in the land over millions of years. Marvel at the snow capped Southern Alps between exhilarating 360 degree spins! With highly experienced drivers they will show you the treasures of the gorge, accessing spots others can only dream of!
Hot Air Ballooning
There can be few finer places to take a balloon flight than New Zealand’s Canterbury Plains.
Adventure Balloons take off close to the foothills of Mt Hutt, where the mountains provide excellent shelter from the prevailing North Westerly winds.
They have unlimited airspace restrictions up to 9,500 ft which offers fantastic panoramic views across the southern alps as far away as Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring and also looking east across the patchwork landscape of the Canterbury plains to the Pacific coast.
Chief Pilot Graeme Church has over 35 years hot air balloon experience flying in New Zealand, the UK and other parts of Europe, including Alpine Flying as well as a flight across the English Channel!
High Country Horse Adventures
Experience the high country on horseback. Choose from a part day or one day trail ride out of Lake Coleridge Village or a classic 2, 3, 4 or 5 day backcountry trek through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular remote high country, camping overnight in authentic musterer’s huts.
They have horses to suit all levels of rider experience, from beginner and novice to the experienced rider. If you are an experienced rider, let them know and they will let you ride to your full ability where the group experience mix allows. They have gentle horses, and match the horse to the rider and the level of riding experience and skill.
Enjoy the stunning Canterbury High Country on horseback with breathtaking views with experienced guides who will make sure you are safe all along.
Heli Scenic Flights
While enjoying Methven take the opportunity to see our area from the skies. Take in the stunning views, with opportunities for photos of the Rakaia Gorge, Mount Hutt, and the Canterbury Plains.
Local company, Heli Rural also provide High Country scenics, Wildlife Spotting flights and the opportunity to see Mt Hutt and the Southern Alps from above.
If you don’t like the idea of driving to Mt Hutt in the ski season, you can take advantage of their heli taxi service from Methven, Terrace Downs or the base of the Ski Area.
Activities & Attractions
Golf
The five local golf clubs in Mid Canterbury are known as some of the finest country courses in New Zealand. The clubs, all within an hour’s drive from Methven include Methven, Rakaia, Ashburton, Tinwald and Mayfield Clubs.
The Methven 18-hole Golf Course offers spectacular views of Mt Hutt Ski Area and the Southern Alps and is is open year round to all visitors and members. There are organised club competition days on Saturday, Wednesday and Friday morning for 9 holers – casual golfers are always welcome. They have golf clubs, trundlers, carts and buckets of balls available for hire and a free practice green to use.
Fishing
Trout and salmon are the most common fish to catch in the region. The majority of the country’s salmon run is contained within the central area of the South Island and trout fishery habitats exist in many of the small local rivers. It is important to ensure that you are fishing within public land and you have a licence.
Fishing is regulated in New Zealand and all people wishing to participate in the sport need to obtain an appropriate licence to do so. You can purchase your fishing licence online by visiting Fish and Game New Zealand.
The Rakaia River is fed by the Southern Alps and is a large braided river with great stocks of salmon and trout. The lagoon and river mouth are popular with anglers and are easily accessible. Prime salmon season is Mid-January to Mid-March with the prime time for trout between November and February.
Clay Shooting & Archery
Archery and Clay Bird Shooting can be experienced at Terrace Downs Resort, nestled on the edge of the Rakaia Gorge just 15 minutes from Methven and Mt Hutt in Canterbury.
Newzengland operate 7 days a week (bookings are essential) in most weather conditions. Their Mini Olympic Challenge combines clay shooting, archery and golf chipping. A great group activity for friends and family, work colleagues, and hens or stag parties. All activities are safe, cater to all abilities and are heaps of fun!
Owner Neil is a fantastic instructor (he spent 12 years as a senior instructor at The Royal Berkshire Shooting School in England) and the location is amazing.
Ice Skating
The idea for a local ice-skating rink was raised during a conversation in the Staveley store between Eddie Totty and Ted Burgess Snr one very cold frosty morning in 1949. A meeting was held and Sydney Bufton volunteered to take temperature readings at different sites over the next two years to determine the best site for a rink. The site chosen just happened to also be an attractive bush setting.
Staveley Ice & Curling Rink opened in 1951 and remained one of the few natural ice skating locations in New Zealand until 2023. The effects of climate change and increasingly warm winters led to limited opening of the rink during the last decade.
In 2021 the Staveley Hall Society undertook an ambitious $ 1m + project to develop and deliver the infrastructure works delivering a guaranteed 3 month opening season each winter. They succeeded!
Methven Encounter
The New Zealand Alpine & Agriculture Encounter is an experiential visitor attraction located in the centre of Methven, Mid Canterbury.
This multi-faceted walk through encounter uses audio/visual displays, large exhibits showcasing farming and snow sports. The Encounter also has three sub themes, geology, weather, and water.
The Encounter has been created to give visitors a real understanding of the way of life in rural Canterbury and the way our two key industries, farming and snowsports are linked together through trade, tourism and shared reliance on our unique geology and climate.
Skate Park
Many years in the making, the Methven Skatepark opened in early 2020 and is located on the corner of Bank and McMillan Streets.
Featuring international standard features, Methven Skatepark has now become one of the premier skateparks in New Zealand. The development of the skatepark was underpinned by the enormous energy and dedication from local community group Kidz Methven.
Methven Skatepark features a large bowl, mini ramp and a street/transition area. It‘s a spacious concrete skatepark that has something for everyone whether you‘re a rookie or a more experienced skater.
Shopping & Art
Everything in Methven is in within walking distance so why not take a wander around town and check out some of the shops.
From outdoor equipment to local souvenirs Methven has a great range of shops. For a small rural town we have an impressive list of services including a medical centre, pharmacy, petrol station & mechanics, gym, health & beauty, and real estate shops, along with some great local arts and crafts shops and an art gallery showcasing some of the many talented local artists.
In winter, there are two ski and snowboard shops who change identities in the summer months to become the local bike shop and an outdoors shop.
