Methven/Mount Hutt

Tranquil yet exhilarating, relaxing yet vibrant, Methven offers a perfect escape no matter what your taste or budget. Just one hour from Christchurch on Inland Scenic Route 72, this alpine-themed village buzzes in winter. Within close distance of nine Canterbury ski fields, some of the world's finest heliskiing country and majestic Mt Hutt, Methven is a snowsports magnet.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Methven, even if you are not a skier or snowboarder. The town and surrounding district also caters for those seeking a more tranquil, country experience. With just over 1200 people in an attractive rural setting, Methven can equally be enjoyed for its open spaces. Rent a car and within 10 minutes you are driving through farmland. Walk to the edge of town within 20 minutes or hire a bike for a ride in the countryside. Relax at the end of the day with a massage or sample a brew at a local pub while the Norwest wind turns the sky red.

Dine at one of more than a dozen local eateries or drive to boutique restaurants in the foothills. Choose from sumptuous 5 star through to budget accommodation. Camping grounds, backpackers, motels, resorts and luxury B&Bs offer more than 2000 bed options in Methven.

Venture into the Southern Alps for fishing, tramping or hunting experiences or step it up a gear with a high octane skydive or 4WD high country adventure. Or simply enjoy Methven's hospitality while you refresh and relax in our amazing space.

If you come to Methven looking for fun you'll find it unequivocally and also discover an unspoilt scenic paradise tucked away that everyone can enjoy.

Mt Hutt ski area is defined by its genuine Kiwi atmosphere. With one of the best mixes of mountain terrain in New Zealand, Mt Hutt is a must-do when visiting Methven and the Canterbury region. Views from one of the highest lift access points in the country are breathtaking.

Renowned for some of the best snow in Australasia and its long season from June to October, Mt Hutt Ski Area caters for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders offering a range of on and off piste runs. Excellent on-field facilities include substantial snowmaking, triple, quad and 6-seater chairs, magic carpet, an award winning ski and snowboard school, snowboard terrain park, licensed crèche and a great bar and restaurant.

The award winning Snowsports School and excellent facilities for learner skiers make Mt Hutt a popular choice for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Children aged six and under ski for free at Mt Hutt and a licensed Skiwiland Crèche and kids' facilities are also available.

Twenty five percent of Mt Hutt's terrain is dedicated to beginners, while 50 percent is accessible to intermediate skiers and riders and a further 25 percent suitable for advanced levels. Forty-two hectares are serviced by sophisticated snowmaking machinery.

Heliskiing opens up thousands of square kilometres of brilliant powder terrain. Steep and challenging chutes to wide open bowls and long powder runs are ready and waiting for skiers and snowboarders. Full and half day excursions are available from Mt Hutt Helicopters, the only NZ operator to have a heli-pad at a commercial ski field, and from Methven Heliski or Southern Alps Heliski which lift off from high country stations up the Rakaia and Rangitata Valleys.

Mt Hutt is just over one hour's drive from Christchurch and a 35-minute drive from Methven. Ski shuttles offer daily services to and from Methven. Mt Hutt is open seven days from 9:00am to 4:00pm and its season lasts from early June to late October.

Find out more about Canterbury's Ski Areas

Get in touch with the great outdoors.

Tandem Skydiving is an incredible way to experience the excitement of sky diving without having to learn how; and with Methven's location providing amazing views from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps, this is one activity you need to add to your "must do" list while visiting Canterbury.

The Methven region offers visitors an array of hiking & walking experiences; from a short walk suitable for the whole family, to challenging multi-day hikes across high country conservation land for the serious tramper.

Hot Air Ballooning provides views across the sprawling patchwork of the Canterbury Plains framed by snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.

Feel the thrill of jet boating on the Rakaia Gorge, a spectacular river gorge with fantastic mountain views.

Within half an hours drive of Methven you have a choice of six challenging county golf courses or one of New Zealand's best international golf resorts.

Surrounded by braided rivers, backcountry lakes and the foothills of the Southern Alps, the Methven region provides plenty of fishing spots and is a paradise for anglers.

Horse riding around the Methven region provides opportunities to trek over farmland or through tussock country with views across the Canterbury Plains.

A great way to view Methven's amazing scenery is by a scenic flight. Helicopter tours from Methven can take you to see some of New Zealand's most beautiful landscapes including the snow capped Southern Alps, braided rivers, back country lakes, rugged high country stations, and the patchwork of paddocks across the Canterbury Plains.

A 4WD adventure can take you on a journey into the high country wilderness to witness the unspoilt beauty that was captured in the Lord of the Rings.

Recreational hunting is also available in the Methven High Country area. Trophy hunting can be organised by a number of specialised hunting guides in the area as well as bird shooting.

There are many options for mountain biking; from fun tracks for the whole family (only a few minutes ride from the centre of town) right through to challenging downhill tracks.

View Activities and Attractions in Methven