Methven

In winter, Methven is a snow sports town. In every other season, it’s a place to launch yourself into all kinds of outdoor adventure activities.

Horse Trekking – Getting into the saddle is one of the best ways to get closer to nature and appreciate the pace and feel of the Canterbury countryside. Horse or pony rides and horse drawn wagon rides are an ideal, leisurely way to take in the rural and mountain scenery. You can also experience the thrill of driving a prize winning trotter from the sulky.

Mountain Biking – New Zealand offers some exciting mountain biking in the great outdoors! Methven walkway provides good views for mountain bikers, walkers and runners. Easier or harder trips can be made in the nearby Awa Awa Rata Reserve at the base of Mt Hutt and Rakaia Gorge Walkway while longer tramps and rides are available in the Mt Somers area.

Parachuting – Take to the clear skies above Canterbury beautiful countryside, and then jump from the plane in one of the most exhilarating, adrenalin-pumping thrills you will ever find. For the first 30 seconds you will freefall at around 200km/hr. Then, once your chute is opened, you will drift gently for 5 minutes or so as you head towards the ground. The views are breathtaking, the whole experience unforgettable. If you don’t have the experience to jump solo, you can take lessons or jump in tandem with a qualified instructor at nearby Pudding Hill Airfield. No previous experience is required for a tandem jump.

Farm tours – Spend time with the locals and experience their famed hospitality and warmth – you’ll remember it for a lifetime. An opportunity to enjoy and participate in the day to day running of a 700 acre working farm, close contact and hand feeding of a variety of farm animals is included on the tour. All while viewing the scenery and experiencing what is truly a unique New Zealand experience.

18 Hole Golf Course – Did you know? New Zealand has more golf courses per capita than any other country! You will also find some of the least expensive golfing in the world and where visitors are always welcome. Methven has it’s own 18 hole golf course that is considered to be one of the best country courses in New Zealand, with spectacular mountain views and tree lined fairways. For those that like to sample a variety of courses with varying skill levels the region boasts half a dozen great courses that are only a thirty minute drive away.

Fishing – Canterbury rivers and lakes provide an array of fresh fish unsurpassed anywhere else in the world! The nearby Rakaia river is a huge favourite for those keen on salmon fishing, while the many lakes, streams and tributaries of the area abound with both fishing rainbow trout and big brown trout. The season for the fly fishing lasts from October through to April while the salmon season is October through to May.

The Methven region (Central Canterbury Plains) is the finest place in New Zealand for experiencing the tranquility of Hot Air Ballooning. Due to it’s location being a substantial distance from controlled commercial air space, Methven balloons have the freedom to be flown to higher altitudes, allowing for breathtaking views. On a clear day, exceptional views of the entire Canterbury Plains (300kms) are expected, as are visions of majestic Mount Cook, the pristine mountains of the great Southern Alps and the beautiful Rakaia River. After sailing in the gentle breeze for approximately an hour, it is time to land. Upon descending, a champagne-styled breakfast served on a silver tray awaits you – a perfect ending to a perfect flight.

Skiing Mount Hutt – Mt Hutt sits high on the eastern rim of New Zealand’s awesome Southern Alps. With a stunning backdrop of range after range of snowclad peaks and staggering views across the patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean Mt Hutt captures the essence of the New Zealand experience.

Mt Hutt is arguably the best ski field in the southern hemisphere, because of it’s light dry powder which makes it a playground for skiers and snowboarders alike, in conjunction with it’s long season and reliable snow coverage backed up by modern snow making facilities, giving the mountain a season from the beginning of May to the end of October.

Heliskiing? Intermediate to expert skiers and snow boarders can enjoy the stunning wilderness of New Zealands mountains with a day of heliskiing. Professional guides will take you by helicopter to ski or board untracked snow, amongst world class mountains and glaciers.

White Water Rafting – With an enormous number of relatively short, fast-flowing rivers, New Zealand offers a range of rafting experiences that can be safely enjoyed by most adult visitors. White water rafting the Rakaia or Rangitata Rivers is a spectacular way to discover hidden parts of Canterbury. Experience is not required as there are qualified guides.

Jetboating – Some of the most exhilarating trips are available in Canterbury area! Jetboating is a truly New Zealand adventure. Experience the unique capabilities of the jetboat in its native environment, (the rivers that it was designed for). The experience is truly exhilarating, both for the ride and the natural wonder of the beautiful Rakaia Gorge. BBQ or banquets are available on the river, jetboating is suitable for all ages and fitnesses, and can be enjoyed the whole year round.