Canterbury inland scenic route: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Methven

Mt Hutt lookout over Methven and Canterbury plains

Methven has a well deserved reputation as a winter ski resort supporting visitors to Mt Hutt and nearby ski fields. Year round Methven is an alpine chic village offers year round things to do from markets, golfing, walks and swimming in mountain cooled braided rivers. In winter buzzing with the exhilaration of a day on the snow the cafe scene beckons. For outdoors enthusiasts horse trekking, mountain bike trails or simply indulging in a massage, Methven offers a warm hospitality experience. Methven is 90 km from Christchurch, at an elevation of 320 metres above sea level.

WHAT TO DO, HIGHLIGHTS

Rakaia River excursions from jet boating to walking across historic Rakaia Bridge
Winter sports skiing Mt Hutt
Ballooning Canterbury – New Zealand’s Ultimate Scenic Adventure
Heli-skiing in winter, heli-picnicing in summer
Outdoors exploring walks, rivers and reserves
Luxury and golfing combined at the Terrace Downs Resort

Rakaia Gorge and Rakaia River on the South Island

Rakaia River exploration:

Adventure Rates | Jet Boat Bookings | Methven | Canterbury the Rakaia braided river is a popular choice for visitors wishing to enjoy an adrenaline water adventure through the Rakaia Gorge.
Rakaia Gorge walkway The walkway passes through several forest and shrub communities before climbing the gorse-lined historic ferryman’s track. Continue along one of several glacial and river-carved terraces to a good lookout point. This will take about 45 minutes.
The walkway follows the rim of the gorge through spectacular geological areas, showing lava flows of rhyolite, pitchstone and andesite. It then descends into a gully under a canopy of montane forest and shrub, to the site of the Snowdon coal mines. The entrances to several coal mine tunnels can be seen here, and the remains of equipment used for extraction, for more information Rakaia Gorge Walkway: Walking and tramping in Mount Hutt area, Canterbury region. The Rakaia Gorge is on the inland scenic route, State Highway 77.

Take a selfie with RAJAH, Methven’s wonder dog and one of the first cohort into the New Zealand police dog team. Rajah was a great actor, promotor for law and order and, of course, a solver of crime. A fabulous statue of Rajah now graces the town centre.

View over Mount Hutt from Methven village, Canterbury, South Island

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Canterbury inland scenic route: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Methven

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