Mid Canterbury
Selwyn District Cave Stream Scenic Reserve This is an awesome walk through a 594m-long cave. Albeit wide, a head torch is necessary. Allow at least one hour and expect to get wet.
Methven
Arthur’s
& Mt Hutt
Darfield Market Darfield is the
Pass
District
Rākaia Gorge Walkway Mindblowing scenery features on this 10.4 km return walk. Allow three to four hours return, stopping at the purpose-built shelter to eat your packed lunch.
the base of the waterfall and feel the spray; a refreshing experience, especially after a one-hour tramp to get here.
Darfield Skiing With six ski fields to satisfy every type of powder hound, the only thing better than the varied trails, jumps and runs is the scenery.
Arthur’s Pass Village The gateway to Arthur’s Pass National Park, with loads of terrific walks starting from here.
Selwyn
Devils Punchbowl Walking Track Stand at
Methven
rthur’ & MtAHutt s
Fishing in High-country Lakes The three largest
mountain lakes in the area are lake Pearson, Lake Sarah and Lake Grassmere, all within 30 minutes by car from Arthur’s Pass village.
RĀkaia
MORE...
Craigieburn Forest Park As well as single and multi-day hikes, there’s a network of mountain biking roads and two ski clubs.
Pass
Washpen Falls West of Ashburton, this conservation project on a private farm comes complete with exceptional scenery, birdlife and a 2-hour loop walk to a waterfall and extensive views. A small fee is charged for access.
Selwyn
er RivLookout > Otira Viaduct
District
> Millennium Walk > MTB Tracks
Lincoln Liffey Cottage and Pioneer Hall The 1875 cottage has been fully restored. The hall houses historic artefacts and photographs. While you’re here, walk the 45-minute Lincoln Historical Walk.
Ashburton
quintessential rural community, evident at the Saturday morning farmers’ market, where fresh produce and local hospitality go hand-in-hand.
Down by the Liffey Gallery A dinky and
McHughs Forest Park Located on the edge of Darfield town, the reserve’s main track is a 50-minute looped walk.
Broadfields NZ Landscape Garden
RĀkaia
River
Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill Conservation Area A collection of
Methven
colossal limestone boulders. Discover a labyrinth of rocks reached via a 20-minute access track.
Ballooning Canterbury Float over the Canterbury Plains on a one-hour hot-air balloon experience.
Mt Hutt
delightful art gallery where local artists sell their work.
Discover 3.5haof landscape gardens, complete with a formal rose garden and cricket oval. Open every Wednesday and Saturday.
Blueberry Bliss In nearby Broadfield is a PYO blueberry orchard, open in summer.
Glenlothian Farm A petting farm where you can hand-feed animals including wallabies and rabbits. Open for summer and school holidays.
High-country Horse Adventures
Lincoln
Cross remote high-country terrain on a half, full or multi-day horse trail, including camping in musterers’ huts.
TOP: Devils Punchbowl Falls © Department of Conservation LEFT: Blue Pub, Methven © Miles Holden FAR LEFT: Mt Hutt © ChristchurchNZ
> Temple Basin Ski Area
Methven
huts, offering comfortable overnight shelter.
Methven Mt Hutt
& Mt Hutt
Windwhistle Twenty minutes’
Ashburton
drive from Methven to see braided rivers, a cottage-dotted landscape and the famous Terrace Downs Resort Golf Course.
Staveley Famous for its sausage
RĀkaia Lincoln
River
Mt Hutt Ski Fields Tear your eyes away from the dazzling Canterbury Plains to negotiate a wide terrain of green, blue, red and black runs across three main parks. With cafés, bars and tobogganing, this awardwinning ski area is a 35-minute drive from Methven.
Methven Golf Course Regarded
Newzengland Have a blast
as one of the finest country courses in New Zealand, enquire about traveller specials, with green fees from $50/round, including clubs.
honing your archery and shooting skills, held outdoors under snowy mountain ranges, 30 minutes from Methven.
Mt Hutt Forest There are three short walking tracks here, all of which are a gentle 45-minute meander each way.
Mt Somers Track The full circuit
Methven
Ashburton
Mt Hutt
See Map Section - pages 109 to 122
is a whopping 26km yet suitable for families. The two-day walk leads to the Pinnacles and Woolshed Creek
rolls, Staveley also boasts a natural ice rink, historic lime kilns and timeless Ross Cottage. With much of the early 20th century furnishings, you can now stay overnight in this Category 2 listed building.
JUST OPENED – Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spas Located in Methven is an idyllic environment for all including adult-exclusive hot pools with pool-side canapés and drinks as well as a kid’s aqua play area with a ‘crazy river’ and a ‘leap of faith’ plunge pool.
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