Destinations | Mid-Canterbury
Mid-Canterbury a must, for any South Island trip
Mid-Canterbury boasts a wealth of wonderful family-friendly experiences – so here are 10 key experiences the region offers suitable for any trip.
Top 10 Key Experiences
Coming events
1. Adventure Ballooning Take a scenic balloon flight over the Canterbury Plains, including a champagne breakfast on landing.
Peak to Pub – Mt Hutt 18th September 2021
2. Mt Hutt Ski Area
Mt Hutt’s Peak to Pub is not just for the hard core, this race is achievable for anyone who is interested in challenging themselves physically and mentally. From New Zealand’s top multi sporters to enthusiastic amateurs seeking fun and personal triumph everyone is sure to have a blast.
Take to the slopes at the world-renowned Mt Hutt Ski Area, with its great natural snow and one of the longest ski seasons in the Southern Hemisphere. The #1 New Zealand Ski Field for six years running: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
3. Ashburton Aviation Museum Do not miss a visit to the Ashburton Aviation Museum, one of New Zealand’s finest. Exhibiting the only Harrier jump-jet in the Southern Hemisphere.
4.Hakatere Conservation Park Venture into the high country and explore our outdoor recreational paradise – be it biking or walking the home of Mt Sunday, a Lord of the Rings film location.
6. Dirt Bandits Cam Am Trails Experience the awesome adrenaline rush with Dirt Bandits, New Zealand’s Premier UTV motorsport experience.
7. Golf Mid-Canterbury is your gateway to playing on six of the finest golf courses.
5. Discovery Jet
8. Erewhom Station and Mt Sunday Experience
Jet boating in the stunning Rakaia Gorge, learning about the geography whilst doing 360-degree spins.
Erewhom Station is a picturesque 3,500-acre farm nestled in the Southern Alps, providing a magnificent backdrop for the Lord of the
Adventure Balloons NZ
SPECTACULAR SCENERY From the Southern Alps of New Zealand across the Canterbury Plains and beyond…
Rings - The Two Towers movie. Edoras the capital of Rohan is located on Mt Sunday. The station offers a one-hour wagon ride with Clydesdale horses.
9. Ashburton Domain Thirty-seven hectares of beautiful open space, lawns and gardens. It is the jewel in the Ashburton crown.
10. Trotts Community Garden A recognised Garden of International Significance having been awarded six stars by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.
Ashburton Boulevard Day is in it 45th year encouraging visitors to Ashburton to try local style and cuisine.
The Salmon Run – Rakaia 16th October 2021 The Salmon Run is a multi-sport event, a bike, kayak, run completion, short and long duathlons, half marathon or a mountain.
About Your Experience
Flight Information
Flights take place early morning, when the weather conditions are calm and stable, and so suitable for balloon flights.
Flights take place early mornings, when the weather conditions are stable.
You will be able to get involved and help our crew with setting the balloon up ready for flight and packing away afterwards.
42 | www.canterburytoday.co.nz
27th September 2021
The Flight We meet in Methven town centre before you travel a short distance with us to one of our launch sites, which will be chosen to give you the very best flight experience depending on the weather conditions on the day. Transport can also be arranged to and from Christchurch if required, please let us know when booking your flight.
Phone. 03 302 8172 Email. info@adventureballoonsnz.com www.adventureballoonsnz.com
Boulevard Day – Ashburton
The actual flight will last for around an hour, when you’ll enjoy the unique and very special experience of a hot air balloon flight flying at up to 6000ft, with superb long distance views across Canterbury Plains and the dramatic Southern Alps including Mount Cook and beyond, as well as the Rakaia Gorge, and its glacial river as it flows out towards the coast. After we’ve landed we’ll enjoy a celebratory drink before transporting you back to Methven.
We will transport you from the meeting point in Methven to the launch site, and also back after your flight. We can also arrange transport to and from Christchurch if required, please let us know when booking your flight. Allow up to 4 hours for the whole experience. Find out more about where to stay, eat, drink and other things to do in and around Methven and the Canterbury Plains.
Your Safety As with any air operator, we are regulated by the CAA, including our pilots and equipment which are all required to undergo annual tests. You will receive a full safety briefing from your pilot before your flight. We will only fly if the weather conditions are suitable to ensure a safe flight, and if not suitable the flight will be cancelled. If this happens then you will have the opportunity to then reschedule your flight.
