Ashburton District & Methven

The Ashburton District stretches from the Southern Alps in the west to the east coast of the Canterbury Plains. It's boundaries are the Rakaia River in the north and the Rangitata River in the South, and encompasses the towns of Ashburton, Methven, Rakaia, Mt Somers.

 

Methven is a popular spot in winter with skiers & snowboarders heading to near-by Mount Hutt Ski Field and provides some good après-ski acivities.  It's also a popular place for Heli-skiing and Hot Air Balloon safaries over the Canterbury plains plus many other activities such as hunting, fishing, golfing, horse-riding, sky-diving, jet-boating on the Rakaia River and scenic flights.  In summer you can choose from a variety or short walks or longer hiking trails in the area; Mount Hutt Forest Park, Mt Somers, Pudding Hill and Awa Awa Rata Reserve.