Methven in New Zealand is known for its spectacular landscape, which was used as Edoras in the filming of The Lord of the Rings. It is located at the western edge of Canterbury Plains. Visitors come to New Zealand for adventures and adrenaline surging activities: other than skiing, hot air ballooning is one popular activity here, and not to forget skydiving! Annually there are events planned out to spike up the excitement like motorcycle street-racing and Redo, the events are suitable for the whole family’s enjoyment. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Methven!
1. Hot air ballooning
The best spot for hot air ballooning is found in the Canterbury Plains, which is nestled inland with prevailing breeze from the Southern Alps. You can enjoy great views of the plains up in the balloon, which have grown a large variety of arable crops. Deer, dairy cattle, llamas, alpacas and ostriches are commonly seen on the plains.
Hot air ballooning
Address: Methven, South Island
Website: Hot air ballooning
2. The annual Mountain Thunder motorcycle street-races
This annual motorcycle street race takes place every Easter Saturday at the town of Methven. Racing around a tight 1 kilometer (0.6 mi) circuit, racers (from across New Zealand) compete to finish the laps in 32-34 seconds with a speed up to 200 kilometers (120 mi) per hour. The Easter event is suitable for all ages, spectators are safely kept behind security fencing yet still can view the race up close. This is a time when speeding is legal and it’s all right to cheer.
The annual Mountain Thunder motorcycle street-races
Website: The annual Mountain Thunder motorcycle street-races
3. The Annual Methven Rodeo
Come to Methven and join the 6,000 people this year for one of the largest rodeos in New Zealand. The yearly event happens every year in October, and there is something planned out for everyone in the family!
Methven Rodeo
Address: Methven Rodeo Club, 127 Main Street, Methven, Mid Canterbury
Website: Methven Rodeo
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4. New Zealand Alpine and Agriculture Centre
This is a good place for families with kids with only a 10 USD entrance fee. The centre provides lots of educational materials and videos on agriculture, dairying and the historical development of the Mt Hutt Skifield. There is an information centre and a little souvenir shop.
New Zealand Alpine and Agriculture Centre
Address: Methven Heritage Centre, 160 Main Street, Methven, Canterbury, NZ
5. Lake Coleridge
About an hour drive from Methven will bring you to Lake Coleridge, where adventures await visitors. Be it just a slow walk or scenic drive, Lake Coleridge has all kinds of activities for everyone! You can choose from farms tours, 4WD tours or garden and heritage tours, or take a jetboat, go golfing, horse trekking, hunting, fishing, and there’s also group adventure activities. Along the way, do read the information panels about the area’s history.
Lake Coleridge
Website: Lake Coleridge
6. Smith Gallery
This gallery showcases Karen Smith’s artwork. Karen is an acclaimed artist in New Zealand. She works from her home studio located at the heart of Methven at the base of the Southern Alps. You may visit her studio, but by appointment only.
Smith Gallery
Address: 3 Cameron Street, Methven 7730
Website: Smith Gallery
7. Cinema Paradiso Methven
Cinema Paradiso https://www.facebook.com/cinemaparadisomethven/ - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
This boutique cinema is the smallest cinema in New Zealand to offer blockbuster movies. It is located near Mt Hutt. You can enjoy your selected movie six days a week (closed on Tuesdays), and if you like, you can bring in a glass of wine or beer while watching legally under their license. Popcorn, soft drinks and candy are also available.
Cinema Paradiso Methven
Address: 112 Main Street, Methven 7730
Website: Cinema Paradiso Methven
8. Skiing at Mt. Hutt
The mountain resort at Mt Hutt provides ski field for skiing and snowboarding, varied levels are catered for. You can have the peace of mind when you ski as there are on site restaurants, retail stores and gear storage for all your needs. Check out the weather report to ensure a pleasant ride on the field!
Mount Hutt Skifield
Address: Mount Hutt Skifield Access Rd, Mount Hutt 7782, New Zealand
Website: Mount Hutt Skifield
9. Helicopter Skiing Tour
This tour operates from 1st July to 30 September each year to provide packages like multi-day heliski trips, and private charter heliskiing. Participants will ski and ride the Arrowsmiths - a glaciated mountain range running parallel to the main divide of the Southern Alps.
Helicopter Skiing Tour
Website: Helicopter Skiing Tour
10. Skydiving
If you enjoy the thrill in the air, you will like this #1 skydiving spot in Canterbury, in the south island of New Zealand. Take the plane ride up and have your tandem skydive, where you can enjoy the view of New Zealand before you free fall, this is a true “kiwi” experience!
Skydiving
Address: Canterbury, the South Island of New Zealand
Website: Skydiving
New Zealand's thrills await
If you are yet to visit New Zealand, start with Methven! The small town has reserved all the “Kiwi” experiences for their visitors through their annual events, museums and many exciting seasonal activities. Methven offers the thrills only New Zealand can offer, come and see for yourself!
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