Methven
Methven is a quaint little country town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of
New Zealand, located only 1-1.5 hours west of Christchurch. Sometimes referred to as Mt Hutt Village, Methven is an ideal base for
skiing at Mt Hutt which is only 30 minutes away.
Methven is not a flamboyant like the
ski town of Queenstown. The culture is pleasantly laid-back, the people are friendly, and it is a great place to unwind. The relaxed culture also extends to the fashion which is all about dressing functionally.
In regards to the appearance of the town, Methven is a place of contradictions. Some buildings are unattractive and reflect the brown brick era, whilst other buildings are either tastefully restored, or modern and chic. There are clearly some great interior designers and architects starting to make a mark on the town. However the buildings pale into insignificance considering the spectacular backdrop of Mt Hutt and surrounding mountains.
Ski Areas Near Methven Methven is a great base for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
Mt Hutt ski resort is only 30-40 minutes away. There are also eight other ski fields within 2 hours drive including
Porters ski area,
Mt Olympus,
Craigieburn and
Broken River.
The Methven area is also the epicentre of
New Zealand heli-skiing with operators such as
Helipark and
Methven Heli-Ski.
Alpure Peaks Cat Skiing is also close enough to experience as a day trip from Methven.
Methven Accommodation There is no shortage of
Methven accommodation, and every 2nd house seems to be a B&B, lodge or backpackers place. Prices for accommodation are incredibly low, so Methven is a great place for a budget ski holiday.
Bars and Nightlife Methven is not a crazy ‘party town’ like
Queenstown. There is definitely nightlife, albeit somewhat mellow. It has a good selection of
restaurants and bars, and a couple of infamous pubs. If the foul weather sets in, there’s potential you might spend a bit of time at the Brown or Blue pub!
Non-Skiing Methven Activities Considering there is a reasonable chance that the ski areas and heli-skiing will be closed for at least one day during your stay, you will need to keep your itinerary flexible. Bring a book (and an umbrella) and plan for other things to do on your “rest day”. Non-skiing
activities around Methven include jet boating in the Rakaia Gorge, skydiving, and playing golf on the picturesque golf courses.
Why Holiday in Methven? Methven has quintessential New Zealand friendliness. It is a lovely place to visit - great value for money, access to a variety of skiing options, and an opportunity to slow down a bit. The positives of the town are what Methven doesn’t have – no crowds, no attitude and no pressure.