How to get there

Where is 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.

Ski Resorts Nearby Methven is a great base for skiing and snowboard enthusiasts. Mt Hutt ski resort is only 30-40 minutes away. Other nearby ski fields in Canterbury include Porters (approx 1:30 to 1:40 hours by car), Mt Olympus (about 1.5 to 2 hours away), Mt Cheeseman (approx 1:30 hours away), Craigieburn ski field (approx 1:30 hours away), Temple Basin (approx 2 hours away) and Broken River (1:30 hours away).

Nearby New Zealand heli skiing operators include Methven Heli-ski, Helipark New Zealand (Mt Potts), Mt Hutt Helicopters, and Southern Alps Heliski.

Alpure Peaks cat skiing is near Fairlie, about 2 hours from Methven.

Getting to Methven Christchurch international airport is the gateway airport for Methven. Methven is a 90-minute drive from Christchurch along the Inland Scenic Route 72, although some Kiwis would say it’s only a one hour drive!

If you want to sample various ski areas it is very advantageous to hire a car to provide some flexibility. If you plan to visit the club fields, hire a 4WD. And in the likely event of a "down day", it is very handy to have a car to get to other activities.

There are various shuttle services available for transfers from Christchurch Airport / Christchurch city to Methven e.g. Methven Travel offer several daily services during winter.

Private Transport from Methven to the Ski Areas If you don’t have a car, there are various shuttles to get you to the ski fields. One example of a transport operator for Mt Hutt is Ride Snow Shuttles.

For the club fields, Black Diamond Safaris provide ski tours to Craigieburn Valley, Mt Olympus and Broken River club fields. 

Some accommodation places will also provide transport (for an additional fee) to Mt Hutt and the club fields. Pinedale Backpackers Lodge is one example. 

Driving to the Ski Areas For information on driving to the ski areas see:
Transport Listings
Ride Snow Shuttles Ride Snow Shuttles
Shuttle services from Christchurch to Methven / Methven to Mt Hutt and return. Multi-day packages are available. Click on link above for schedules, rates and bookings.
Mt Hutt Snow Bus Methven Travel: Airport & City Transfers
Shuttle services from Christchurch Airport & City to/from Methven. Several services daily during winter. Click on link above for schedules, rates and bookings.