Methven is a tiny farming-and-ski village about an hour and a half from Christchurch, and most people only stop here on their way up to Mt Hutt. That’s a mistake. In winter it’s buzzing with seasonal workers; the rest of the year it’s a peaceful, dirt-cheap base for the Canterbury foothills with that unhurried small-town NZ feel backpackers fall for.
Things to do
- Mt Hutt: 30 minutes up the road in season — see our Mt Hutt post.
- Rakaia Gorge: Turquoise river, cliff walkway, and one of the best swimming holes in Canterbury on a hot day.
- Hot-air ballooning: Methven is one of NZ’s ballooning capitals thanks to the still, clear mornings. A splurge, but a beautiful one.
- Cycle the plains: Flat, quiet back roads with the Alps as a backdrop.
Hidden gem
The Pudding Hill and Awa Awa Rata Reserve area nearby is a peaceful native-bush pocket that almost no tourists find — wildflowers in spring and easy walking.
Why backpackers like it
It’s cheap, friendly, and a brilliant place to pick up casual work if you’re stretching your trip. Hostels here are sociable without being party machines.
Camping
Use the holiday park or designated/self-contained spots — check CamperMate and the Ashburton District rules before parking up for the night.
Methven is an easy, low-key overnight in a Campervanz van between Christchurch and the mountains.
