About Methven

Methven is a small alpine village on the western edge of the Canterbury Plains, approximately 95km west of Christchurch. Sitting at the foot of the Southern Alps, it serves as the gateway to Mt Hutt — voted New Zealand's best ski resort for over a decade.

Originally a farming town, Methven has evolved into a genuine year-round destination. In winter, it buzzes with skiers and snowboarders heading up to Mt Hutt each morning. In summer, the town is a base for hiking, jet boating, hot air ballooning, and exploring the high country.

The opening of Ōpuke Thermal Pools in 2022 — a solar-powered hot pools complex with swim-up bar — has transformed Methven into a destination that works in every season. Combined with the Rakaia Gorge walkway, Discovery Jet, and a growing food and café scene, there's now plenty to fill a long weekend or a full week.

About Visit Methven

Visit Methven is a local accommodation and tourism site for Methven, Canterbury. We built this site to share the best of Methven with visitors and to offer a direct booking experience that saves guests the OTA commission.

Every attraction guide on this site is written from local knowledge. We live here, we ski here, we walk these trails. When we recommend something, it's because we genuinely think it'll make your trip better.