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New Zealand
> Canterbury > Methven
 Methven is a small
rural town set on the western Canterbury Plains, just over an
hours drive from Christchurch and a little to the
south of the Rakaia River.
In the summer it is a
quiet retreat, and in winter becomes a bustling support town for
the nearby Mt Hutt ski area just 30 minutes drive
away, (drive or bus to the ski field).
Local
activities include:
Exploring the quiet walkways.
Fishing for trout and salmon in the nearby Rakaia and
Rangitata Rivers.
Thrill seeking jet boat tours through the Rakaia
gorge
Horse treks
Hot air ballooning
Playing the 18 hole golf course.
Skiing and
heliskiing;
Within 10 minutes flying time you are amongst some of
the best heliski terrain in New Zealand. With over
1000 square kilometres of mountains, there are ski
slopes for all standards of skiers and snow boarders. (Operates on
fine days from 1 July to 31 September).
Hunting Red Stag, Wapiti-Elk,
Fallow Buck, Chamois and Tahr
 Book your stay at
The
Chancellor Resort Methven (photo right) - This
star resort hotel is on the doorstep of this Canterbury
adventure playground.
Rakaia Gorge
The Rakaia gorge is a popular daytrip for Christchurch residents
and is on the inland scenic route that bypasses the busy highway 1.
Just below the twin bridges that cross the Rakaia, there are jet
boat operators waiting to take customers on thrilling rides up
river.
For walkers, the Rakaia gorge walk
takes about 4 hours and a jet boat can be hired to shorten the time.
Boats operate Daily 9am - 5pm year around, weather and river
conditions permitting.
There is a campground above the river and some lodges nearby.
 McLennans
Bush
Awa Awa Rata - just off the Mt Hutt road McLennans
Bush is a delightful picnic area with abundant bird life. The
surrounding bush is native, but the picnic ground has been
extensively planted in rhododendrons which provide a fantastic
display in springtime.
There are many short walks in the surrounding forest, the Awa Awa
Rata Reserve Loop is a short loop track around the reserve through Rata and larch forest.
The Alder Track is a short track along the base of the
hill and a longer day
walk for the fit is Scotts Saddle or even Mt Hutt.
Staveley
From the highway, Staveley is signposted but blink and you may pass by this
small village on the inland scenic route.
There is a store/cafe.
 A
museum in the 130 year old Springburn school building in
Symes Rd which has displays of artefacts and photographs reflecting the history of
this small community. There is also an extensive geological display of the
unique geology of Mount Somers. Open the 1st Sunday each month 1pm-5pm or by arrangement.
Sharplin Falls Walk - about an hour return. A well formed track
suitable for people of average fitness. From the car park the track leads
over a bridge across Bowyers Stream and follows the walkway for a short
distance. Unless the stream is very high, the high water track provides a
circuit walk. Other walks to the tops and over to Mt Somers can be done
from here. Serious walkers/trampers are best served with the topographical map
of Canterbury No. 262-13 and hut bookings can be made with
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