Methven (Mt Hutt Basecamp)

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Methven is sometimes referred to as Mt Hutt Village
Methven is sometimes referred to as Mt Hutt Village
Mt Hutt is just 30 mins drive from Methven & is one on NZ
Mt Hutt is just 30 mins drive from Methven & is one on NZ's largest ski areas
Some of the locals around Methven with Mt Hutt in the background
Some of the locals around Methven with Mt Hutt in the background
Methven Heli Ski has been around for many years
Methven Heli Ski has been around for many years
Methven is a rural town that becomes a ski town in winter
Methven is a rural town that becomes a ski town in winter
The Dubliner is a fabulous restaurant & bar in Methven
The Dubliner is a fabulous restaurant & bar in Methven
The Brown Pub is one of Methven
The Brown Pub is one of Methven's iconic pubs
And the Blue Pub is another famous Methven pub
And the Blue Pub is another famous Methven pub
A view of Mt Hutt from Methven at dusk
A view of Mt Hutt from Methven at dusk
The beautiful Rakia Gorge near Methven
The beautiful Rakia Gorge near Methven
Jet boating is a popular activity summer & winter on the Rakia river
Jet boating is a popular activity summer & winter on the Rakia river
Big Als is a great ski shop with a great range of rental gear & retail
Big Als is a great ski shop with a great range of rental gear & retail
Mt Taylor Lodge is our favourite place to stay in Methven
Mt Taylor Lodge is our favourite place to stay in Methven
Ballooning is also a popular activity around Methven
Ballooning is also a popular activity around Methven
Mt Cheeseman is a great family ski area about 1 hour
Mt Cheeseman is a great family ski area about 1 hour's drive from Methven
Mt Olympus is a go-to day trip for advances skiers & boarders
Mt Olympus is a go-to day trip for advances skiers & boarders
Broken River is another fabulous club field withing 1.5 hours drive
Broken River is another fabulous club field withing 1.5 hours drive
Porters is a developing commercial ski area about 1:15 from Methven
Porters is a developing commercial ski area about 1:15 from Methven
Craigieburn is an iconic club field located 1:30 from Methven
Craigieburn is an iconic club field located 1:30 from Methven
Terrace Downs near Methven is also a great place to base yourself & has a gold course
Terrace Downs near Methven is also a great place to base yourself & has a gold course

Methven (Mt Hutt Basecamp)

Readers Ratings

Methven

Methven3/54
Methven3 out of 5 based on 4 reviews
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Ski Methven New Zealand

Methven is a quaint little country town in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. Sometimes referred to as Mt Hutt Village, Methven New Zealand is an ideal base for skiing at Mt Hutt which is only 30 minutes away.

Ski Methven: Summary of Pros & Cons

Pros

  • A Methven ski holiday provides much better value for money than Queenstown or Wanaka. In particular, the Methven accommodation is where you’ll make big savings.
  • For those flying into New Zealand from across the ditch, flights into Christchurch are reasonably inexpensive, especially when compared to flights into Queenstown.
  • The positives of the town are what Methven doesn’t have – no crowds, no touristy hype, no attitude, and no pressure.
  • Methven has a great heli skiing operation, Methven Heliski.
  • Methven skiing is great for adventure skiers and boarders considering its proximity to the club fields.
  • Methven has quintessential New Zealand friendliness.

Cons

  • Those who just want to ski at Mt Hutt may be subjected to some non-ski days when it becomes Mt Shut.
  • Methven activities are rather limited beyond the skiing and snowboarding and there’s negligible shopping.

Pro or Con Depending on Your Perspective

  • Methven is not flamboyant like the ski town of Queenstown. The culture is pleasantly laid-back and it is a great place to unwind.
  • Methven might not have a beautiful lake, but it does have the spectacular backdrop of Mt Hutt and surrounding mountains. 

Where is Methven NZ?

Methven is located 94km west of Christchurch on the South Island of New Zealand and just over an hour drive from the Christchurch International Airport, so it’s very accessible.

Methven Accommodation

There is no shortage of accommodation in Methven NZ and every 2nd house seems to be a B&B, lodge or backpackers. Prices for Methven accommodation are incredibly low, so the town is a great place for a good value ski holiday. Go to our Methven accommodation page where you can view properties and compare rates, check availability and book online.

Methven Ski Fields

Most visitors to Methven will be very happy just skiing or snowboarding at Mt Hutt, but those looking for an adventure or in the event that Mt Hutt becomes “Mt Shut”, there is a smorgasbord of other Methven skiing options within 1.5 hours drive of town.

Some of the NZ ski club fields in the Canterbury Highlands are absolute gems for adventurous skiers and boarders, and a fabulous way to explore the skiwi culture! Craigieburn Ski Field, Broken River and Mt Olympus are best suited to advanced and expert riders with good fitness and an adventurous spirit. Approximate drive times from Methven are:

Porters (approx 1:15 hours from Methven) is a small commercial ski field that has terrain for all ability levels including beginners, and it is very family focused. Unlike most of the Canterbury club fields that have nutcracker ropetows, Porters is serviced by a chair lift and T-bars which are much less intimidating for those who've never used a nutcracker.

Mt Cheeseman (about 1 hour to 1:15 away) is also very family friendly, has terrain for all abilities, and has T-bars instead of nutcrackers.

There are shuttles between Methven and Mt Hutt readily available. To get to the other ski fields, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle or you can get there with Black Diamond Safaris who will also make sure you get the most out of the club fields. See our Methven travel page for information on how to get to the ski fields.

[AdListings collection="New Zealand" category="Methven" subcategory="Transport Clubfields"]

Methven Heli Skiing

The Methven area is also a centre for New Zealand heli skiing, and like elsewhere in NZ, the heli skiing costs a fraction of what it does elsewhere in the world. Heli skiing is an amazing experience for those who love skiing or boarding untracked snow, phenomenal scenery, and a great adventure. Methven Heli Ski is the primary operator in the area. Their steep terrain is particularly well geared to advanced to expert skiers & boarders.

Methven Bars and Nightlife

Methven NZ is not a crazy ‘party town’ like Queenstown. There is definitely nightlife, albeit somewhat mellow. There is a good selection of Methven restaurants and bars, and a couple of 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 New Zealand include jet boating in the Rakaia Gorge and playing golf on the picturesque golf courses.
Tours That Include Methven

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

South Island Snow Safari
FULLY HOSTED ROAD TRIP
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Skiing
Ability: Beginner to Advanced
This 8 day adventure is ideal for the young at heart who want to pack in as much skiing or snowboarding and fun as possible into a single week. You will visit up to 6 of NZ's great ski areas with professional hosts who will get you to the best skiing/snowboarding in each of the locations.
Price p/p Base/invoice currency is NZD
Price is per person dorm share (upgrade may be possible for extra cost)
Displayed price might vary slightly to actual due to fluctuations in exchange rates.
USD 1,829
View Details
 
See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Methven here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Mint Methven Heli Tour
METHVEN HELI SKIING ADVENTURE
5 Nights | 3 Days Heli | 1 Day Resort
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This tour includes 3 epic days of HELI BOARDING in the ARROWSMITH'S, PALMER & RAGGED RANGES with over 200 named runs. Based in Methven in stylish lodging with private rooms & ensuites, cooked daily breakfasts & dinners are included.
Price p/p From price based on private room with ensuite for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in AUD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,336
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Methven here

Heli Skiing Tours

Methven Heliski Day Heli Skiing
METHVEN HELISKI - DAY HELI SKIING
Standard 5 Run "Perfect" Package
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Methven Heliski is one of New Zealand's premier heli ski companies offering what many would agree is NZ's best heli skiing terrain. Don't just take it from us, book a day or more and experience it for yourself!
Price p/p From price based on PERFECT 5-run day in 2024.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 912
View Details
 
See all Heli Skiing tours that visit Methven here
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