Our location at the base of the Southern Alps means that there is a wealth of activities right on our doorstep in both summer and winter.

► SKIING / SNOWBOARDING:

The skiing and snowboarding opportunities in this area are excellent - within an hour and a half's drive, we have 2 commercial ski fields, 5 club fields and three heliski operations. MT HUTT ski area is only 30 minutes drive (or hop on the SkiBus which picks up right outside Beluga). With one of the best mixes of mountain terrain in NZ, the longest season in the Southern Hemisphere and an award winning snow sports school, Mt Hutt is a fantastic choice for all levels of skiers and boarders. Or alternatively you can experience some of the best heliskiing in the world in the Arrowsmith ranges behind Mt Hutt - METHVEN HELISKI offers the best helicopter-accessed skiing and boarding in New Zealand and caters for all abilities from beginners to experts.

► GOLF:

Methven is a great base for a golfing holiday, with a variety of courses all within a short drive. METHVEN GOLF CLUB, just a 2 minute drive from Beluga, is known as one of the finest country courses in New Zealand, with its stunning views of Mt Hutt skifield and the Southern Alps. TERRACE DOWNS GOLF RESORT, just 20 minutes drive from here, is set in a spectacular location and offers an 18 hole championship course. Alternatively you can choose from 5 other rural courses all within an hours drive.

► FISHING / HUNTING:

The Canterbury region is home to some of the finest fishing in the world, with its wide range of rivers and lakes, the opportunities for anglers are endless. For those doing it yourself, daily fishing licenses can be purchsed, or for those wanting the full experience, guided fishing trips are available. BACKCOUNTRY NEW ZEALAND has established itself as one of NZ's leading fishing and hunting guides, with experienced guides and indepth knowledge of the area, they provide a very personised experience.

► IN THE AIR:

The ultimate way to view this beautiful Canterbury region has to be in the air. MT HUTT HELICOPTERS provide a variety of exhilarating experiences ranging from short scenic flights to heli-picnics, glacier flights or tailor-made charter flights to take you wherever you wish to go! For a different experience, AORAKI BALLOON SAFARIS provide a stunning hot air balloon ride above the foothills of the Southern Alps and the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains. Or for the adrenaline lover, try a tandem skydive with SKYDIVINGNZ, who provide a safe and easy way to experience the excitement of skydiving with breathtaking views from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean.

► IN THE HILLS:

This region has amazing walkways and tracks for all levels of walkers - whether you choose an hour long trek along the Rakaia Walkway or a two day circuit on Mt Somers. The walks provide an insight into the history, conservation, flora and fauna of the area. Detailed maps can be optained from the METHVEN i-SITE. Alternatively you can get on your bike with a large number of tracks in the area, ranging from the Methven Walkway to the more challenging Mt Hutt Bike Park. DOWN HILL NEW ZEALAND offer day rides, over night trips, or can tailor make experiences to your request. If you prefer a more sedate pace then try some of the excellent horse treking in the area.

► ON THE WATER:

Methven is bordered to the south by the Rangitata River and to the north by the mighty Rakaia River, so its not surprising that water activites feature highly. DISCOVERY JET provide qualified, experienced and Maritime NZ accredited drivers who know the river like the back of their hand. The jet boat ride can be experienced on its own or combined with a walk or a helicopter trip. If you prefer the thrill of the rapids, then RANGITATA RAFTS offer you the amazing surroundings of the Southern Alps, paired with the thrill of some of the most exciting white water rafting in New Zealand.

► LORD OF THE RINGS:

New Zealand provided the stunning film location for Middle Earth in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trillogy. Just an hour south of Methven lies Mt Sunday, better known to many as Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan people. The location can be visited independently or with the LORD OF THE RINGS EDORAS TOUR which provides a 4WD adventure to the location, a guided walk and a champagne lunch.