THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE.
Things to Do.
Methven is renowned for being the gateway to New Zealand's best ski field... and whilst thats actually true, we also have some really cool other things for you to do when the mountain is closed; which happens to be about 8 months of the year so check these out...
Explore things to do in Methven...
Events.
From craft fairs, harness racing and cross dressing pageants; to gnarly adventure races that traverse some of New Zealand's most epic scenery... Methven has some pretty cool events lined up for you.
Check out our events...
Our Community.
Methven is a place where old school Kiwi values thrive, Kiwi culture is embraced and where Kiwi's still care about their neighbour. Our Community matters and we all work collectively to support, encourage and nurture those around us.
Our Lifestyle.
In a world that's gone mad, there is still a place where you can enjoy an old fashioned Kiwi lifestyle. Values like hard work, family, community and friends are embraced alongside a lifestyle that is intrinsically alpine.
Explore the Methven Lifestyle...
Events Calendar.
For the latest list of major events happening in and around Methven, check out our Events Calendar.
If you have an event you would like to list get in touch with us HERE.
Check out the Calendar.
A PLACE OF ADVENTURE.
About Methven.
Methven (otherwise called Piwakawaka in Māori), is a rural village in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located near the western edge of the Canterbury Plains, just 35 kilometres north of Ashburton and 94 km south-west of Christchurch.
Methven was founded in 1869 by Mr Robert Patton, who purchased land and named it Methven after his hometown of Methven in Scotland. Between 1880 and 1976 it was the terminus of a branch railway from Rakaia and remnants of the original line are still visible today. The population of Methven village is now approximately 1,800 with the greater Methven area being a little over 4,000.
In addition to skiing, other popular attractions including tramping, jet boating and many other outdoor activities such as the local school’s outdoor pursuits classes ensure Methven is a buzz of activity all year round.
Methven is renowned for its relaxed lifestyle, warm hospitality and abundance of outdoor activities on your doorstep…we call this 'our playground’.
Methven's
Wonder Dog.
Methven is famous for Rajah, known as Methven's Wonder Dog, was New Zealand's first police dog. He lived here in the 1930s and earned fame throughout the country for his acting performances as well as his talents working for the police, solving quite a number of crimes. A gorgeous bronze statue of Rajah was unveiled on February 8, 2010 and is positioned prominently in the village centre.
Methven
Information Centre.
Located in the centre of town, the Methven iHub is your central source of information about Methven and the surrounding area.
Methven iHub is open 7 days. To learn more head to their Facebook page.
1785
POPULATION
Western Ward & the
Greater Methven Area
5535
1 Hour Drive to Christchurch
30min to Ashburton
30min to Mt Hutt Ski Field
40min to Alpine Lakes
426.7
PEOPLE / km2
Total Land Area
418 Hectares
3 Schools
4 Early Learning Centres
3 Pre-schools
5 Community Groups
Information sourced from the 2018 census.
838
DWELLINGS
87% Dwelling Occupancy Rate
150 Local Businesses
Locally based Police, Fire Brigade, St Johns Ambulance and LandSAR
Learn more about Methven & District Data here.
Mt Hutt Memorial Hall.
The Mt Hutt Memorial Hall (built in 1957) underwent a major transformation in 2011, creating a new focus for the Methven town and community.
An upgrade of the existing hall and function spaces (now marketed as the Mt Hutt Function Centre) provides a modern versatile space for live performances, conferences, weddings & functions.
