Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Make sure you check your petrol before you leave Springfield (or Hokitika or Grey-
mouth if you're travelling in the other direction). There's a pump at Arthur's Pass Store
but it's expensive and only operates from 8am until 5pm.
TRAIN
ection stops in Arthur's Pass, heading to/from Springfield (1½ hours) and Christchurch
(2½ hours), or Lake Brunner (one hour) and Greymouth (two hours).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Methven
POP 1330
Methven is busiest in winter, when it fills up with snow bunnies heading to nearby Mt
Hutt. At other times tumbleweeds don't quite blow down the main street - much to the
disappointment of the wannabe gunslingers arriving for the raucous October rodeo. Over
summer it's a low-key and affordable base for hikers, bikers and fisher-folk.
Dominating the town centre, two giant historic pubs glower at each other across the
main street. Despite the rivalry between the Blue Pub and the Brown Pub (it's actually
beige, but don't tell them that), they're surprisingly similar.
Activities
Ask at the i-SITE about walking trails, horse riding, mountain biking, fishing, clay--
shooting, archery, golfing, scenic helicopter flights and jetboating through the nearby
Rakaia Gorge.
Methven Heliski
SKIING
(
03-302 8108;
www.methvenheli.co.nz
;
Main St; 5-run day trips $975;
Jul-Sep)
Trips in-
clude guide service, safety equipment and lunch.
Black Diamond Safaris
SKIING
( 027 450 8283;
www.blackdiamondsafaris.co.nz
; May-Oct)
Provides access to un-
crowded club ski fields by 4WD. Prices start at $100 for 4WD transport and safety
equipment only, while $275 includes a lift pass, guiding and lunch.
Aoraki Balloon Safaris
BALLOONING
