Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 03-302 8999;
www.methvenaccommodation.co.nz
; cnr McMillan & Bank Sts; dm $25, d with/
without bathroom $80/70; )
Spread over two identical large wooden buildings, this
modern YHA-associated lodge has appealing dining and living areas, including large kit-
chens. Prices include breakfast and equipment hire (bikes, golf clubs, fishing gear etc). A
bit more attention to scrubbing the bathrooms would lift it up the list.
Whitestone Cottages
RENTAL HOUSES $$$
$$$
( 021 179 0257;
www.whitestonecottages.co.nz
; 3016 Methven Hwy; house $210-350)
For those
mid-holiday moments when you just want to spread out, cook a meal, do your laundry
and have your own space, these four large free-standing houses on the edge of town are
just the ticket. Each sleeps six in two en-suite bedrooms.
DON'T MISS
MT HUTT SKI AREA
Canterbury's premier ski field, Mt Hutt (
Click here
) has the largest skiable area of
any of NZ's commercial fields (365 hectares), with its longest run stretching for
2km. Half of the terrain is suitable for intermediate skiers, with a quarter each for
beginners and advanced. Usually the season runs from mid-June to mid-October.
The skifield is only 26km from Methven but in wintry conditions the drive takes
about 40 minutes; allow two hours from Christchurch.
Methven Travel
( 03-302
8106, 0800 684 888;
www.methventravel.co.nz
)
runs mountain buses in season ($20).
Eating & Drinking
Aqua
JAPANESE $
(112 Main St; mains $11-17; 5-9pm Jan-Oct)
Dive into this tiny relaxed restaurant where
kimono-clad waitresses serve
yakisoba
(fried noodles),
ramen
(noodle soup) and
izakaya
-style dishes (small plates to share over drinks) to grateful guests. Top it off with sesame
or green-tea ice cream.
Cafe 131
CAFE $
(131 Main St; meals $10-20; 7.30am-5pm; )
Polished timber and leadlight windows lend
warmth and style to this smart eatery. The menu extends to all-day breakfasts, good-
value platters, soup, pasta and sandwiches, but beer and wine takes over later in the day.
It's also the town's de facto internet cafe.
