Methven is a small town in Canterbury region of the South Island. It is only 1.5 h drive at the west of Christchurch, the second largest city of New Zealand and is situated close to Mount Hutt, in the heart of Southern Alps.
Methven has hot and dry summers, with temperatures that can reach up to 30°C/86°F, and cold winters with frequent snowfalls in the surrounding mountains. Although during summer it remains a relaxed and uncrowded town, during winter it is converted to a tourist attraction due to the nearby ski fields.
One of the best and most challenging ways to explore the wider area of Methven is trekking. Mt Alford Track passes through the Alford Scenic Reserve and climbs steadily to the peak of Mt Alford (1,171 m/3,841 ft).
Prepare yourself for a challenging and demanding track with rocks, steep and muddy sections. You will need to cross unbridged streams and creeks on several occasions before getting to the summit of the mountain. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Canterbury Plains and the surrounding mountains when you get to the top.
Note: For more details on the trails and tracks check with the Information Center.
