Amazing Space - Methven, Mt Hutt, New Zealand

The Methven region offers visitors an array of hiking & walking experiences; from a short walk suitable for the whole family, to challenging multi-day hikes across high country conservation land for the serious tramper. Below are links to the most popular walking tracks in the Methven region.
  Methven Walkway
An easy walkway mainly following grass verges beside the Rangitata Diversion Race (a hydro-electric irrigation channel) and private farmland. The Walkway commences and ends at the Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre and is intersected by various country roads allowing several walking options.
 
  Mt  Alford Conservation Area
Trampers on the new Mt Alford Track will pass through the Alford Scenic Reserve, climb beside a stream gully which emerges onto tussock grassland before climbing through subalpine vegetation to the summit of Mt Alford (1,171m). From the summit, trampers are rewarded with wide views across the Canterbury Plains and the inland mountains.
 

  Mt Hutt Forest Conservation Area
The Mt Hutt Forest Conservation Area includes the Pudding Hill Scenic Reserve and the Awa Awa Rata Reserve. The Awa Awa Rata Reserve is a popular picnic area at the bottom of Mt Hutt with a magnificent display of flowering rhododendrons during spring, and is the starting point for variety of walking and tramping tracks.
 

  Mt Somers Tracks
A loop track around Mt Somers. The most popular section of the trip is from Sharplin Falls to Woolshed Creek picnic area (17km long) which takes about 10 hours to complete. The return section of the track (across the south face of Mt Somers) is suitable for more experienced trampers. The whole traverse takes approx 2 days.
 
  Peel Forest Park
Peel Forest, located south of the Rangitata River, covers 700 hectares of rich and diverse forest that provides a variety of native bush, bird-life and a series of tracks for walkers. The popular Big Tree Walk (suitable for all the family) takes you to a huge totara tree almost 3m wide and about 1,000 years old.
   

 

Rakaia Gorge Walkway
This 5km one way walkway on the north side of the Rakaia River offers several unique features of geological and historic interest, as well as spectacular views of the river. A popular option with locals and visitors alike is to jet boat up the river with one of the operators based at the starting point of the walkway and to walk back.
 

  Sharplin Falls
Sharpin Falls Scenic Reserve (via Staveley township) is a picnic area within the Mount Somers Conservation Area. As well as the start or finish point for the Mt Somers Tracks, it also offers a short scenic walk to Sharplin Falls; twin falls which drop 7m over the Mt Somers Southern Fault into two large pools - ideal swimming holes on a hot day.
 
  Te Araroa Walkway
The Te Araroa Walkway (meaning The Long Path) is a tramping trail that will run the length of New Zealand, connecting Cape Reinga and Bluff through public walkways and tracks. Once completed (opening late 2010) it will be one of the world’s longest walking trails and will pass through the spectacular high country in our region.
 
  Tenehaun Conservation Area
Tenehaun Conservation Area, to east of the Rangitata River, provides two new exciting recreation opportunities for more ambitious walkers and trampers. The Mt Tripp and Moorhouse Range starts at near the Hinds River south branch while the Rangitata Gorge walk starts at the Rangitata Diversion Race intake at the Rangitata River.
     

 

Washpen Falls
Washpen Falls offers a fascinating track through an ancient volcanic canyon full of lush native bush and bird life, to the cliff top with breathtaking views across the Canterbury Plains. On your descent you follow the babbling creek past ponds and beautiful waterfalls. The track ends with a covered dining area beside a lake - an ideal spot for a picnic.
 

 

Woolshed Creek
Woolshed Creek (via Mt Somers township) is large, grassy, sheltered picnic area within the Mount Somers Conservation Area. As well as the start or finish point for the Mt Somers Tracks, Woolshed Creek offers a series of short walks including the Nature Trail (40mins return) and Sidewinder Track (2 hours return).

For information on additional tracks suitable for serious trampers, contact the local Department of Conservation office or the Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre.

Personal locator beacons, owned by Methven Search and Rescue, can be hired through Hammer Hardware on the Main Street of Methven (Phone 03 302 9664) and are a must have item for people heading into the back country. These beacons (weighing only 250gms) once activated, will enable emergency services to pinpoint you to within 50 metres and organise your rescue. $10 per day, $20 a weekend, and $30 a week.

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