Ashburton Lakes Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

One of the most serene valleys I've ever visited, the Rangitata Valley on the south island of New Zealand. This was a big filming location in The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers film. This was the site for Edoras.
One of the most serene valleys I've ever visited, the Rangitata Valley on the south island of New Zealand. This was a big filming location in The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers film. This was the site for Edoras.
Lord of the Rings country! From the rocky outcrop of Mount Sunday (used as the location of Edoras - home of the Rohan) there's a 360-degree view of the Southern Alps. This was a highlight of our trip to New Zealand and is an easy walk from the Mount Sunday car park. The "Mount" itself is more of a hill really so don't be put off! Access is via a long, gravel track off State Highway 72 at Mount Somers (signposted Mt Potts). Whether you're a LOTR fan or not, if you enjoy raw, spectacular scenery you shouldn't miss it. Read more at http://www.aboveusonlyskies.com/mount-sunday-rohan/
Wonderful place on Earth
Mt. Sunday which you might recognize as Edoras in the Lord of the Rings - took them 11 months to build the set here, absolutely epic place! It's a 2.5 hr drive from Christchurch down gravel roads, usually ok in a regular 2WD car with an 1.5 hour return hike to the summit. Absolutely stunning, best visited in winter when there's snow on the mountains. It's a couple minutes past Mt. Potts Station where you can dine or sleep, no phone service anywhere near here

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Methven Resort

Methven Resort

3.5 out of 5
51 Main St Methven Canterbury
The price is NZ$129 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$129
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Methven. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 3 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (155 reviews)
The room was spotless, staff are a credit to the hotel, breakfast great value, bed not comfortable.

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Methven Resort
Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery

Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery

4.5 out of 5
623 Coleridge Road Windwhistle
The price is NZ$342 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$342
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Windwhistle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Popular attractions Rakaia Gorge Walkway and Washpen Falls are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (158 reviews)
Young kindly staff, great location, good food but it’s not a 5 star resort.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery
Methven Motels & Apartments

Methven Motels & Apartments

4 out of 5
197 Main Street Methven
The price is NZ$167 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$167
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Methven. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (262 reviews)
Very friendly staff, good facilities, plenty of space , close to all amenities

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Methven Motels & Apartments
See all 93 properties in Ashburton Lakes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Brinkley Resort

Brinkley Resort

2.5 out of 5
43 Barkers Rd Methven Canterbury
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Methven. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven Golf ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
Upgraded to a 2 bedroom and was very comfortable. Impressed with staff, location and accommodation. Unfortunately due to the season the restaurant was mot open but plenty of food/restaurants in town just a short walk

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Brinkley Resort
Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets

Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets

2 out of 5
5259 Arundel Rakaia Gorge Rd Methven Canterbury
Stay at this chalet in Methven. Enjoy free parking, a garden and a picnic area. Popular attractions Awa Awa Rata Reserve and Methven Golf Course are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Lovely stay with my young family. Very clean, very peaceful and had everything we needed

Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025

Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets
Our Bach. Fish, ski or relax in an amazing alpine setting!

Our Bach. Fish, ski or relax in an amazing alpine setting!

Lake Coleridge Canterbury
Stay at this holiday home in Lake Coleridge. Enjoy laundry facilities.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Enjoyed the stay thanks, great little bach in a lovely spot in the village.

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

Our Bach. Fish, ski or relax in an amazing alpine setting!
See all properties in Ashburton Lakes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Mt Sunday Summit

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mt Sunday Summit during your travels in Ashburton Lakes.

Mt Sunday Summit

Activities

Lord of the Rings - Journey to Edoras Tour

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

NZ$325
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch
See all activities in Ashburton Lakes

Cities near Ashburton Lakes

In the mountains of New Zealand, it's just breath-taking!

Peel Forest

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