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.
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
On the road to Edoras (My Sunday)
Methven Resort

Methven Resort

3.5 out of 5
51 Main St Methven Canterbury
The price is NZ$164 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
NZ$164
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Methven. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and 3 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (167 reviews)
Stayed just the one night. Good advice from staff for restaurants.

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Methven Resort
Ski Time Lodge

Ski Time Lodge

4 out of 5
39 Racecourse Avenue Methven
The price is NZ$131 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
NZ$131
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this ski lodge in Methven. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (416 reviews)
Good service at reception after hours.

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Ski Time Lodge
Methven Motels & Apartments

Methven Motels & Apartments

4 out of 5
197 Main Street Methven
The price is NZ$164 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
NZ$164
22 Mar - 23 Mar
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! (267 reviews)
Rooms were clean and tidy with comfortable beds. Owners were very friendly and a pleasure to talk to with great advice when holidaying in Methven.

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Methven Motels & Apartments
See all 97 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.
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
Peel Cottage - A Romantic Country Retreat

Peel Cottage - A Romantic Country Retreat

Peel Forest Canterbury Region
Stay at this cottage in Peel Forest. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attraction Peel Forest Park is located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Cute little cottage. Well appointed, comfortable firm mattresses. Amazing garden. Lots of lovely extra touches ie phone chargers by the bed (universal c), herbs with the salt and pepper, laundry powder in the laundry. My husband adored the marmalade. Thank you for a pleasant weekend break.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Peel Cottage - A Romantic Country Retreat
Mt Hutt Views at 23 Methven. Fabulous Methven Apartment with Great Mountain View

Mt Hutt Views at 23 Methven. Fabulous Methven Apartment with Great Mountain View

Methven Canterbury
Stay at this apartment in Methven. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and tennis courts. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven Golf Course ...
Mt Hutt Views at 23 Methven. Fabulous Methven Apartment with Great Mountain View
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
98% 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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