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
Methven Resort

Methven Resort

3.5 out of 5
51 Main St Methven Canterbury
The price is Rp1.203.234 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
Rp1.203.234
Rp1.383.719 total
18 Mar - 19 Mar
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. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (158 reviews)
Room good. Staff average

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Methven Resort
The Brown Pub

The Brown Pub

2.5 out of 5
Corner Main Street & Forest Drive Methven
The price is Rp1.037.793 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
Rp1.037.793
Rp1.193.462 total
14 Mar - 15 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Methven. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven Golf Course ...
9/10 Wonderful! (102 reviews)
Friendly staff, clean but simple rooms…sharing showers and bathrooms we did not care for too much

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

The Brown Pub
Methven Motels & Apartments

Methven Motels & Apartments

4 out of 5
197 Main Street Methven
The price is Rp1.511.398 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
Rp1.511.398
Rp1.738.153 total
9 Mar - 10 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! (266 reviews)
Friendly staff. Clean room & great location

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Methven Motels & Apartments
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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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
Great stop for one night to break up a long drive. The room was clean and had everything I needed, maybe was just a bit dark. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 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
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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

Things to do

Lord of the Rings - Journey to Edoras Tour

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

Rp3.298.028
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch
See all activities in Ashburton Lakes