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
Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery

Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery

4.5 out of 5
623 Coleridge Road Windwhistle
The price is ₹15,761 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
₹15,761
₹18,126 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
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! (154 reviews)
Room was fantastic, some of the best food of our holiday

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery
Methven Resort

Methven Resort

3.5 out of 5
51 Main St Methven Canterbury
The price is ₹6,646 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
₹6,646
₹7,643 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
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! (145 reviews)
All excellent

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Methven Resort
Methven Motels & Apartments

Methven Motels & Apartments

4 out of 5
197 Main Street Methven
The price is ₹7,421 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
₹7,421
₹8,630 total
23 Jan - 24 Jan
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! (258 reviews)
Very tidy motel. Great reception and nice big rooms.

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
All good

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

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