Ashburton Lakes

Travel 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 P4,186 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
P4,186
P4,814 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Methven. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and 3 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (159 reviews)
Clean room and friendly staff but TV wasn't usable as channel signal kept breaking up and therefore was un-watchable.

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Methven Resort
Ski Time Lodge

Ski Time Lodge

4 out of 5
39 Racecourse Avenue Methven
The price is P4,043 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P4,043
P4,649 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this ski lodge in Methven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (415 reviews)
Good service at reception after hours.

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

Ski Time Lodge
Methven Motels & Apartments

Methven Motels & Apartments

4 out of 5
197 Main Street Methven
The price is P5,258 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
P5,258
P6,047 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Methven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (266 reviews)
Friendly staff. Clean room & great location

Reviewed on Feb 25, 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.
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 Nov 12, 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

P11,390
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch
See all activities in Ashburton Lakes