Methven is an incredibly laid back country village that has more or less nothing on offer for non-skiers/riders. Of course, that shouldn't bother most of us, but since Mt Hutt (the only major resort nearby) has a reputation for being Mt Shut due to high winds, it means that you'll occasionally have to try and pass a few days here through repeat visits to the local cinema and a handful of pubs. The views are ok, being pretty typical of Canterbury with wide flat farmland, and rounded mountains on the horizon. On the plus side, it's a pretty quick trip from Christchurch to Methven, and there's plenty of accommodation for every budget.

I've seen that quite a few people use this as a base for the clubbies, like Craigieburn, BR, or Porters. I'd say that's definitely a mistake, though, and you'd do much better to stay at Castle Hill, or even better, on the mountain.

Overall, if you're after great shopping and nightlife, head to Queenstown. Solitude and scenery? Then go to Wanaka or Tekapo. But if you want a calm place for a family to overnight between days on the hill. then this will do just fine.
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Methven is a gateway to a variety of skiing options. If you’ve got your own car and don’t mind a bit of driving, there is a smorgasbord of ski areas to choose from, as well as a few heli skiing options. The ski areas around the Canterbury area tend to be more battered by the weather and subject to closure compared with ski resorts further south, but the positive spin is that the Canterbury area receives more snowfall.

Methven is laidback and reasonably quiet with a relatively sedate nightlife and fewer non-skiing activities compared to other NZ ski towns further south. This could be a pro or a con depending on your perspective. The drawback is that some folks may get a little bored on down days, but other people love Methven because it still has a traditional NZ country town feel, and it provides a great opportunity to relax.

Pros: really well priced accommodation; quality restaurants that offer great value for money; and proximity to Christchurch with the associated benefit of cheaper flights compared to Queenstown.

Cons: limited 5-star accommodation (not that this matters to most of us!); and limited shopping and other tourist activities.
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So for my site, I am advanced backcountry skier. I spent two days with Black Diamond Safaris and one day with Methven Heliski.

I have to say compared to the area of Queenstown, Methven is way better. The guys here are really locals and know their business well. No commercial ski guides. The guys in here aren't interested (it feels like that) in money. They just want you to be king of the NZ Alps! Really nice!

To get on the mountain is not as comfortable as in the commercial ski areas down to the south. But they are uncrowded and the runs are 10 times better. For me I would recommend Craigieburn and Mt Olympus with Black Diamond Safaris the first days and after that you know the area pretty well so you can go by your own. Powder, bowls, shots and cliffs. Really nice area over there.

I stayed at the Alpenhorn which was a real nice budget accom. The town isn't that big so everyone knows everybody. It was easy for me to get in touch with the local rental shop, heli ski operation, restaurants, and so I'll come here definitely again. Thanks
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Very small town with not much going on. If you are with the right people you can make a good time out of it... possibly! You can either ski or well ski... there doesn't seem like much else to do! Seriously, dont try and living there.

There is no shortage of accomodation at all price ranges, a good point to this village, along with the GREAT ski fields.

I dont think i would reccomend it, but the strange thing is that I really want to revisit...
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