Adventure

The Ashburton District is a Mecca for adrenaline and adventure activities - including jet boating, hot air ballooning, horseracing, sky diving, skiing, snowboarding and 4WD tours.

From a majestic flight over the Canterbury Plains with views to the Southern Alps in a hot air balloon, to experiencing the thrill of horseracing firmly seated in a twin sulky at speeds of 50km/hour, the Ashburton District has something to cater for every interest.

For the adrenalin junky, why not take a wild water raft ride on the Rangitata, one of the country's best white water rafting rivers, jump out of a plane and go skydiving, mountain biking in the foothills or jet boating through the scenic Rakaia Gorge.

If you are looking for something more passive, then there's horse trekking across some of the district's most beautiful landscapes, scenic flights, wilderness and four wheel drive tours, or even ice skating or curling during the winter months.

For those wanting to familiarise themselves with farming life, farm tours and demonstrations are available.

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Adventure Argos
Argo rides through beech forest, through rivers and creeks and up hill sides through the bush. Adventrue Argos run all year round and provide fun and excitement for young and old...in snow or shine... in water or on land. From excitement which will have you screaming to a ride purely to view the spectacular scenery.

Aoraki Balloon Safaris
The magical sky experience. Methven is New Zealand’s finest ballooning location. Commencing at daybreak the flight offers pristine fine day views of Mt. Cook, Canterbury Plains, and the braided Rakaia River system. The flight concludes with a buffet “Champagne” style breakfast as a picnic in the farmer’s field where the balloon lands.

Central Canterbury Helicopters
Take the opportunity to view the scenery of the vast Canterbury Plains, The Foothills or into the rugged high country of the Southern Alps. Spectacular views. Local knowledge. Awe-inspiring. After your flight you are invited to come and enjoy complimentary tea and coffee.

Discovery Jet
For an adrenalin-pumping experience you'll never forget, jump aboard and blast along the ever-changing Rakaia River. Hang on tight as our driver skillfuly weaves through the intricate network of braided river channels, skimming stony banks and gushing opalescent blue waters. Thrill rides, scenic tours, heli-jet combo's, trout and salmon fishing with gourment picnics available.

Hassle-free Tours
Join Hassle-free Tours on a Lord of the Rings Tour. Their full day tour from Christchurch or Methven day includes: 4WD access onto Mt Sunday/Edoras itself, a delicious champagne picnic lunch, full running commentary from their friendly and knowledgeable kiwi tour guides and spectacular scenery you will never forget. Qualmark endorsed visitor.

Rangitata Rafts
Raft some of New Zealand's most exciting white waters with Rangitata Rafts. The trip begins on flat water situated at the base of the Two Thumb mountain range, travelling through the narrow gorge the rapids build in a natural progression. The day begins with an early lunch at our lodge and after 2.5 hours of exciting rafting ends with hot showers and a relaxing BBQ.

Skydivingnz.com - Methven
Challenge yourself and freefall at 200kmph by the beautiful Southern Alps. Take in the breathtaking scenery while experiencing the exhilaration that tandem skydiving has to offer. Your body is charged with adrenaline, your heart racing with anticipation as you plummet into thousands of feet of emptiness. As the parachute is deployed, the silence is amazing. 
 

Click here to view all Activity & Attraction product listings within our website