While Methven has made a name for itself as a ski town the area is fast becoming a weekend hotspot in summer too thanks to a very strong bike culture. A range of already established mountain bike trails ensures there is something for everyone (from first-timers to the elite) and more trails are planned thanks to a dedicated club (Bike Methven) driving the development at Mt Hutt Bike Park.
Options range from an easy loop circuit through farmland around the Methven town boundary to some of the best downhill and freeride trails in Canterbury at the Mt Hutt Bike Park. The nearby Hakatere Conservation Park also provides an array of options for mountain bikers.
Half & Full Day Rides
Multiple Day Rides
Our uncrowded country roads with stunning views of the Canterbury foothills provide great flat riding for road cyclists, and a ride out to the Rakaia Gorge will have those legs aching the next day if you're up for a physical and mental challenge.
Next time you are in Methven check out Big Al's new bike shop setup, they've been around bikes for a long as they have been around snowsports. They provide bike rental (full suspension x country and XC hardtrails), retail (including helmets, pumps, drink cages, car racks, and a good range of tyres and tubes), bike sales, and workshop facilities thanks to Shimano and Sram certified mechanic Richie. Make sure you pop-in to see the team for trail-maps, riding tips and information on all the local trails.
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Experience Mid Canterbury, our local district tourism organisation, is committed to cycle recreation and is driving the development of the Braided Waters Cycle Trail, an “Otago Rail Trail” type concept which when completed will provide a 3m wide trail following some of the district's braided rivers and a network of canals, up to 145km in length. Sections of the trail are already completed, such as a great ride for families from Ashburton to Lake Hood (7km). View the Ashburton Walk & Cycle Map for more information.
Bike Methven hold several shuttle days at the Mt Hutt Bike Park throughout the year (where for a small fee you can be ferried up, with multiple vans running all day) and they host several major mountain bike events.
The Tinwald Cycling Club hold several of their Sunday Race Series events in the Methven region (open to anyone to enter) and there are plenty of road cycling and multi sport events held in the area each year.
VIEW MTB & CYCLING EVENT LISTINGS
For more information on biking in the Methven region contact the Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre
Header image photo credit: www.theperfectline.co.nz
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MTB & CYCLING PLAYLIST
New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 302 81725 | Fax: +64 3 302 8954
Free advice from travellers for a great Methven vacation.