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 NT$2,263 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
NT$2,263
NT$2,602 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Methven. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 3 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (157 reviews)
Room good. Staff average

Reviewed on 2026/2/25

Methven Resort
Methven Motels & Apartments

Methven Motels & Apartments

4 out of 5
197 Main Street Methven
The price is NT$2,842 per night from Mar 12 to Mar 13
NT$2,842
NT$3,269 total
Mar 12 - Mar 13
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! (265 reviews)
Friendly staff. Clean room & great location

Reviewed on 2026/2/25

Methven Motels & Apartments
The Brown Pub

The Brown Pub

2.5 out of 5
Corner Main Street & Forest Drive Methven
The price is NT$2,108 per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6
NT$2,108
NT$2,424 total
Mar 5 - Mar 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Methven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven Golf Course ...
9/10 Wonderful! (102 reviews)
Friendly staff, clean but simple rooms…sharing showers and bathrooms we did not care for too much

Reviewed on 2026/2/20

The Brown Pub
See all 94 properties in Ashburton Lakes
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
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Methven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
Upgraded to a 2 bedroom and was very comfortable. Impressed with staff, location and accommodation. Unfortunately due to the season the restaurant was mot open but plenty of food/restaurants in town just a short walk

Reviewed on 2026/2/4

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 2025/11/12

Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets
See all properties in Ashburton Lakes
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

Reviews of Ashburton Lakes

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2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

No communication

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Chef is from London. Nice food. Staff is very helpful.