Methven Walkway

Methven, Canterbury

About

This 12km track is given a certain grandeur by the natural panoramic backdrop of the Southern Alps as it mostly follows the man-made Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR), a dual purpose irrigation and hydo-electric channel carrying water from the Rangitata River to the Highbank Power station on the south bank of the Rakaia River.

The Walkway is a popular option for walkers, runners and mountain or trail bikers, with a 12km loop. There is an additional 11km return to the Ashburton River North branch from the Methven iHub.

Mt Hutt Bike Park is close by, offering additional options for mountain biking in this area.

The Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR) – is 66kms long, providing irrigation water in summer and power in winter.

Options based on approximate walking times:

1 hour: Start at Methven i-Hub, Chertsey Road, Cemetery, Barkers Road, Holmes Road, return along Main Street to Methven ihub.
2 hours: Start Methven ihub, Chertsey Road, Cemetery, Barkers Road, Holmes Road to Rangitata Diversion Race returning to Mt Harding Road then on to Forest Drive.
2.5 hours: Start Dip Road, RDR bridge to Ashburton River and return.
3 hours: Start at Methven ihub complete full circuit as marked…..(excluding walk to river).
3 hours: Start Pudding Hill Road Bridge over RDR to Ashburton River, along canal and return.
4 hours: Start at Methven ihub via South Belt – Hobbs Road to Ashburton River and return.

For further information and a copy of the map, click here.

Please note: Because this walking track is adjacent to private farmland, dogs must be on a leash at all times. Horses are permitted along the canal section of the walkway only.