Family Fun in Mid Canterbury this Winter

Soak, relax and play at the stunning Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa, Methven. Set within a stunning setting surrounded by mountains, the kids will love the hidden caves, lazy river and aqua play area.

Become a digger driver, drive a combine harvester, climb through an igloo and find out all about Thelma the cow! NZ Alpine & Agriculture Encounter - a interactive walk-through visitor experience which uses audio & visual displays to celebrate farming and snow sports.

Duck ponds, a flying fox and playgrounds at the Ashburton Domain will keep the kids entertained for hours! Bring a picnic and soak up the atmosphere surrounded by stunning trees and flowers.

Learn to ski at Mt Hutt. The wide-open beginners’ slops are the perfect place for kids to learn how to ski or snowboard. Children’s beginner lessons are available plus there is a fully licensed Early Learning Centre that caters for children aged five and under. There are also tobogans available to hire.

Find some magic along the Methven Enchanted Forest Walk. This family walk follows a one-kilometre section of the Methven Walkway near the Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa. It features dozens of fairy doors, wooden mushrooms, dinosaur eggs, a fairy tea party, elves, bunting, painted stones, and fairy rhymes.

Discover outdoor ice skating at the Staveley Ice Rink - one of the last outdoor rinks in the country. This community run rink provides skate hire and a large open fire to roast marshmellows (bring your own).

Delve into Ashburton’s rich past at The Plains Museum Precinct - home to the Ashburton Fire Museum and The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum. You can even ride on a vintage fire engine or train! There are regular open days, so be sure to visit one to make the most of your experience.

Discover the Ashburton Aviation Museum and view over 40 modern and historic aircraft on display – perfect for those aviation fans out there!

Spend the night on a working farm. Discover Middle Rock Station where families can experience first-hand, life on a high-country sheep station.

Get off the beaten track with a one-hour family friendly walk up Mt Sunday. Kids will love the swing bridge! Mt Sunday is the location of Edoras, the capital of Rohan from Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers. Although nothing remains of the movie set anymore, after completing the 1.5 km walk to the top of the mountain, you will see the terrain that the riders of Rohan surveyed. Mt Potts Lodge is 5 minutes drive from here and offers delicious meals and accommodation.