Ashburton Lakes Travel Guide

Name: The Brown Pub
Price range: AU$91
Rating: 9

Tourist 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.

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/

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

Visit Ashburton Lakes

Activities

Methven Resort

51 Main St Methven Canterbury

AU$117

6 Mar - 7 Mar

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Methven. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 3 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...

8.2/10 Very Good! (158 reviews)

Room good. Staff average

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

The Brown Pub

Corner Main Street & Forest Drive Methven

AU$91

1 Apr - 2 Apr

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this hotel in Methven. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 20 Feb 2026

Methven Motels & Apartments

197 Main Street Methven

AU$140

9 Mar - 10 Mar

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this motel in Methven. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal ...

9/10 Wonderful! (266 reviews)

Friendly staff. Clean room & great location

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

See all 95 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

43 Barkers Rd Methven Canterbury

Stay at this spa aparthotel in Methven. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven Golf ...

8.8/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)

Great stop for one night to break up a long drive. The room was clean and had everything I needed, maybe was just a bit dark. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets

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 12 Nov 2025

Peel Cottage - A Romantic Country Retreat

Peel Forest Canterbury Region

Stay at this cottage in Peel Forest. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attraction Peel Forest Park is located nearby.

9.4/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)

Host put the fire on for us. That was so welcoming

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

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.