Mid Canterbury’s magic
Avenues editor Joshua Brosnahan recently discovered you don’t have to travel far to experience an entirely different side of the region. Here are but a few of the myriad of adventures you could have in your own visit to magical Mid Canterbury.
You’ll go for the adventure and stay for the people.
A LITTLE BIT IRISH
The centre of Methven holds a true Irish gem – The Dubliner. Housed in the former post office for the town, The Dubliner offers quintessential Irish hospitality in the form of exceptionally good food, cold pints, and a warm fire. Make sure you order the Murphy’s Stout Pie, and if you’re feeling festive, the whiskey tasting flight could be up your alley.
JET SETTING
Burning an impressive one litre of fuel per minute, Discovery Jet is bound to get your adrenaline pumping. In between the rip-roaring twist and turns, you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the Southern Alps. Owner and operator Blair Grice is the king of hilarious yarns – he knows the Rakaia River in and out, and his expertly smooth handling of his jet meant we didn’t even get wet!
BANDITS, RIDE!
Not far from the banks of the Rakaia is Dirt Bandits. Ride shotgun through various circuits on the 330-hectare grazing farm on one of the Can-Am Maverick X3s. You simply cannot visit Methven without trying out Dirt Bandits! Business partners Jane and Pete will have you on the edge of your seat in the best kind of way. Check out their newly expanded event space!
QUICKDRAW
If you have a penchant for clay shooting, archery or more – Newzengland is the destination for you. Neil and Sandra, along with trusted pooch and clay bird expert Teddy, have carved out a niche experience in the most idyllic of settings. You’re in good hands with Neil, an expert in his field, so you’ll have a safe, exhilarating, and enjoyable experience. Knife throwing coming soon!
RESIDE IN STYLE
Nigel and Myriam are the hosts at Red Cottages, Staveley. Quite literally, with Mt Somers at your doorstep, you’ll reside in one of two cottages that Myriam, a trained joiner, has crafted herself. The dual outdoor baths mean you will have a view of the stars as you soak, and their hospitality is unmatched. It is the place to stay.
TO THE SKIES
Talk about a view! 9500 feet in the air, you have a serene, uninterrupted panoramic of the Canterbury Plains for up to four hours, thanks to Adventure Balloons. Graeme and Michaela have you in safe hands – Graeme’s countless hours of experience here and abroad will have you at ease. Did I mention there’s a complimentary glass of bubbles back on land? Up, up and away!
For more Mid Canterbury gems, head to midcanterburynz.com