The Methven Walkway

Methven, Canterbury

About

The Methven Walkway demonstrates man’s modification of the original Canterbury Plains landscape.

The Walkway’s basic feature is 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.

Although shelter belts, drains, roads and bridges impinge on the immediate surroundings, the walkway is given a certain grandeur by the natural panoramic backdrop of the Southern Alps.

The Walkway is a popular option for both walkers and mountain bikers, with a 12km loop (refer to start/finish on map). There is an additional 11km return to the Ashburton River North branch from the Methven iHub.

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

The Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR) – is 66km's long and provides irrigation water in summer, power in winter.

Walking Options: APPROXIMATE TIMES - (Steady Walking)

1 Hour Option

Start at Methven i-Hub, Chertsey Road, Cemetery, Barkers Road, Holmes Road, return along Main Street to Methven ihub.

2 hour Option

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 Hour Option

Start Dip Road, RDR bridge to Ashburton River and return.

3 Hour Option

Start at Methven ihub complete full circuit as marked…..(excluding walk to river).

3 Hour Option

Start Pudding Hill Road Bridge over RDR to Ashburton River, along canal and return.

4 Hour Option

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.