Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How do I get to Methven?

Methven is a little over one hour by road from Christchurch International Airport. Methven Travel operates several shuttles each day. We can arrange shuttles for you or if you prefer, you can hire a rental car – we recommend Pegasus Rental Cars.

Is it safe to use my credit card to make a booking on-line?

Yes. When you enter your credit card on-line with us, you will notice our payment site is protected by GeoTrust, Quick SSL.

Sites secured by GeoTrust SSL certificates are providing up to 256 bit encryption thereby offering the highest level of encryption and security possible. This means you can rest assured that communications between your browser and this site’s web servers are private and secure.

Never ever send your credit cards to anyone by email!

What currency will my credit card be charged?

Your credit card will be charged in New Zealand currency and will be inclusive of all credit card fees and GST.

How can I amend or cancel my booking?

Should you wish to amend or cancel your booking, please email us immediately so we can discuss the options with you.

Cancelations may incur an extra charge but we will do our best to resell rooms wherever possible. Email us at accommodation@abisko.co.nz.

What is your policy on cancellations?

The full cost of the booking is charged if cancellation is made less than 30 days prior to expected arrival or in the event that guests do not arrive.

We will do our best to re-sell the room(s) in question, and will refund all costs if successful less a $50.00 administration fee.

As we are a small property any cancellations affect us greatly, so we strictly impose our cancellation policy – we therefore strongly advise you to take out travel insurance in case you have to cancel for reasons out of your control.

What is your booking policy?

A valid credit card is required at the time of booking to secure the booking. We accept Visa and MasterCard. Person making booking must be over 18 years of age.

A one night deposit will be charged to your card on booking confirmation.

Cancellations made greater than 30 days or more from date of arrival will be refunded their deposit less a $50.00 administration fee.

When is the best time for trout fishing in the region?

If you want to fly fish for trout there are several reputable companies that can assist.

The season runs 1st October to 30th April. We will point you in the right direction.

If salmon fishing is more your style the best time is said to be from mid February until the end of March.

How do we get to the slopes to ski or board?

You can self-drive or take one of the many shuttles that operate from Methven daily.

You can pre-book and pay for your shuttles at the reception here at Abisko Lodge prior to your arrival or during check-in.

How far is Methven from Mt Hutt ski field?

It takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes (depending on road and weather conditions) to reach the Mt Hutt car park via car or shuttle.

The road up the mountain is unsealed and all vehicles will are required to carry chains and fit them when needed.

What other ski slopes are near Methven?

There are 18 ski fields in the Canterbury area; most are under an hour or so from Methven…

Methven and Mt Hutt

Mt Hutt (Canterbury’s largest ski Area) * Mt Hutt Heli-Ski * Methven Heli-Ski

Selwyn District

Porters * Broken River * Temple Basin * Mt Cheeseman * Mt Olympus * Craigiburn * Heli-ski Selwyn

Hanmer Springs/ Hurunui

Hanmer Springs Ski Area * Mt Lyford Alpine Resort

Mackenzie Country

Mt Dobson * Roundhill * Ohau * Fox Peak * Tekapo Heli-ski * Alpure Peaks

Is there much to do at night in Methven?

Methven has an excellent night life and a range of quality restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes. There are often live bands playing.

This will be my first ski trip, what should I wear on the slopes?

For a comfortable, warm and dry day on the ski slopes we recommend you wear thermal underwear underneath with water resistant pants and a jacket on top, a warm hat and water resistant gloves. It is better to wear lots of layers rather than just one big bulky layer, so that if you get hot during the day you can just strip a layer off. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses! Water resistant ski pants and jackets are easily availble for hire from one of the many ski hire shops in Methven. Gloves, beenies, stylish jackets and quality thermal underwear are all availble for sale.

What is the climate in Methven?

The average daily maximum temperature in January is 22.1°C and average minimum is 10.2°C.

The average daily maximum in July is 10°C and average daily minimum is 0.3°C.

Contact Abisko Lodge now for more information on Methven, Mt Hutt motel style lodge and apartment accommodation or about camping in the campground we are sure to have an option that will best suit you, or click here to make a booking.

(Please note: All bookings on our website are commission free and booking fee free – the price you are quoted is what you will pay and includes 15% GST and credit card fees).