Title: Visit Ashburton Lakes: 2026 Travel Guide for Ashburton Lakes, Canterbury | Expedia.com [Hotels in Ashburton Lakes](https://expedia.com/Ashburton-Lakes-Hotels.d6351180.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Ashburton Lakes](https://expedia.com/Ashburton-Lakes-Vacation-Rentals.d6351180.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Things to do in Ashburton Lakes](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Ashburton-Lakes.d6351180.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Ashburton Lakes](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Ashburton-Lakes.d6351180.Car-Rental-Guide)[Ashburton Lakes Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Ashburton-Lakes.d6351180.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Ashburton Lakes ## Travel 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. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351180/f8487a4c-7588-4d12-af8a-ac0c3dcbbe2e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![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. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351180/f8487a4c-7588-4d12-af8a-ac0c3dcbbe2e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![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/](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351180/39cc14cc-5308-4555-929b-0a8ce0a3bb40.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Wonderful place on Earth](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351180/8039f2aa-48f8-4298-bc8e-554900c18f40.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![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](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351180/b4c844e6-af13-4399-a257-c19b1d01e832.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Ashburton Lakes Things to do - Ashburton Lakes Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Ashburton Lakes ![Methven Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/59000000/58450000/58441600/58441513/7dc5f026_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Methven Resort 51 Main St Methven Canterbury $74 nightly $86 total Feb 15 - Feb 16 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Methven. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 3 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ... 8/10 Very Good! (150 reviews) Very helpful and friendly staff. Upgraded on arrival. Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F15%2F2026&endDate=2%2F16%2F2026&selected=58441513&PinnedHotelID=58441513&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6351180) ![Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1900000/1895500/1895481/f28215e3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Fable Terrace Downs Resort by Mgallery 623 Coleridge Road Windwhistle $177 nightly $203 total Feb 10 - Feb 11 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Windwhistle. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Popular attractions Rakaia Gorge Walkway and Washpen Falls ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (157 reviews) Really enjoyed our time here, spacious apartment, and good amenities Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F10%2F2026&endDate=2%2F11%2F2026&selected=1895481&PinnedHotelID=1895481&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6351180) ![Methven Motels & Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9626000/9625946/f4298672_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Methven Motels & Apartments 197 Main Street Methven $89 nightly $103 total Feb 8 - Feb 9 Total with taxes and fees Stay at this motel in Methven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal ... 9/10 Wonderful! (260 reviews) Clean and comfortable Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F8%2F2026&endDate=2%2F9%2F2026&selected=9625946&PinnedHotelID=9625946&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6351180) [See all 97 properties in Ashburton Lakes](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=2%2F8%2F2026&endDate=2%2F9%2F2026®ionId=6351180) 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](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106050000/106045700/106045697/5b059cc6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Brinkley Resort 43 Barkers Rd Methven Canterbury Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Methven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (13 reviews) Upgraded to a 2 bedroom and was very comfortable. Impressed with staff, location and accommodation. Unfortunately due to the season the restaurant was mot open but plenty of food/restaurants in town just a short walk Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Methven-Hotels-Brinkley-Resort.h106045697.Hotel-Information) ![Pudding Hill Lodge & Chalets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93480000/93473000/93472993/86d494d7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 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 Nov 12, 2025 [](https://expedia.com/Methven-Hotels-Pudding-Hill-Lodge-Chalets.h93472993.Hotel-Information) ![Mt Hutt Views at 23 Methven. Fabulous Methven Apartment with Great Mountain View](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111660000/111655300/111655293/dd783834_edited_9abe_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Mt Hutt Views at 23 Methven. Fabulous Methven Apartment with Great Mountain View Methven Canterbury Stay at this apartment in Methven. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Methven Golf Course ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews) Well maintained unit in a very good location. Reviewed on Dec 31, 2025 [](https://expedia.com/Methven-Hotels-Mt-Hutt-Views-At-23-MethvenFabulous-Methven-Apartment-With-Great-Mountain-View.h111655293.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Ashburton Lakes](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6351180&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Ashburton Lakes hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6351180&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[Feb 7 - Feb 8](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6351180&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6351180&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[Feb 8 - Feb 9](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6351180&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6351180&startDate=2%2F13%2F2026&endDate=2%2F15%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6351180&startDate=2%2F13%2F2026&endDate=2%2F15%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit #### Mt Sunday Summit Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mt Sunday Summit during your travels in Ashburton Lakes. [](https://expedia.com/Mt-Sunday-Summit-Ashburton-Lakes.d553248635998085755.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![Lord of the Rings - Journey to Edoras Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1307122/19c59e42-f73d-467b-bd12-96feaaf31bef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch $187 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/lord-of-the-rings.a1307122.activity-details) [See all activities in Ashburton Lakes](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Ashburton-Lakes.d6351180.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Ashburton Lakes ![In the mountains of New Zealand, it's just breath-taking!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6344455/bf60ec11-8b4c-4eef-a913-ad572feb538a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Peel Forest ## Explore a world of travel with Expedia - Lodging - Flights - Packages - Cars - Vacation Rentals - [Hotels near Mt Sunday Summit ](https://www.expedia.com/Mt-Sunday-Summit-Hotels.0-l553248635998085755-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Staveley Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Staveley-Hotels.d6272064.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Vacation Homes in Staveley ](https://www.expedia.com/Staveley-Private-Vacation-Homes.d6272064-aaPrivateVacationHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) - [Mount Somers Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Mount-Somers-Hotels.d6343741.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Motels in Mount Somers ](https://www.expedia.com/Mount-Somers-Motels.d6343741-aaMotels.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) - [Resorts in Staveley ](https://www.expedia.com/Staveley-Resorts.d6272064-aaResorts.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) - [Surrey Hills Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Surrey-Hills-Hotels.d692483986904514560.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Resorts in Mount Somers ](https://www.expedia.com/Mount-Somers-Resorts.d6343741-aaResorts.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) - [Montalto Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Montalto-Hotels.d692483603116552192.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Flights to Montalto ](https://www.expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Montalto.d692483603116552192.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Flights to Surrey Hills ](https://www.expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Surrey-Hills.d692483986904514560.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Flights to Staveley ](https://www.expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Staveley.d6272064.Travel-Guide-Flights) - [Visit Surrey Hills ](https://www.expedia.com/Surrey-Hills.dx692483986904514560) - [Visit Mount Somers ](https://www.expedia.com/Mount-Somers.dx6343741) - [Visit Staveley ](https://www.expedia.com/Staveley.dx6272064) - [Staveley Vacations ](https://www.expedia.com/Staveley.d6272064.Destination-Travel-Guides) - [Montalto Vacations ](https://www.expedia.com/Montalto.d692483603116552192.Destination-Travel-Guides) - [Car rentals near Mount Somers ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Mount-Somers.d6343741.Car-Rental-Guide) - [Car rentals near Surrey Hills ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Surrey-Hills.d692483986904514560.Car-Rental-Guide) - [Mount Somers Vacation Rentals ](https://www.expedia.com/Mount-Somers-Vacation-Rentals.d6343741.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals) - [Montalto Vacation Rentals ](https://www.expedia.com/Montalto-Vacation-Rentals.d692483603116552192.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals) - Cities near Ashburton Lakes - Places of interest [Mount Somers](https://expedia.com/Mount-Somers.dx6343741)[Peel Forest](https://expedia.com/Peel-Forest.dx6344455)[Surrey Hills](https://expedia.com/Surrey-Hills.dx692483986904514560)[Double Hill](https://expedia.com/Double-Hill.dx692485953736634368)[Ramsay](https://expedia.com/Ramsay.dx692486448248979456) - [Mount Cook National Park ](https://expedia.com/Mount-Cook-National-Park-Mount-Cook.d6139475.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mount Hutt Skifield ](https://expedia.com/Mount-Hutt-Skifield-Mount-Hutt.d6113020.Vacation-Attraction) - [Rakaia Gorge ](https://expedia.com/Rakaia-Gorge-Canterbury.d6060656.Vacation-Attraction) - [Roundhill Ski Area ](https://expedia.com/Roundhill-Ski-Area-Tekapo.d6241344.Vacation-Attraction) - [Rakaia Gorge Walkway ](https://expedia.com/Rakaia-Gorge-Walkway-Windwhistle.d674175258858565632.Vacation-Attraction) - [Peel Forest Park ](https://expedia.com/Peel-Forest-Park-Peel-Forest.d6113028.Vacation-Attraction) - [Awa Awa Rata Reserve ](https://expedia.com/Awa-Awa-Rata-Reserve-Canterbury.d6113022.Vacation-Attraction) - [Godley Glacier ](https://expedia.com/Godley-Glacier-Mount-Cook.d637917078581800960.Vacation-Attraction) - [Towers Triple Chair ](https://expedia.com/Towers-Triple-Chair-Mount-Hutt.d6214238.Vacation-Attraction) - [Summit Six Chair ](https://expedia.com/Summit-Six-Chair-Mount-Hutt.d6214228.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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