Heli lines, club fields, and the best of Canterbury.
This trip is based out of Methven and takes you into the Canterbury region, known for its consistent snow and reliable conditions through the season. Mt Hutt is often one of the first to fire, and spots like Mt Dobson regularly deliver when other areas don’t. You’ll move between Mt Hutt, Mt Cheeseman, Porters, and Mt Dobson, with the plan staying flexible so you can ride whichever resort is best on the day. The highlight is a 5-run heli day included mid-week, accessing big mountain terrain in the Southern Alps. Long, technical lines across the Arrowsmith, Ragged, or Palmer Ranges, well beyond anything you’ll find from the lifts.
Off the mountain, this trip leans into Kiwi country hospitality. Staying in Methven gives the week a different feel, small town, local pubs, and hearty meals. If there is any downtime, there is the option to head out for a round of golf or shoot some clay targets, or just keep it simple with a feed and a few drinks in town.
You stay at a lodge in Methven for six nights with your own private room, with hot breakfast and 2-course dinner included daily. Lift passes, private transport, airport transfers, and guiding are all included. This is a small group trip with a maximum of 4 guests, built around good terrain, a solid crew, and exploring a part of New Zealand that most tourists bypass.
Freeride
Resort and heli
Why Travel With Mint
In a rapidly changing travel industry, it’s important to know your travel provider is accredited, accountable, and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA, and operate in line with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint, you can have confidence you’re booking with a qualified and established operator with over 20 years of experience. As a full-service travel agent, we can also assist with flight recommendations, insurance, stopovers, and pre or post tour arrangements.
Methven Freeride Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
ABILITY & PACE
This trip is suited to advanced riders. You should be confident riding steeper terrain in variable snow and able to keep up across full days on the mountain. While this is not a backcountry-focused trip, the heli day involves big mountain terrain, so you need to be comfortable making controlled turns in more technical lines.
TOUR STYLE
This trip is built around a mix of lift-accessed riding and a 5-run heli day in the Southern Alps. The week stays flexible, moving between Mt Hutt, Mt Cheeseman, Porters, and Mt Dobson depending on conditions. The heli day is a key part of the trip, giving you access to terrain across the Arrowsmith, Ragged, or Palmer Ranges, while the rest of the week focuses on making the most of the different resorts in the region.
ACCOMMODATION
You’ll stay 6 nights in Methven at a centrally located lodge in your own private room with ensuite. Daily hot breakfast and 2-course dinners are included, with a focus on local produce like lamb, salmon, and beef. The lodge is close to town, making it easy to head out for a drink or keep things simple after a day on snow. The lodge includes an in-house bar and sits directly across from Opuke Thermal Hot Springs, making it an easy place to unwind after a full day in the mountains.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
Canterbury is known for its consistent snow and reliable conditions through the season. Mt Hutt is often one of the first to come online, while areas like Mt Dobson regularly hold good snow when other regions don’t. With multiple resorts to choose from and heli access into the Southern Alps, there is a wide range of terrain and aspects to work with throughout the week.
FULLY HOSTED
This trip is hosted and guided by Roland Morley-Brown. He’s from New Zealand, rides for Bataleon and The North Face, and knows this region well. Being fully hosted means Roland is with the group for the entire trip, on and off the mountain. He helps make the daily calls, keeps things running smoothly, and takes care of the details along the way.
GROUP SIZE & EXPERIENCE
This is a small group trip with a maximum of 4 guests. You’ll ride with the same crew and guide for the entire week, which keeps things consistent and easy to manage. Smaller groups also mean less waiting around and more time on snow.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUDES
✔ A 5 run heli day
✔ Experienced heli guide on heli day
✔ Use of safety equipment on heli day
✔ Return transfers to the heli staging area on heli day
✔ 4-day lift pass across Mt Hutt, Mt Cheeseman, Porters, and Mt Dobson
✔ Resort guiding throughout the trip
✔ Private transport to the resorts each day
✔ 6 nights in a private single room with ensuite
✔ Daily buffet breakfast
✔ Lunch on heli day
✔ 6 dinners at the lodge, 2-course meals with locally sourced ingredients
✔ Group airport transfers on arrival and departure (Christchurch Airport)
✔ Comprehensive pre-departure guide and trip planning support
✔ Fully hosted Mint Tours experience from arrival to departure
EXCLUDES
✖ Flights to and from Christchurch International Airport, visas, and travel insurance
✖ All lunches, except for heli day
✖ Drinks and snacks not listed above
✖ Rental equipment
✖ Personal expenses
DATES
August 2–8, 2026
PRICE
Single Room – $3,990 per person
Private ensuite room with a King bed for one guest.
PAYMENT TERMS
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
Places are limited and bookings are confirmed on receipt of deposit.
View our terms and conditions HERE
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry, it’s important to know your travel provider is accredited, accountable, and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and operates in line with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. With over 20 years of experience, you’re booking with a qualified and established operator.
Our trips are fully hosted and run end-to-end, with everything taken care of from the moment you arrive. From accommodation and transfers to daily logistics and on-the-ground support, you don’t need to think about anything other than riding.
WHAT IS THE METHVEN FREERIDE TOUR?
This is a fully hosted snowboard trip based in Methven, exploring the Canterbury region. The week includes a mix of lift-accessed riding across Mt Hutt, Mt Cheeseman, Porters, and Mt Dobson, along with a 5-run heli day in the Southern Alps. The itinerary stays flexible so you can ride the best resort on the day.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Before you travel, you’ll receive a pre-departure guide with everything you need to know, including arrival details and recommended flight timings. Group transfers are included between Christchurch Airport and Methven on arrival and departure days.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELING SOLO?
Most guests travel solo, so you’ll be in good company. Groups tend to come together quickly through a shared focus on riding. All guests have their own private room throughout the trip.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This trip is suited to advanced riders. You should be confident riding steeper terrain in variable snow and able to keep pace with the group across full days on the mountain. The heli day involves more technical terrain, so you need to be comfortable riding controlled lines in a big mountain environment.
If you have not ridden this type of terrain before or are not confident in these conditions, this is not the trip to learn. All riders should arrive ready for this level of riding.
At some of the resorts, riding a T-bar is required, so you need to be comfortable using surface lifts.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
The plan stays flexible throughout the week. You’ll ride a mix of Mt Hutt, Mt Cheeseman, Porters, and Mt Dobson, with daily decisions based on weather and snow conditions.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes, a 4 day lift pass is included in this trip.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE HELI DAY?
The heli day includes 5 runs in the Southern Alps, guided by experienced local heli guides. You’ll access terrain across the Arrowsmith, Ragged, or Palmer Ranges, with all safety equipment, lunch, and transfers to the staging area included.
CAN I ADD EXTRA HELI RUNS?
Extra runs can usually be added on the day, depending on conditions, group pace, and time available. Additional runs are charged at NZD $165 per run (approx. USD $95) and are payable directly to the heli operator.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE HELI DAY CAN’T RUN?
Heli operations are weather dependent. If your heli day cannot run, it will be rescheduled within the trip where possible. If it cannot be rescheduled, unused runs are refunded in line with our policy.
WHO IS THE HOST?
The trip is hosted and guided by Roland Morley-Brown. He’s from New Zealand, rides for Bataleon and The North Face, and knows the Canterbury region well. He is with the group for the entire trip, both on and off the mountain.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once your deposit is received, your spot on the trip is confirmed and you’ll receive a booking confirmation along with next steps.
You’ll then be sent a registration form to complete, where we collect key details such as personal information, emergency contacts, dietary requirements, and riding ability. All guests are required to sign a liability waiver before the trip.
In the lead-up, your Tour Manager will be your main point of contact and can assist with travel planning, flights, gear, and any pre or post trip arrangements.
You’ll also receive a full pre-departure guide and be added to a group chat before arrival.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
Flights are not included. We can provide recommendations and assist with bookings if needed.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We recommend purchasing a comprehensive snow-specific policy and trip cancellation insurance once your booking is confirmed.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY LONGER?
Yes. We can help you plan additional nights, stopovers, or travel before or after the tour.
HOW DO I GET TO METHVEN?
You’ll fly into Christchurch International Airport (CHC), where group transfers are provided to Methven. Full details are included in your pre-departure guide.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
No. There is no suitable rental equipment in Methven. We recommend bringing your own equipment for the trip.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Conditions in New Zealand can vary, so come prepared with quality outerwear, layering options, and goggles for different light conditions. Bring your own snowboard setup.
HOW MUCH DO YOU RIDE EACH DAY?
You will spend 5 consecutive days on snow. Each day is a full day on snow if conditions allow, with timing and location based on the daily weather. The goal is to make the most of each day across the different resorts, with one dedicated heli day during the week.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THE TOUR?
The group is limited to a maximum of 4 guests. You’ll ride with the same crew and guide for the entire trip.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
This is a small group tour with limited spots. Get in touch with our team to check availability and secure your place.
QUESTIONS OR READY TO BOOK?
We’re here to help. If you’ve got questions or need more info, just get in touch and we’ll talk you through the details. Ready to lock in your spot? Give us a call or send us an email.
EMAIL [email protected]
PHONE +1 503 994 1919
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your tour begins.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Click HERE to view our full terms and conditions.