Title: Rakaia Gorge in Canterbury - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Rakaia Gorge Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Rakaia-Gorge-Hotels.0-l6060656-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Canterbury](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-Canterbury.d6047984.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Canterbury](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Canterbury.d6047984.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Rakaia Gorge Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Rakaia-Gorge.d6060656.Car-Rental-Guide)[Canterbury Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Canterbury.d6047984.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Rakaia Gorge Tours and Activities ![Rakaia Gorge featuring a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000655861/b911b421-69a7-42eb-8391-57ddbaf27229.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rakaia Gorge featuring a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000655861/b911b421-69a7-42eb-8391-57ddbaf27229.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rakaia Gorge which includes a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6060656/cdac4a9c-e5c4-4d8a-bada-b5fc7ef54faf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rakaia Gorge which includes a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6060656/312eb9ba-f158-4d8e-a38b-66dd03c735d0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rakaia Gorge showing a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6060656/9d898796-7b4f-47ef-a962-e73b34232c43.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Rakaia Gorge Activities Tours & day trips [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6060656&location=Rakaia+Gorge&filter.categories=ToursDayTrips) Private & custom tours [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6060656&location=Rakaia+Gorge&filter.categories=Privatecustomtours) Holiday & seasonal tours [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6060656&location=Rakaia+Gorge&filter.categories=HolidaySeasonalTours) Air, helicopter & balloon tours [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6060656&location=Rakaia+Gorge&filter.categories=AirHelicopterBalloonTours) Cruises & boat tours [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6060656&location=Rakaia+Gorge&filter.categories=CruisesBoatTours) Water activities [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6060656&location=Rakaia+Gorge&filter.categories=Wateractivities) Spa & wellness [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6060656&location=Rakaia+Gorge&filter.categories=SpaWellness) Classes & workshops [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6060656&location=Rakaia+Gorge&filter.categories=ClassesWorkshops) Weddings & honeymoons [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=6060656&location=Rakaia+Gorge&filter.categories=WeddingsHoneymoons) --- --- #### Take a jet boat ride, go fishing, head out on a scenic walk with stunning views or just enjoy the incredible turquoise hues of this river gorge. The Rakaia River cuts through the foothills of the Southern Alps, creating the picturesque Rakaia Gorge. From its rim or from its river, enjoy the views of the Southern Alps, the gorge’s cliffs and the stunning blue waters below. Put on your hiking boots and set out along the Rakaia Gorge Walkway. This 6.5-mile (10.4-kilometre) long track takes most walkers 3 to 4 hours to complete. As you follow the initially forested track up, it takes you along the Ferryman’s Track a historic walkway lined with gorse. Farther along you will see the remnant rocks of old lava flows. The track finally dips into a gully with old coal mine shafts. Look for the remains of basic mining equipment left by coal miners. Gaze down into the Rakaia River and marvel at its vibrant colour when the sun hits its surface. Due to the sediment in the water from the Southern Alps, the river takes on a bright turquoise colour most of the time. This colour can drift through various shades depending on the seasons, water flow and weather. Experience the gorge at a much faster pace with a jet boat ride along the river. The Discovery Jet offers trips of different lengths and levels of adventure. You can even take the boat up the river to the half-way point of the walkway and hike back for a great combination experience. Try some other ways of embracing the scenery with a combination package from Discovery Jet. Choose between a leisurely horse ride, a thrilling white-water rafting adventure, or a helicopter ride for bird’s-eye views of the gorge. Of course you can always just go fishing, a more gentle way to spend a few hours in the sun. Arrange gear and transport through the Methven i-Site Visitor Information Centre. Rakaia Gorge is located 7 miles (11 kilometres) from Methven and 47 miles (75 kilometres) from Christchurch. Discovery Jet is open daily, but pre-booking is advised. Guided trips depend on availability, river conditions and the weather. The walkway is publicly accessible at all times and free of charge, despite it crossing private farmland. The scenic walk is classed as easy and suitable for children. ### Popular places to visit ![Mount Hutt Skifield showing snow skiing and snow](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113020/127021a4-3c6f-4906-ba7e-9d784f9ee051.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mount Hutt Skifield Hit the slopes at one of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, which is best known for its long season and gorgeous surrounding scenery. [](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Hutt-Skifield-Mount-Hutt.d6113020.Vacation-Attraction) #### Salmon World Make time in your itinerary to visit the sea creatures at Salmon World during your trip to Rakaia. While you're in the area, wander around the gardens. [](https://expedia.ca/Salmon-World-Rakaia.d6307001.Vacation-Attraction) #### Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa You can take time to visit Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa during your travels to Methven. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the ski slopes. [](https://expedia.ca/Opuke-Thermal-Pools-Spa-Methven.d840872203152220160.Vacation-Attraction) #### Methven Golf Course Enjoy a round of golf in Methven at Methven Golf Course. Discover the area's mountain views and bars. [](https://expedia.ca/Methven-Golf-Course-Methven.d890195614106062848.Vacation-Attraction) #### Hororata Golf Club Enjoy a round of golf in Glentunnel at Hororata Golf Club. Amble around the area's parks or visit its churches. [](https://expedia.ca/Hororata-Golf-Club-Glentunnel.d553248635019290981.Vacation-Attraction) #### Washpen Falls Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Washpen Falls during your travels in Windwhistle. Discover the area's mountain views and bars. [](https://expedia.ca/Washpen-Falls-Windwhistle.d553248634015533527.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Rakaia Gorge ## Check availability on hotels close to Rakaia Gorge [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060656&startDate=2026-03-04&endDate=2026-03-05)[Mar 4 - Mar 5](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060656&startDate=2026-03-04&endDate=2026-03-05) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060656&startDate=2026-03-05&endDate=2026-03-06)[Mar 5 - Mar 6](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060656&startDate=2026-03-05&endDate=2026-03-06) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060656&startDate=06%2F03%2F2026&endDate=08%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 6 - Mar 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060656&startDate=06%2F03%2F2026&endDate=08%2F03%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060656&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 13 - Mar 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6060656&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026) ![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 [](https://expedia.ca/Methven-Hotels-Methven-Resort.h58441513.Hotel-Information) ![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 [](https://expedia.ca/Windwhistle-Hotels-Terrace-Downs-Resort.h1895481.Hotel-Information) ![Ski Time Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4150000/4140600/4140555/d37b4159_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ski Time Lodge 39 Racecourse Avenue Methven [](https://expedia.ca/Methven-Hotels-Ski-Time-Lodge.h4140555.Hotel-Information) ![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 [](https://expedia.ca/Methven-Hotels-Methven-Motels-Apartments.h9625946.Hotel-Information) ![The Brown Pub](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/22000000/21110000/21105100/21105070/57649a96_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Brown Pub Corner Main Street & Forest Drive Methven [](https://expedia.ca/Methven-Hotels-The-Brown-Pub.h21105070.Hotel-Information) ![Gunyah Country Estate](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3850000/3848400/3848349/2a72b37a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Gunyah Country Estate Sleemans Road Windwhistle [](https://expedia.ca/Windwhistle-Hotels-Gunyah-Country-Estate.h3848349.Hotel-Information) ![Snow Denn Lodge - Hostel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11870000/11868100/11868077/2cc9b860_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Snow Denn Lodge - Hostel 6 Bank Street Methven [](https://expedia.ca/Methven-Hotels-Snow-Denn-Lodge-Hostel.h11868077.Hotel-Information) ![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 [](https://expedia.ca/Methven-Hotels-Brinkley-Resort.h106045697.Hotel-Information) ![The Blue Pub](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9628200/9628177/05d5a278_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Blue Pub 2 Barkers Road Methven [](https://expedia.ca/Methven-Hotels-The-Blue-Pub.h9628177.Hotel-Information) [See all 179 properties in Rakaia Gorge](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6060656) 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. ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.ca/deals?rfrr=DX_POI_Spring_PROMO_6060656)