Methven Hot Pools & Rakaia Gorge tour from Christchurch

Soak in thermal pools after crossing the Southern Alps foothills

A six to eight hour private tour from Christchurch to Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa in Methven Village, passing through Rakaia River Gorge and Christchurch's central sights. You travel by air-conditioned van with a local driver-guide, stop for photos or a swim in the gorge if you wish, then spend two hours in the solar-heated Discovery Pools before returning to Christchurch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Christchurch to Ōpuke Hot Pools tour

• Travel through Christchurch Central city
• Stop at Riverside Markets and Avon River
• Drive to Rakaia River Gorge
• Stop for photos, fishing, or swim
• Arrive at Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa
• Receive locker, robe, and towel
• Relax in Tranquility or Discovery pools
• Return to Christchurch

The experience

The day starts in Christchurch, where your driver-guide picks you up and heads toward Mid-Canterbury. You'll pass through Christchurch Central (with optional stops at Riverside Markets or the Avon River), then climb into the Rakaia River Gorge, the deepest part of which frames the route. The gorge stop is yours to use: photograph it, fish, or wade in if the water calls. The landscape shifts as you approach Methven Village, sitting at the foothills of the Southern Alps.

Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa is an award-winning facility built around solar-heated pools fed by natural thermal water. You'll receive entry to your own locker, a robe and towel, then settle into the Discovery Pools, open to all ages, for two hours of soaking. The pools are designed for relaxation rather than activity. There's a swim-up bar on site if you want refreshment. (An adult-exclusive pool called Tranquility is available as an upgrade if you prefer a quieter space, NZ-accepted ID may be required.) After your time in the pools, the return drive to Christchurch takes you back through the same route.

Bottled water and comfort stops are built into the journey. The tour suits families with children from age four, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller. If you have a service animal, it's welcome. The van is air-conditioned and the pace is unhurried. This is a day built around the pools, not a rush through sights.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport with a local driver-guide.
• admission to Ōpuke Thermal Pools for a two-hour session in the Discovery Pools.
• locker entry, robe and towel.
• bottled water and comfort stops en route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteNZ$ 35

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Selwyn Shuttles

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want landscape scenery en route (Rakaia Gorge) combined with several hours soaking in adult-only thermal pools with a swim-up bar, all in one full-day loop from Christchurch.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Rakaia River Gorge like, and do we stop there long enough to swim?

The Rakaia River Gorge is the deepest part of the river's canyon, carved through the landscape on the route to Methven. You stop for photos and have the choice to fish or swim if conditions suit you, but the stop is not a long one. It's a moment to step out and see it, not a dedicated swimming session.

Is lunch included, or should we plan to eat before or after?

Meals and drinks are not included in the tour price. You'll want to eat before departure or plan a meal stop in Methven or on the return to Christchurch. The swim-up bar at Ōpuke offers refreshment but not full meals.

What happens at Ōpuke Thermal Pools? Is it just soaking, or are there activities?

Ōpuke is a thermal spa centered on relaxation in the solar-heated pools. Your two hours there are for soaking and unwinding. There are no structured activities. The Discovery Pools are open to all ages, and a swim-up bar is on site if you want a drink while you soak.

Do we stop in Christchurch itself, or just pass through on the way out?

You start in Christchurch, and your driver-guide can stop at Riverside Markets or the Avon River in the central city if you wish. These are optional stops, so you choose whether to get out and look around or keep moving toward the gorge and Methven.