Methven Encounter
New Zealand Alpine & Agricultural
encounter
The New Zealand Alpine & Agriculture Encounter is an experiential visitor attraction located in the centre of Methven, Mid Canterbury.
This multi-faceted walk through encounter uses audio/visual displays, large exhibits showcasing farming and snow sports.
The Encounter also has three sub themes, geology, weather, and water.
The Encounter has been created to give visitors a real understanding of the way of life in rural Canterbury and the way our two key industries, farming and snowsports are linked together through trade, tourism and shared reliance on our unique geology and climate.
New Zealand Ski Memorabilia
encounter
Established in 2000 as part of the Methven Heritage Centre, the New Zealand Ski Memorabilia project was created to preserve the history of skiing in New Zealand before it was lost with the passing of pioneering figures.
One notable contribution is the oral history of Winter Olympian Sir Roy McKenzie, recorded shortly before his death. McKenzie captained New Zealand’s first Winter Olympic team to Oslo in 1952, served on the Mt Cook board for 20 years, supported Disabled Snowsports NZ, and was still skiing at age 80.
Exhibits include:
Antique ski equipment and Winter Olympic memorabilia
Collections from prominent ski families such as Anton Coberger, Wif Hunt, and Willi Huber
A replica of Willi Huber’s hut, used during his snow surveys on Mt Hutt
Displays on ski fashions through the decades and alpine safety
Visitors can view early ski footage and see Sir Edmund Hillary on the first NZ chairlift at Mt Ruapehu (1954).
While the world’s oldest skis (found in Sweden and Finland) date back 4000 – 5000 years, New Zealand’s ski heritage extends to the first rope tows on Mt Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki, and Coronet Peak in 1946, with enthusiasts like the Jessep brothers skiing as early as 1930 – a time when slopes had to be climbed before skied.
For research inquiries or contributions, we welcome you to contact us.
