Unfortunately, crops are very susceptible to the weather, especially the cold. Two crops, grapes, and blackcurrant are very prone to freezing temperatures. You are probably asking yourself what makes blackcurrant or grapevines so susceptible to the cold? The actual vines are not the issue as they are just like any other shrub or tree and can endure the harshness of winter. The main concern is when these plants mature and begin to develop buds. These buds are the livelihood for growers as they will eventually evolve into wine grapes and currents that we all love and enjoy. They normally develo ..read more

The arrival of Himalayan Tahr in New Zealand was first recorded in 1904. The story goes that the Duke of Bedford gifted six of the animals (three males and three females) to the New Zealand government to help with the future recreational hunting options for emigrating Englishman. Five made the trip safely and were released near the Hermitage at Mt Cook and in 1909 a further eight were added from the duke’s herd. They established themselves well with their status as a protected species to allow their numbers to grow reaching an estimated 100 ten years later. By the 1950’s however, numbe ..read more

Tahr hunting in the dramatic landscapes and steep mountainous terrain of mid Canterbury is for many hunters the ultimate experience. The world renowned Himalayan tahr in New Zealand can be hunted year round, with bull tahr found with their coveted winter mane from April through to August. Introduced over 100 years ago as a game animal, they have thrived in the New Zealand High Country and are prized trophies by kiwis and overseas sportsman and women alike. The remote areas and difficult country make bagging one of these animals a feat to be proud of. Heli Rural Methven is one of the ar ..read more

If you want to see wilderness you’re unlikely to visit on foot a scenic helicopter flight is a way to go. Craggy peaks covered in forest and scree.  Pristine glaciers that once reached the sea and the jumble of landscape and natural debris left behind 12,000 years ago. The tussock land bordering the braided river beds of the Rangitata the Rakaia and its tributaries, the Wilberforce and Mathias.  Inland from Christchurch is a wild, beautiful backcountry where the land crumples upward forming the peaks and valleys that make up the Divide. If you haven’t been, maybe it's time for a ..read more

Himalayan Tahr. Red Deer. Chamois. Autumn hunting in New Zealand is on the bucket list for many. Autumn hunting in New Zealand is a time for locals and visitors from afar to get their camo gear out, clean their weapons, and scroll through hunting pics and videos as they prepare for their adventure. The main reason is the rut, where normally cautious animals are inflamed by their natural passions and decide it’s time to find a mate.  The roar or rut for Red Deer is a highlight on the hunting calendar.  Typically from late March through to mid-April this is when stags throw cauti ..read more

Headed to Methven for a ski holiday and having a day off? Perhaps as the non-skier in the party it's your turn to have some fun. Who wants to drive up the hill to sit around all day when you can see it all from the air? The remote river valleys, alpine lakes and snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps  make this part of mid Canterbury a unique corner of the world.  Seeing this area from above  accompanied by the knowledgeable commentary from the experienced pilots of Heli Rural Methven will be a highlight of your visit to the area. You’ll follow braided river channels all t ..read more