Staveley Ice Rink
Experience the magic of outdoor ice skating and curling at Staveley Ice Rink, a community gem in Mid Canterbury.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great atmosphere
Staveley Ice Rink
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of outdoor ice skating and curling at Staveley Ice Rink, a community gem in Mid Canterbury.
"Such a fun night out! Community organisation at its best :)"
🎯 Book Your Session Online
Popular sessions fill up fast! Secure your spot online to avoid missing out on this winter gem.
🧥 Layer Up for Comfort
It's an outdoor rink! Dress in warm layers, waterproofs, and cozy socks for the best experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ice Rink Itself
Main Rink Area
Experience the thrill of outdoor ice skating surrounded by stunning Mid Canterbury scenery.
Curling Experience
Curling Rink
Try your hand at curling with friendly volunteers guiding you through this unique winter sport.
Cozy Indoor Area
Indoor Lounge
Warm up by the open fire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a picnic with friends and family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Dress for the Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Session Online
Popular sessions fill up fast! Secure your spot online to avoid missing out on this winter gem.
🧥 Layer Up for Comfort
It's an outdoor rink! Dress in warm layers, waterproofs, and cozy socks for the best experience.
💰 Affordable Family Fun
Great value with family packages including skate hire. Unlimited skating time makes it a bargain!
🔥 BYO Food & Marshmallows
Bring your own snacks and drinks, and toast marshmallows by the fire for a cozy treat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Session Online
Popular sessions fill up fast! Secure your spot online to avoid missing out on this winter gem.
🧥 Layer Up for Comfort
It's an outdoor rink! Dress in warm layers, waterproofs, and cozy socks for the best experience.
💰 Affordable Family Fun
Great value with family packages including skate hire. Unlimited skating time makes it a bargain!
🔥 BYO Food & Marshmallows
Bring your own snacks and drinks, and toast marshmallows by the fire for a cozy treat.
⛸️ Skate Hire Available
Don't have your own skates? No problem! Skate hire is available on-site for a small fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Staveley Ice Rink, calling it a 'gem' and a 'must-do' for winter fun. The affordable prices, friendly atmosphere, and unique curling experience are frequently praised. It's a community-run spot that offers a fantastic day out for families and friends, with the cozy indoor fire area being a particular highlight.
"Such a fun night out! Community organisation at its best :)"
Kirsten Ogden
"This is a must do in winter, we went for a birthday celebration and had the best day. It doesnt matter if you can or can't skate, the place is just lovely.
We took in our own food and set up a platter & drinks, then later in toasted marshmallows on the open fire.
It certainly was a wonderful way to catch up with friends and celebrate together."
Nicola Loach
"We took the drive out to Staveley on a sunny Thursday afternoon - YES they are open weekdays during the school holidays, and it was so worthwhile.
What a GEM of a place!! Nestled in the shadow of Mount Hutt this is a super picturesque outdoor skating rink that also offers skate hire.
$50 for a family package (2 adults and 2 children), which includes skate hire is a bargain considering you have unlimited time.
There's an indoor area with an open fire (where you can roast marshmallows) for parents to stay warm while the kids skate.
Converting the old fashioned school chairs to slide on ice is a great idea as well - being pushed around on the chair is a real blast.
This was totally worth the drive and something that I would highly recommend!!"
Darryn Johnston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Staveley Ice Rink is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch, making it a perfect day trip. The drive takes you through scenic Mid Canterbury.
Yes, Staveley Ice Rink is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Methven, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you're in the area.
The drive from Ashburton to Staveley Ice Rink is about 40 minutes, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
During school holidays, Staveley Ice Rink is open on weekdays, offering a great opportunity for a mid-week escape.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Staveley Ice Rink, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable. Adults typically pay around $10, and children under 5 skate for free. Skate hire is an additional $5.
Yes, Staveley Ice Rink offers excellent value family packages, often around $50 for two adults and two children, including skate hire.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend sessions and during peak times, as it can get quite popular.
Opening hours vary, but typically include weekend sessions and Wednesday evenings. It's best to check their official schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! Staveley Ice Rink encourages visitors to bring their own food and drinks. There are picnic tables available, and you can even toast marshmallows on the fire.
🎫 ⛸️ Onsite Experience
The ice is generally described as nice and good for skating, though conditions can vary. Some visitors mention needing to sharpen skates after a session.
Yes, it's a great place for all skill levels. Even if you can't skate, the atmosphere is lovely, and you can enjoy the indoor area or try sliding on chairs.
Friday night curling is a unique and fun experience. Friendly volunteers are on hand to help you learn the sport.
Yes, there's a cozy indoor area with an open fire where you can warm up, relax, and even roast marshmallows.
The rink offers a fun idea of using old school chairs to slide on the ice, which is a blast for kids and adults alike!
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the outdoor rink with the backdrop of Mount Hutt. The cozy indoor area with the fire also makes for great atmospheric photos.
While it's possible, be cautious when taking photos while actively skating to avoid accidents. Many visitors capture memories from the sidelines or the indoor area.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light. However, the unique atmosphere of a winter evening with the fire lit is also very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👫 Couples & Friends
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Staveley Ice Rink Experience
The rink operates on a session-based system, with bookings highly recommended, especially during peak times like weekends and school holidays. This ensures a smooth experience and guarantees your spot. Beyond the ice, the rink boasts a warm and inviting indoor area complete with an open fire. This space is perfect for warming up, enjoying a BYO picnic, and even toasting marshmallows, adding a delightful touch to the winter outing.
Beyond ice skating, Staveley Ice Rink also offers the unique opportunity to try curling. This social and engaging sport is guided by friendly volunteers, making it accessible and enjoyable for beginners. The combination of outdoor activities and cozy indoor comforts makes Staveley Ice Rink a truly special place, embodying the spirit of community and winter fun.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
For those looking to make the most of their visit, booking sessions in advance is a wise move to avoid disappointment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit