He began work in his new Alexandra office this week and is already enjoying Central Otago's fine weather - even though it rained during his first two days in the role.
"I wouldn't really call that rain; not after living on the West Coast," Mr Melhopt said.
Shifting to one of the driest places in the country is just one of the changes for him.
Taking up a role in local government is also new.
"A change in environment and a complete change of career appealed.
I'd done some homework about this area and the council before I applied for the job and was impressed by the council's systems thinking approach.
"Clearly also, this is a great place to work and play and there's no better place than Central Otago."
Mr Melhopt (43) spent the past three years in Greymouth as chief executive for state-owned enterprise Timberlands.
The Government decided a year ago to axe the forestry company and transfer its assets to Crown Forestry.
"Working in the West Coast forest industry was a very challenging assignment, but I feel I learned more from dealing with adversity than being in an organisation that was possibly more smooth sailing," he said.
His partner and two primary school-aged children were still in Greymouth but would join him soon.
They were looking forward to the change in lifestyle.
"We like boating and fishing, so we're all looking forward to having a lake nearby and a boat jetty just down the road."
Before joining Timberlands, he worked for the DB group for 11 years and was Otago sales manager for DB Breweries and then South Island sales manager for Corbans Wines.
He lived in Queenstown in the late 1970s, attending Wakatipu High School.
He also spent much time hunting and fishing in the district and tramping the hills.
Mr Melhopt was still settling into his new role this week with the assistance of former chief executive John Cooney.
"I'm still finding my way, of course, and picking up pretty much where John left off."
He hoped to be as "accessible" as possible in the role and wanted to get out and about and meet people from all over the district.
"There's certainly some interesting times ahead and I'm sure I'll enjoy the new experience."
