Our Region Ashburton

Ashburton

The Foody Paradise of Mid Canterbury

Ashburton (Maori: Hakatere) The main service centre for the district, combines city shopping and dining with rural friendliness. Ashburton is the commerical centre of Mid Canterbury, but there is plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including the EA Network Centre that features several heated swimming pools, spa and steam room.  There are multiple golf courses, an international hockey pitch, and a tennis centre, all in easy walking distance from your central accommodation. If you are a water enthusiast you can swim, row, water-ski or fish at Lake Hood.  If you love the outdoors there are numerous breath-taking tramps and cycle tracks on your doorstep.Ashburton is one of the great secrets of New Zealand, with an inspiring range of both energetic and relaxing activities. Join us for a journey of exploration and exhilaration – we look forward to welcoming you.

Things to do in Ashburton

Ashburton has become a foodie destination, with many new restaurants and cafes offering delicious cuisines, from Asian infused, slow-smoked American BBQ, gastropub menus, to Indian, Phillipino, Thai and more. If you're a foodie you'll love Ashburton.

Whether you're here on holiday, at a conference or sports event, visit one of New Zealand's largest aviation museums. Dogged restoration and aviation enthusiasm are on display at the Ashburton Aviation Museum. They’ve got the only Harrier Jet on display in Australasia – that’s the one that takes off vertically. It’s more than likely your guide on the day will have worked on restoring the planes around you.

Lake Hood, on the outskirts of Ashburton, is a paradise for water enthusiasts. Enjoy coffee, lunch and dinner at The Lake House Restaurant and bar and take in the surrounding scenery and goings-on.

Highlights

You'll appreciate the high-quality shopping precincts, eclectic cafes, restaurants, craft shops, thrift shopping, a nationally recognised art gallery and museums. Ashburton is home to the internationally recognised Trotts Community Garden, which is worth a stroll any day. Ashburton has become a foodie destination, with many new restaurants and cafes offering delicious cuisines, from Asian infused, slow-smoked American BBQ, gastropub menus, to Indian, Phillipino, Thai and more. If you're a foodie you'll love Ashburton.
  • Ashburton Aviation Museum
  • Trott's Gardens
  • Lake Hood
  • Virtual & Retro
  • Ashburton Art Gallery
  • Ashburton Golf Club
  • The Braided Waters / Lake Hood Trail
Next Stop

Hinds

Hinds is a typical rural village servicing the surrounding area, with a primary school and play centre, village shop, two churches, tavern, community centre, domain to cater for sports and recreation, and swimming baths.
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