The Best of the Best

Whether it’s crossing the awesome swing bridge at Mt Sunday, ice-cream and cake at the Staveley Store or splashing friends and whanau in the Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa aqua play area, Mid-Canterbury has something to inspire everyone this Summer.

1. Get off the beaten track with a one hour walk up Mt Sunday. Located within the Ashburton Lakes and once a Lord of the Rings film set, you’ll get incredible views from the top of the Southern Alps and Lake Basin. Kids will love the swing bridges!

2. Grab a buddy and wander Trotts Garden, located in the heart of Ashburton. Stunning year around, but summer really puts on a show with an incredible array of flowers, shrubs and trees in full bloom. You can really see why this little oasis is recognised has been recognised as a Garden of International Significance.

3. Soak, relax and play at Opuke Thermal Pools and Spa, Methven. Set within a stunning setting surrounded by mountains, the kids will love the hidden caves, lazy river and aqua play area.

4. Walk or bike around the Methven Walkway. This picturesque walkway follows the Rangitata Diversion Race, beginning and ending at the Methven i-Hub.

5. Discover the Ashburton Aviation Museum and view over 40 modern and historic aircraft on display – perfect for those plane lovers out there! Run by volunteers, this internationally revered museum is open 7 days a week.

6. The Awa Awa Rata Reserve at the bottom of Mt Hutt is a fantastic base for a variety of family walks ranging from a 10-minute meander through lush native forest to a 4.5km tramp onto a mountain ridge with magnificent views over Canterbury - perfect for that family photo! If you time your visit right you can view the stunning rhododendrons in the full glory.

7. Nestled under the Mid-Canterbury foothills, The Staveley Store is the perfect pitstop for your adventures! Enjoy award-winning coffee, homemade cakes & treats and of course ice-cream!

8. Feel like an overnight family adventure? Walk the Mt Somers walk and overnight in a DOC hut! This hidden gem is often touted as one of the best overnight family tramps. It’s approximately 2.5 hours up to Woolshed Creek Hut, then 2 hours back to the carpark the next day.

9. Walk or Ride the Braided Waters Lake Hood Trail. This easy 2-hour walk and follows along the riverbank of Lake Hood. Listen and watch out for the amazing variety of birdlife which really brings this track to life! When you arrive at Lake Hood, treat yourself at The Lakehouse while relaxing lake-side.

10. Visit the Ashburton Domain with its 37 hectares of open space, lawns, gardens and recreational facilities. Discover why it really is the jewel in Ashburton's crown.

11. Soak in some adrenaline with the Dirt Bandits UTV experience, just 10 minutes from Methven. Surrounded by stunning scenery, Dirt Bandits operates New Zealand's most epic pro-drive off road experience.

12. Explore the Ashburton Art Gallery, a vibrant and growing cultural facility. With over 20 years of operating history, the Ashburton Art Gallery is devoted to experimentation, innovation and engagement in art.

13. Spend a night camping under the stars in the Hakatere Conservation Park and be amazed by the clarity of the night sky.