Location
Situated in the heart of Canterbury

The scenic Ashburton region encompasses rich agricultural land, rolling hills, mountain peaks, braided rivers and pounding coastlines. From adrenaline-pumping activities to indulgent mountain hideaways, you’ll find something special in Ashburton and surrounding districts.

Just an hour south of Christchurch City you’ll find Ashburton township. A warm welcome awaits you in the pleasant rural town. Have a coffee and do a spot of shopping in the town centre, before exploring some of the galleries, museums and specialty stores dotted around the town. Or head out on a garden tour of Ashburton and surrounding areas.

Once you’ve covered the town, take your pick from any of the wonderful activities on offer in the surrounding countryside – try skiing, white water rafting, skydiving, golfing or hiking, just to name a few!

A short drive from Ashburton is one of New Zealand’s premiere ski areas – Mt Hutt. Drive up the mountain in the morning and beat the city crowds to the fresh powder as you carve up the snow on your snowboard or skis. Then it’s only a short drive back to base to relax in the evening.

Or for true luxury, treat yourself to a round of golf and dinner at the spectacular Terrace Downs resort, perched on a cliff overlooking the Rakaia Gorge and snow-capped mountain peaks of the Southern Alps.

If exploring is more your scene, the region around Ashburton is home to many quaint townships, all sharing a rich history. Mt Somers and the surrounding back country offer a new world for you to explore and there are a variety of eco-tourism options available. The region is world-renowned for its trout and salmon fishing, and high country lakes hold a wealth of fishing opportunities. Or you could try your hand at big game hunting in the mountain foothills.

For a birds-eye view of the region, take a scenic flight or, better yet, treat yourself to a serene hot air balloon ride for picture-perfect views of the patchwork plains and rolling foothills.

Ashburton is the gateway to some of the South Island’s best scenery and adventures – the hardest part will be making up your mind what to do!

Ashburton Activities
Ashburton Art Gallery www.ashburtonartgallery.org.nz
Aoraki Balloon Safaris www.nzballooning.com
Rakaia Gorge Alpine Jet www.rivertours.co.nz
Terrace Downs www.terracedowns.co.nz