Ashburton is the commercial centre of the rich mid-Canterbury farming area and the main town of Ashburton District. The region's prosperity reflects this with its tidy tree-lined streets and lovely parks and gardens. Visit our local church tower for a superb view over the Ashburton town and further. Ashburton has unlimited holiday opportunities offering magnificent scenery and numerous outdoor and adventure activities. Ashburton is the perfect backdrop for relaxing and unwinding away from the stress of the city.
Over 200 sports clubs in the district and facilities include a synthetic hockey turf, a nationally rated tennis complex and covered heating swimming complex, five golf courses and an equine race centre.
Ashburton Motor Lodge is within walking distance of:
- Hospital
- Race course
- Ashburton Golf course
- Ashford Craft Village - Cafe/Crafts/Nursery
- Town Centre
- Restaurants
- Ashburton Showgrounds
- Domain and Gardens
- Tavern and liquor store
Ashburton has great shopping, excellent craft galleries, and an interesting collection of museums:
- World class Aviation Museum
- Ashburton Museum & Art Gallery
- Museum of Woodworking & Ornamental Woodturning
- Vintage Car Museum
- The Plains Railway and Vintage Museum
We are easily assessable to:
- Trotts garden
- Town centre
- Lake Hood
- Methven Balloons
- Mt Hutt skifield
- Aviation Museum
Restaurants
Ashburton has many restaurants around town to choose from. Thai, Indian, fine dining, just to name a few. Enquire at reception for guidance.
- Robbie's Bar and Bistro
- Speights Ale House
- Cactus Jacks
- Charming Thai
- Lake House (Lake Hood)
- Indian Minar
- Mona Lisa's
- Kelly's Bar and café
- Clearwater restaurant
Activities
Mt Hutt
40 minutes drive away is the internationally famous Mt Hutt Ski field which has arguably the best skiing and snowboarding in the country, including world class Heliskiing in the vast mountain ranges.
Lake Hood
Lake Hood is a 72 hectare man-made aquatic park sited on the edge of Ashburton. The large recreational lake provides unbounding leisure time which includes boating and waterskiing.
Ashburton Trotting Club
Ashburton Trotting Club - Ashburton is home to the fastest harness racing track in New Zealand.
Aviation Museum
Ashburton has the luxury of having a world class Aviation Museum. This museum contains a Harrier Hawk, Tiger Moth and a Harvard, to name a few.
Rakaia and Rangitata River
Rakaia and Rangitata are renowned for salmon in their crystal clear waters. For the thrill seekers try rafting or jet boating. The Ashburton River is excellent for trout fishing.
Activities
River Tours
Jet boating is an exhilarating experience, see waterfalls up close! This adventure experience is available at Jet boat tours, Rakaia gorge.
Ashburton Walkway
This (one way) 19km, 5 hr walk follows the river to the sea, providing a fantastic look at the braided Ashburton river and the birdlife.
Rangitata Rafts
Experience an adrenalin pumping 3 hour raft trip down the Rangitata River, one of New Zealand's most exciting stretches of white water.
Trotts Garden
The chapel was built in 1916, relocated here and now provides a quiet tranquil feel in the garden. A wonderful spot for weddings, full of peaceful woodland areas.
Ashburton Speedway
The Ashburton Speedway Association is affiliated to the South Island federation of independent speedway clubs. A wide range of saloon cars, street stocks, mini stocks, youth mini stocks and open wheelers race at Ashburton.
Activities
Aoraki Balloon Safaris Ltd
“New Zealand's Finest Ballooning Location” Aroaki Balloon safaris will be your most magical sky experience.
Back of beyond mountain bike tours
See the backdrop locations used in Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy and see the back of beyond.
Edoras tours
Lord of the rings and scenic 4WD adventure, A film location from “The Two Towers” and “The Return Of The King”. Experience this magical terrain.
Hassel free holidays 4WD scenic tours
Experience the beauty and ruggedness of the New Zealand high country from the comfort and safety of our four wheel drive vehicles.
Mt Hutt Bungy
Canterbury's highest bungy jump, Run, Dive, Flip, Plummet, Jump, Elevate, you name it you can do it.
The adventurous will not be disappointed, the Ashburton district has much to offer. Try your hand at climbing, tramping, white water rafting, hot air ballooning, skydiving, horse riding and mountain biking.
We are happy to assist with sightseeing tours and forward bookings.
