Explore a South Island Town Full of Surprises
Nestled in the heart of Mid Canterbury, Ashburton New Zealand is more than just a pitstop between Christchurch and Timaru—it's a destination packed with culture, history, and laid-back charm. This friendly town is home to a cluster of fascinating museums, including the popular Ashburton Aviation Museum, which houses one of the best collections of aircraft in the Southern Hemisphere. Right next door, you’ll also find vintage cars and printing displays at the Ashburton Museum complex.
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Ashburton Art Gallery, showcasing contemporary Kiwi art with rotating exhibitions and community events. The town centre is buzzing with boutique shops, cafés, and welcoming locals, while the wide tree-lined streets make it a pleasant place to stroll and explore.
Discover Outdoor Wonders from River to Mountain
Adventure calls just beyond Ashburton’s town boundary. The Ashburton River is a favourite for walkers, cyclists, and anglers, offering scenic trails and excellent trout fishing. For bigger thrills, head towards the mighty Rangitata River, known for white-water rafting and epic scenery—ideal for adrenaline lovers.
To the west, explore the stunning Ashburton Lakes District, including serene spots like Lake Clearwater and Lake Heron, where you can hike, fish, or simply soak up the mountain views. Nearby Peel Forest is a haven of native bush and birdlife, with walking tracks ranging from gentle forest strolls to steep hikes with panoramic views. Whether you're picnicking by a lake or exploring alpine trails, the wilderness is never far from Ashburton.
Things to Do in Ashburton New Zealand
Ashburton offers a delightful mix of indoor and outdoor activities for all interests:
- Visit the Ashburton Aviation Museum
- Explore the Ashburton Art Gallery & Heritage Centre
- Walk or cycle the scenic Ashburton River Trail
- Picnic or paddleboard at Lake Hood
- Discover colourful blooms at Trott’s Garden
- Try local fare at a café or the Ashburton Farmers’ Market
- Browse boutique shops and art spaces in the town centre
- Visit historic Tinwald and the Plains Vintage Railway
- Discover the tranquil Ashburton Lakes, including Lake Clearwater
- Go white-water rafting on the Rangitata River
- Hike through native bush at Peel Forest
Ashburton is a town located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. The town was named after Ashburton in Devon, England, and was founded in the 1850s as a service centre for the surrounding agricultural region.
The first European settlers arrived in the area in the 1840s, and the town was established in 1857 when the Canterbury Association surveyed the area for the purpose of creating a new settlement. The town grew rapidly, with the establishment of a courthouse, post office, school, and several other businesses in the 1860s.
Ashburton became an important centre for agriculture and the processing of farm produce, with the construction of a railway line in the late 19th century providing better transport links to the surrounding areas. The town's economy grew steadily in the 20th century, with the establishment of several new industries such as textile manufacturing, food processing, and engineering.
Today, Ashburton is a thriving town with a population of around 20,000 people. It is the largest town in the Mid Canterbury region and is an important centre for agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The town is also a popular destination for tourists, with several attractions such as the Ashburton Art Gallery, the Ashburton Aviation Museum, and the Ashburton Domain and Gardens.
Ashburton is a food lover's paradise, with a range of cafes and restaurants offering mouth-watering local cuisine. The town is famous for its delicious beef, lamb, venison, and salmon dishes, which are complemented by award-winning New Zealand wines and craft beers.
Take a stroll through the town's streets and you'll find a range of dining options, from classic Kiwi takeaways to first-class fare. For those looking to indulge in a gourmet experience, there are several fine dining restaurants offering innovative and delicious cuisine.
If you're a foodie, be sure to visit the Ashburton Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday morning. Here you'll find some of the area's freshest produce, finest foods, and homemade treats, all direct from the source. Meet the passionate people behind these culinary delights and taste the true flavours of Ashburton.