Ashburton - South Island, New Zealand

Ashburton lies 87 kms southeast of Christchurch, on the northern banks of the Ashburton River on SH1. On the other side of the bridge lies Tinwald. In its heydays Ashburton thrived on an active ceramics industry. There are a few interesting things on offer for visitors to the town.

Ashburton Activities

In the heart of town is the Ashburton Domain lined by 100 year old trees and beautifully maintained gardens with an artificial lake. To the north of this Domain is the Ashford Craft Village with a cafe, antique shop, a gallery and an assortment of looms, spinning wheels and related accessories most of which are for sale.

The Town Centre is adorned by the Historic Art Gallery and Museum which runs temporary art exhibitions. The museum has a good collection of information on braided rivers and the rare endangered birdlife that breeds only in this region.

There are other smaller museums in Tinwald Domain such as The Plains, a Vintage Railway Museum with a monthly ride and The Woodworking and Ornamental Woodturning Museum.

Ashburton Accommodation

There are a range of buses stopping outside the visitor centre at Ashburton, and there is a post office in the town. Ashburton provides decent accommodation facilities, most of them centered around East Street and across the river in Tinwald.

In winter, there is a demand for accommodation because of its close access to Mt Hutt Skifield. Good camping and budget accommodation is available in East Street, close to the Domain. There are three or four decent eating places in the town area.

LooknbookNZ can arrange your Ashburton accommodation and Ashburton activities leaving you to enjoy your holiday.