Heritage

Historically, the Ashburton District is young by international standards, but is has a rich and vibrant history, built around its long-standing association with agriculture.

Although the first stations (runs) in the area were taken up in 1853, Ashburton wasn't officially constituted as a Borough until 1878, followed by Methven in 1879.

Ashburton Aviation Museum has with a huge collection of planes from yesteryear and displays of the years it spent as an air force training base during World War II. The museum is open for visitors on Saturdays and the 1st Sunday of each month, or by arrangement.

Ashburton Museum features a range of exhibits depicting local, national and international themes which are regularly updated. Extensive records are available to researchers including genealogical, photographic, and local history information. The Museum is open Tuesday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Saturday and Sundays 1.00pm - 4.00pm.Closed Monday's.

Ashburton Vintage Car Museum, located within the Tinwald Domain, displays vintage and veteran cars and other articles of motoring historical interest. Open by appointment.

Heritage tours are available on appointment around the historic Barhill Village. Treat yourself to a relaxing wander around this tranquil setting.

Corwar Lodge, the lodge of John Cathcart Wason’s Corwar Estate has a small museum of colonial artefacts which is open by arrangement.

Lynn Historical Woodworking Trust is a museum of woodwork and ornamental turning located within the Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum complex. The museum boasts the second largest collection of ornamental turning lathes in the world. Open by appointment.

Methven Historical Society & Museum shows themed displays that reflect the development of the District and includes a photograph and reference section. The museum is open on Fridays from 1:30pm to 4:00pm or by arrangement.

Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum is located just off SH1 in the Tinwald Domain. The village includes a vintage railway (including a K88 Washington locomotive), replica shops, historic church, printing works, fire station complete with fire appliances from Ashburton’s formative years, and an extensive collection of farm machinery including vintage tractor collections. Members are usually on site most days for visitors to visit the village and regular steam train running days are held throughout the year.

Rakaia Free Museum is the history of one mans life which includes outdoor exhibits and over 4000 square feet of indoor exhibits. One hour performances with Nip the Wonder Dog are also available. Open by appointment.

Staveley Historical & Geological Centre has an extensive geological collection and displays highlighting mining, timber, farming, education and community memorabilia. Open on demand.

Other heritage attractions include the Rakaia Gorge bridges, Highbank Power Station, or the stone Hakatere Homestead built in the 1860's. Many of the region’s walkways include access to heritage items, including the old lime kilns at Staveley and Mt Somers, or the coal mines at Woolshed Creek.

Click here to view the history behind Ashburton District place names
Adobe Acrobat DocumentAshburton District Place Names
  The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (whose mission is to keep New Zealand's heritage places alive and useful) has a detailed register of historic places and areas within New Zealand. Click here to view the register and select the Canterbury region to view all historic places and areas within Canterbury, which includes the Ashburton District.

 

Click here to view all Heritage product listings within our website