Regional Info
Welcome to the Ashburton District
This rich agricultural region stretching from alps to the ocean, and bordered by impressive braided rivers, encompasses the Ashburton, Methven / Mt Hutt, Mt Somers high country and Rakaia areas.
Within an hour from Christchurch International Airport you can be skiing or snowboarding, white-water rafting, skydiving, enjoying a country golf course, visiting gardens of blazing blooms, uncovering relics of aviation and transport history, hiking nature trails or enjoying traditional rural hospitality.
A cluster of high country lakes and braided rivers are fantastic for fishing and the surrounding mountain foothills are perfect for recreational hunting, a hot air balloon or heli flight provides a bird’s eye view of a patchwork landscape, and a 4WD adventure can take you on a journey into the high country wilderness.
Heritage trails, ecotourism guides, craft markets, art galleries, farm tours and a calendar of events will fill your time with memorable New Zealand experiences.
Take advantage of the district's two highways - State Highway One and the Inland Scenic Route 72 - you can travel down one way and back the other, experiencing the whole district.
