Mid Canterbury

Ashburton is the bustling hub of the district combining city vibrancy with rural town friendliness. Enjoy shopping, restaurants, artisan shops, the internationally recognised Trotts Gardens and the nationally recognised Ashburton Aviation Museum.

Lake Hood is a paradise for water enthusiasts, with swimming, boating and water skiing all on offer. Settle in at the lakefront restaurant and watch the world go by. For thrill-seekers, a skydive with incredible alps to ocean views is a must.

Methven is at the heart of nine Canterbury ski areas and over 1000kms of New Zealand’s best heli-skiing terrain, the town becoming a pumping centre in winter.

Outside of winter Methven is a haven for adventure and exploration. Horse trekking, hot air ballooning, hiking and mountain biking – this corner of Canterbury is known for adventure, and its relaxed lifestyle and quirky character.

Methven's Kids 4 Free deal makes the snow experience even more family-friendly. Mt Hutt Ski Area offers children below 10 to stay, eat and play for free during the ski season and the township of Methven offers the Kids 4 Free deal year round. Epic!

There's nearly 60,000 hectares to explore at Hakatere Conservation Park – just inland from Ashburton.

The landscape is made up of tussock, forest, lakes and rivers. Take time out to swim, boat, tramp, hunt or relax and enjoy a picnic in stunning surroundings.

For a glimpse of history visit the old lime kilns at Staveley and Mt Somers, the coal mines at Woolshed Creek, the 1860’s Hakatere stone homestead and the Barrhill Historic Village.

New Zealand’s Alpine and Agriculture Encounter tells the stories of mountains, plains and people. Visit quaint historic churches and homesteads dotted throughout the district.