Discover Ashburton: Art, History and Walking Routes

If you’re looking for a hotel in Ashburton, the character of the town may shape your choice: would you like to include art and local history, explore on foot, or make use of recreational facilities? Ashburton offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay. The following places show how different interests come together in the area.

Art and local history

Rokowhiria is an arts and cultural heritage destination in Ashburton. Its dedicated gallery space hosts changing exhibitions and installations featuring local and national art. Rokowhiria holds exhibitions regularly, and the programme varies. If you’d like to include art in your stay, you’ll find a different focus here than at the town’s historic buildings.

The Ashburton Clock Tower stands at Baring Square East and is widely regarded as a local landmark. The tower clock began running in 1904 and was installed by Wilson Littlejohn in the post office clock tower. The building’s architectural history has also earned recognition: in 1978, the clock tower received an NZIA Local Award. In 2004, the New Zealand Institute of Architects recognised the building’s significance and awarded Warren and Mahoney an Enduring Architecture Award.

City walks and the river trail

Ashburton has two historic and cultural city walks, each taking about 30 minutes. This makes it easy to distinguish a short walk in terms of time from an outing on the longer River Trail.

The Ashburton Hakatere River Trail begins at the Ashburton River Bridge on State Highway 1 and follows the river’s northern bank to Hakatere on the coast. The shared-use trail is designed for walking, cycling and horse riding. Its starting point, riverside route and coastal destination give it a different character from the historic and cultural walks in town.

Green spaces and exercise

Ashburton Domain covers 37 hectares of open spaces, lawns, gardens and recreational facilities. The grounds include a rose garden that is often used for wedding ceremonies. A small playground for preschoolers is next to the seasonal paddling pool. A fitness circuit adds to the facilities, with designated exercises at various stations.

The Domain also has a history as an event venue. It has hosted circuses, fairs, fun runs, concerts and Glow in the Park, among other events. This information refers to past events, not a current events calendar.

Swimming, spa and museum

The EA Networks Centre has four swimming pools, a spa area and a steam room. The leisure pool has a gutter and a lazy river or rapid river. The Centre states that the steam room and spa area are kept at 38°C. Ramp access is available to all aquatic areas except the Learn to Swim Pool and the Spa Pool.

Ashburton Museum combines exhibitions with activity programmes for all ages. These include changing themed activities and crafts related to regional history, discovery trails, holiday programmes and special events for adults, school and community groups, and children. As programme content changes, it’s worth checking the current offerings before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Hinds, Mayfield, Methven, Mount Hutt.

See the wider travel overview: Ashburton District.