Hinds

Hinds lies on the Canterbury Plains, on the banks of the Hinds River. These two geographical features are a good starting point for understanding a hotel stay here: the plains and the river. In the settlement, there is also a war memorial and a recommendation for a stop featuring classic cars. The wider Ashburton District adds regional context with its landscapes, heritage and recreational opportunities.

Local features of Hinds

The Canterbury Pacific Highway runs along State Highway One from Kaikoura to Timaru and passes through Hinds, among other places. Check current road conditions before travelling. Two black granite plaques are set into concrete block walls at the entrance to the Hinds Domain swimming pool. The Hinds War Memorial honours those who served in the Second World War and those who fell. The materials and precise location give the memorial a tangible presence, while its dedication draws attention to service and loss.

For classic vehicle enthusiasts, Hinds Classics on the main street is recommended as a stop to see classic cars in various states of working order. The memorial and the car stop represent two different local points of interest: remembrance and an interest in classic vehicles.

Nature and trails in the Ashburton District

Within the wider Ashburton District, the area of Awa Awa Rata Reserve is known as Mahitahi and was a kāinga mahika kai, meaning a place where food was gathered. Two walking tracks lead to Scott's Saddle or up to the ridgeline. The reserve is also a picnic area and a destination for day trips. At the Ashburton Lakes, activities range from swimming, boating and fishing to birdwatching, camping and picnicking.

Hakatere Conservation Park covers almost 60,000 hectares of rugged high country, tussock grassland, beech forest, rivers and lakes. Wakanui Beach on the east coast of the Ashburton District has significant biological diversity and walking tracks. Rakaia Gorge has several walking tracks and trails, as well as access to the river. The Ashburton / Hakatere River Trail is an easy walking or cycling route along the Ashburton River: it follows the river from Melrose Road to the sea at Hakatere.

Gardens, recreation and heritage

Ashburton Domain in the Ashburton District is a 37-hectare open space with lawns, gardens and recreational facilities. For children, there is a paddling pool, a small playground for preschoolers, and a track for children learning to ride a bike and older children with skateboards or roller skates. Other features include a rose garden, mature exotic trees and seasonal flower beds.

Heritage attractions at Tinwald Domain include historic trains, museums, model railways and collections of historic machinery. The Plains Historical and Vintage Railway has historic locomotives, including steam locomotives. The Pioneer Village includes a railway station, a church, a cottage and recreated shops; it also has a blacksmith's workshop with a working forge. The Ashburton Museum offers educational programmes on the cultural and social history of Mid Canterbury and Aotearoa.

Methven also has regional attractions in the Ashburton District: Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa is a thermal bathing and wellness destination. The Discovery experience includes family-friendly thermal pools with a lazy river and water features. The adults-only Tranquility experience combines a swim-up bar with a restaurant serving local flavours.

More destinations

Explore more destinations: Methven, Mount Hutt, Ashburton, Mayfield

Go to the regional travel overview: Ashburton District.