Within an hour of Christchurch International Airpoert 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 or mountain biking nature trails or enjoying traditional rural hospitality.

A cluster of high country lakes lures avid fly-fishers, a hot-air ballooon 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, craft markets, art galleries, country festivals and farm tours will fill your time with memorable New Zealand experiences.

For more information visit: www.ashburtontourism.co.nz

Ashburton i-SITE Visitor Centre - Ph: +64 3 308-1050. Email: ashburton@i-site.org
Methven i-SITE Visitor Centre - Ph: +64 3 302-8955. Email: methven@i-site.org

Take State Highway 1 south from Christchurch to visit Rakaia (30 minutes) and Ashburton (1 hour) or head south via Inland Scenic Route 72 to visit the Methven/Mt Hutt and the Mt Somers and high country regions, just over one hour's drive from Christchurch.

Click on the map to explore a Google map of the region

Whichever way you get there be sure to take in some of the highlights both on the journey and at your destination.  For a sample of 'must do' activities, please click here.

Mt Hutt images by Miles Holden