Ashburton District is essentially the great New Zealand mix. Amazing scenery, mountains, plains, forest, rivers and best of all a mix of people that make every visitor welcome. Whatever you want to do, you can do it in the Ashburton District. Fishing, climbing, walking, tramping, skiing, swimming, rafting, jet boating, mountain biking or just lazing around a hotel swimming pool, pampered, fed and relaxed.

The Journey

Depart Christchurch and head west, following Main West Road State Highway 73. The drive will take approximately 2 hours (allowing for minimal stops). The journey enroute offers the visitor a variety of activities, which could include:

Just outside t he city limits there are several small Canterbury wineries. Wineries enroute include Langdale Wines, Sandihurst & Gatehouse near West Melton. Chardonnay, Riesling or Pinot Noir are good choices!

Travel southwest via State Highway 2 (inland scenic route) to Bridge Farm in Hororata. This classic country garden is styled to reflect the New Zealand lifestyle. Open by appointment only.

Continue along the foothills to the Rakaia River, crossing the river with great views looking up into the Gorge.

Turn off approximately 10 minutes after the Rakaia Gorge to go to Methven Village and Ashburton.

Continue on Inland Scenic Route 72 to Mount Somers.

The Activities

• Hot Air Ballooning with Aoraki Balloon Safaris. Experience fantastic views from mountains to the sea as you travel over the central Canterbury Plains, alongside Mt Hutt and Rakaia River.
• Mt Somers Walkway. Enjoy a 2-hour stroll or up to 2 days for the complete track experience.
• Excellent skiing is on offer at Mt Hutt from May - October, the first skifield in Australasia to open.
• Take the plunge off NZ’s highest Bungy Jump. Kea Rock Bungy is the highest because it is located at the end of the Mt Hutt Ski Area carpark and is therefore NZ’s highest bungy. Jump off and ski away. Nowhere else can you combine two adrenaline activities like this!
• Take a thrilling ride on a jetboat up the Rakaia Gorge with Rakaia Gorge Alpine Jet, simply stop at the Rakaia Gorge on the Inland Scenic Route 72 and jump in for a real thrill.
• Experience a rafting trip down New Zealand’s most challenging river, the Rangitata with Grade 5 rapids, with Rangitata Rafts.
• Try a roller – coaster ride in the wild or just commune with nature. Take a half day safari into the foothills and river beds of mid-Canterbury in our 8-wheel drive, amphibious, skid-steer, all-terrain buggies called Argo with Planet Argo.
• Tussock Beech & Ecotours. Guided trekking and nature tours in one of New Zealand’s hidden gems - Mt Somers Walkway, Lost World of Erewhon and the lakes and foothills of the Southern Alps. Homestay accommodation in historic cottage and modern Lodge. Photography tours offered.
• Have you ever wondered what it is like to race a pacer? Horsepower Experience at Barhill will let you fulfil your dreams of racing an ex champion pacer in a patented double tandem sulky. Live the dream with the sport of kings.
• Come and see the home of the World Famous Ashford Spinning Wheels and Weaving Looms. They can teach you how to spin, weave and felt your own unique garments. They also have a fabulous range of Craft equipment, Souvenirs, Crafts, Toys and Gifts!
• Terrace Downs High Country Resort. Choose from variety and superb lifestyle choices available when you live in your own home or rent an apartment, condominium or chalet at Terrace Downs High Country Resort. The distinctly seasonal climate and magnificent landscape make a rich selection of activities possible all year round, including golf, fishing, skiing, hiking and mountain biking. (Stage one completed: golf course and clubhouse. Stage two: accommodation yet to be completed).
• Stop in at Trotts Garden in Ashburton (just off State Highway 1). Trotts is 71/2 hectares of award willing splendour. A must see for any garden enthusiast or anyone wanting to absorb the beauty of the garden. Take a look inside the historic chapel relocated onto the site, it is a real beauty!

Option

Travel south on State Highway 1 directly to Ashburton and then travel inland on State Highway 77 to Methven, Mt Somers.

Enroute you may like to call into either Giesens or Larcombs Winery’s. Both are award winning and Giesens is one of the oldest wineries found in the region.

Operation/Time to allow/Distance from Christchurch

• Langdale Wines/45 minutes/1 hour 30 minutes
• Rakaia Gorge/10 – 20 minutes/1 hour
• Bridge Farm/30 – 45 minutes/45 minutes
• Rangitata Rafts (seasonal)/½ - full day/1 hour & 20 minutes
• Mt Hutt forest area/30 minutes/2 hours to 1 hour & 10 minutes
• Mt Somers Sub Alpine Walkway/2 hours – 2 days/1 hour & 15 minutes
• Mt Hutt skifarea/½ - full day/1½ hours
• Kea Rock Bungy/½ hour/1½ hours
• Aoraki Balloon Safaris/3 – 4 hours/1 hour & 45 minutes
• Planet Argo/1½ – 3 hours/1 hour & 45 minutes
• Tussock Beech & Ecotours/1½ – 3 hours/1 hour & 15 minutes
• Ashford Craft Village/45 minutes – 1 hour/1 hour & 45 minutes
• Terrace Downs High Country Resort/half to full day/1 hour
• Rakaia Gorge Scenic Jet/45 minutes - 1 hour/1 hour
• Trotts Garden/1-2 hours/1 hour 
• Horsepower Experience/half day/1 hour