Ashburton District

This rich agricultural region stretching from the alps to the ocean, and bordered by impressive braided rivers, encompasses the Ashburton, Methven/Mt Hutt, Mt Somers high country and Rakaia areas.

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.

Whichever way you get there be sure to take in some of the highlights both on the journey and at your destination:

Whichever way you get there be sure to take in some of the highlights both on the journey and at your destination:

Ashburton Itinerary Highlights

A bit of a thrill
	Come face to face with Grade 5 white water rapids with Rangitata Rafts
	Jetboat up the spectacular Rakaia Gorge
	Experience the thrill of horseracing with Horsepower Experience
Must See!
	View spectacular high-country mountains and lakes from the air with Mt Hutt Helicopters
	Visit the beautiful gardens at Coniston Homestead
Must Do!
	Float across the Canterbury Plains with Aoraki Balloon Safaris
	Spend a day boarding or skiing at Mt Hutt - Australasia's longest ski season (Jun-Oct)
	Head to Terrace Downs for a game of golf, one of NZ's best international courses
	Spend a day fishing or hunting with Four Seasons Safaris
Off the Beaten Track
	Lord of the Rings Edoras film site tour with Hassle-Free Tours
	Spend the day with Backcountry New Zealand's fishing and wilderness guides