Experience Mid Canterbury

Call Directions Website Contact the business

Experience Mid Canterbury Mid Canterbury's official account, revealing the hidden gems and showcasing the very best experiences to do and places to see.

We are the Tourism arm of the Ashburton District - the captivating heart of New Zealand's South Island. Nestled between the majestic Southern Alps and the sprawling Canterbury Plains, our enchanting region offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, rural charm, and exhilarating experiences. From the snow-capped peaks that beckon adventurers to the tranquil plains that showcase the region's agricultural prowess, Mid Canterbury is a destination that promises to captivate your senses and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us on a journey through this diverse and welcoming landscape, where every corner reveals a new piece of our rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Looking for your next day trip?Less than two hours from Christchurch, these Mid Canterbury walks take you from native bu...
21/10/2026

Looking for your next day trip?

Less than two hours from Christchurch, these Mid Canterbury walks take you from native bush and waterfalls to alpine viewpoints, lakes and wide-open landscapes.

Whether you've got 15 minutes to spare or a full day to explore, there's a track here that's worth a stop.

Proof that you don't need to travel far to find a little more space and some fresh air.

📍 Save this post for your next escape.

Looking to add a little adrenaline to your Mid Canterbury escape?From off-road adventures and mountain bike trails to je...
18/10/2026

Looking to add a little adrenaline to your Mid Canterbury escape?

From off-road adventures and mountain bike trails to jet boating, scenic flights and hot air ballooning, there's more than one way to explore the district.

🚙 Get off-road with Dirt Bandits

🚵 Hit the trails at Mt Hutt Bike Park

🚤 Jet up the river with Discovery Jet

✈️ Take to the skies with Lake Heron Station

🎈 Drift above the plains with Adventure Balloons NZ

Which one are you adding to your Mid Canterbury itinerary? Remember to book first!

15/10/2026

Located in inland Canterbury, Hakatere Station’s vernacular stone, cob and timber accommodation buildings bring to life the basic living conditions and communal lives of high-country farm workers in the early twentieth century. Set amidst the dramatic landscapes of Hakatere Conservation Park, this site is the gateway to Ōtūwharekai Ashburton Lakes; an area of outstanding cultural importance to Ngāi Tahu.

Fascinated by stories of the past? Slow down and explore the heritage of Mid Canterbury.If you're looking to stretch you...
14/10/2026

Fascinated by stories of the past?

Slow down and explore the heritage of Mid Canterbury.

If you're looking to stretch your legs in Ashburton:
👉 stop by Te Whare Whakatere - Ashburton Library and Civic Centre to pick up a map for a 30 minute Heritage and Cultural Walk

👉 visit the Ng King Bros Chinese Market Garden Settlement on Allens Road, a Tohu Whenua heritage site

👉 enjoy Rokowhiria Art and Heritage where you'll find a range of exhibitions sharing beautiful artwork and telling stories of the area

If you're on your way to Hakatere Conservation Park, don't forget to stop by Ōtūwharekai: Hakatere Heritage, also recognised by Tohu Whenua.

Here you'll find stories of mana whenua who gathered in this place for hundreds of years, and of early European settlers who farmed in the high country during the 20th century.

If we were spending the school holidays in Methven, this is what would be on our list.A day on the slopes, a walk throug...
01/10/2026

If we were spending the school holidays in Methven, this is what would be on our list.

A day on the slopes, a walk through the Enchanted Forest, something new to learn, plenty of good food and time for a soak in between.

Check out these ideas, then start planning your school holiday trip to Mid Canterbury.

Planning an October trip to Mid Canterbury? See what’s happening while you’re here.Fill the calendar with local events, ...
30/09/2026

Planning an October trip to Mid Canterbury? See what’s happening while you’re here.

Fill the calendar with local events, live entertainment, family activities and a few slower ways to spend the day.

Check out what's on and add a few stops to your getaway.

30/09/2026

Most people land in Christchurch, pick up their rental vehicle and drive South for 3 hours without even realising they’ve accidentally skipped one of the most underrated parts of New Zealand 🚐🇳🇿

❤️ Just over an hour from Christchurch, Mid Canterbury is one of our favourite regions in all of New Zealand. Michael proposed in the high-country here 5 years ago, that’s how special this place is to us.

Why do we love it so much? 👇

🔸The landscape is as good as anywhere in NZ. Stunning Alpine lakes, Southern Alps views, epic gorges, dramatic high-country and incredible rivers.

🔸There’s no crowds. Locals know how special this area is, but most tourists just drive right through

🔸Lots of easy-moderate walks with high payoff in views

🔸No shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained

🔸The food is superb helped by the region having some of the highest quality produce in NZ

🔸Everything is more affordable compared to other regions in the South Island

✅ We loved coming back to visit again with and we’ve put together a 2 day itinerary to help you explore the region, which is coming up next. Follow along so you don’t miss it.

❌ Don’t be one of those people that just drives straight through Mid Canterbury!

➡️+💾 Send this to someone you’d love to visit Mid Canterbury with and save it as a reminder for your South Island trip
Experience Mid Canterbury

Airplanes, good food or a run around the Domain. What’s first?There are plenty of ways to fill a school holiday day in A...
27/09/2026

Airplanes, good food or a run around the Domain. What’s first?

There are plenty of ways to fill a school holiday day in Ashburton.

Learn something new, get active at EA Networks Centre, find a local spot for lunch, then head outdoors to enjoy the Ashburton Domain in spring.

Or, let the kids choose the order.

Swipe for a few ideas to get your day started, and check out our Spring School Holiday Guide for more inspiration at midcanterbury.co.nz.

Address

2 Baring Square East
Ashburton
7700

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+6433077700

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Experience Mid Canterbury posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Experience Mid Canterbury:

Shortcuts

Share