Mid Canterbury
Talk to a Local Nicola Walker
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My top five must-do’s for visitors would have to be…
The gateway to Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Southern Alps, Mid Canterbury is impressive and compelling with its mighty plains carved by fast-flowing rivers, high country trails and ski fields. Then there are Selwyn’s rural towns, bristling with character and history.
• Trott’s Community. This is my favourite place in Ashburton – a garden and function centre like no other you have seen in New Zealand; internationally acclaimed and a stunning place to visit. • Ashburton Aviation Museum has an amazing collection of historical aircraft and memorabilia, some rare and all very interesting.
• The Plains Railway Museum has many working vintage machines. Go for a ride on an old steam train and check out the vintage fire appliances; great fun for the kids. • Ashburton Art Gallery is always hosting new exhibitions and the museum has a great collection of local history and intriguing new projects. • Lake Hood is a great place to take the family if you are looking for a bit of water sport fun.
Marketing and Administrator Trott’s Community Garden Charitable Trust Here is another idea for visitors: Awa Awa Rata Reserve is a beautiful place to visit. It’s perfect for short walks with the family and has a lovely picnic area. And if you go in October or November, you will find vast array of rhododendrons in bloom. I’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about Formosa for dinner – (yummy Asian street food) – and Triangle for coffee and delicious treats. For a delightful day trip, the Ashburton Lakes is one of the region’s best kept secrets. This is the place to go for camping, hiking and stunning sights. It’s totally off the grid so you can completely relax. There are so many breathtaking spots; it’s impossible to take a bad photo! Mid Canterbury has everything you need to live and enjoy life. With glorious mountains on one side all the way to the ocean on the other and everything in between – what more could you want?
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MAIN: Farmland near Ashburton Lakes © Adobe Stock LEFT: Mt Hutt Ski Area © ChristchurchNZ
See Map Section - pages 109 to 122
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