Since moving to Ashburton, Canterbury in November 2020 we saw a need for a guide to attractions around the area. A Facebook page was set up and many suggestions were added. A Google map of the area shows how flat the surrounding area is with mountains and the sea a short drive away.

Links are provided to photos of attractions in the area and will be regularly updated.

The “main beach” is a 15 minute drive from town. Wakanui beach isn’t sign-posted strangely enough so you have to ask the locals how to find it. Drive down Moore street which becomes “Beach rd” then “Beach rd E”. At a 4 way intersection hang a right just after the road takes a slight downhill dip and it becomes “Wakanui beach rd” . The next left takes you to Wakanui beach or you can keep going to the Hakatere reserve camp ground. The beach is mainly stone and is a ‘No Swimming’ beach due to the dangerous under-tow of the steep terrain. There are usually a few fishermen and occasionally you may see dolphins or even a penguin or two.

The other main beach is Ashton beach on the other side of the river - not that easy to get directions to it so you’ll have to consult a map.

If there is one place that is a “Must see” for amazing scenery it is Mount Sunday past the Ashburton lakes. 90 km from Ashburton, with another 5 km to Erehwon station [Nowhere backwards], Google maps rates it as a 2 1/4 hour drive as the road gets rougher - which seems to be the usual for amazing scenery.

Sharplin falls near Stavely is often recommended. The track has been washed out and is in the process of being rebuilt but there are plenty of other walks in the area.

Lake Coleridge is a decent drive.

Lake Tekapo is a ‘must do’ touristy place.

For a whole day of touring Mount Cook national park

Akaroa via Birdlings Flat - 145km

Rangitata huts and Lowcliffe beach half an hour away.

Peel forest is 50km from Ashburton

145km from Ashburton, castle hill and Cave stream reserve.