Welcome to
the constantly traveling website - New Zealand Travel Guide - On
the Road
Welcome
to
the constantly traveling website and welcome to the Ashburton District
| Christchurch
Airport |
1 hour |
Rakaia |
25 min |
|
| Christchurch Central City |
1 hour 20 min |
Hinds |
25 min |
|
| Methven/Mt Hutt Village |
30 min |
Picton |
5 hour 30 mins |
|
| Mt Somers/Foothills |
30 min |
Queenstown |
4 hours |
Cruising
on south an hour's drive from
Christchurch is the Ashburton District. You have two highway choices
staying on Route One or the scenic inland Route 72.
The inland route is highly recommended as it takes you through the town
of Methven the heart and soul of skiing here in the winter st Mt Hutt
and is interesting to visit in the summer. For the walkers and trampers
the Mt. Somers sub-alpine walk is rated #10 in New Zealand.
Lake
Hood is but
five minutes from Ashburton where the annual Aquafest is held each
February. Wheels Week every May is a celebration to the heritage
attractions in the area such as the Vintage Car Museum Aviation Museum
and the Historical Village.
Rakaia is known for its world class salmon fishing on the
Rakaia River.
From November to March people from all over enjoy positive results. If
you are there in February maybe you can join in the annual Rakaia
Fishing Competition.
From
The Rakaia River it is 28 kms to
Ashburton. A very large Alpaca Farm is just on the right after the
Rakaia River. Alpaca farming has become quite prevalent in New Zealand
as you will note along many of the routes you are on. Haven't checked
but this farm seems to be the largest.
Speaking
of farming by now you must have
taken notice of the amount of sheep in the fields. I just read in the
paper where New Zealand had 40 million ewes and a lamb count of 123%.
That's a lot of sheep. Ashburton celebrates a fine wine and food
festival called the Wooly Munchie in January in celebration of one of
New Zealand's finest productions.
To
really enjoy the area it is recommended to stop overnight and spend
some time. The best place to stay is the Coronation Park in
Ashburton. Fabulous accommodation available from backpackers to
studio apartments plus places to park the campervan.
Visit the web page for complete information:
The
best place to stop in Ashburton for
coffee and a meal is the 'Lunch'
cafe off the main street at 160
Burnett Street. Will match any cafe in any city for its ambiance,
staff,
fine food and coffee. (Ask Jessica about the lemon meringue pie). We
must
give
Lunch
one of the top
ratings in the South Island overall.
The
town also has a beautiful Domain on the road to
Timaru where we occasionally stop for a break in the peaceful setting.
Fifteen
kms south of Ashburton we turn off
to one of our favourite towns in the South Island, Geraldine.
Ashburton Information:
Ashburton
Tourism
Ashburton
Information
Ashburton
Guardian - newspaper
Ashburton
Information
Ashburton
Information
Off now to Geraldine:
South Island
Travelogue/Guide
If you need to get in touch with Ron or
Paula
(or Sylvester and Chocolate):
©
Copyright 2005 Ron Laughlin - All rights reserved
