Ashburton

Stop and enjoy the quality shops, restaurants, art galleries & museums.

Lake Hood is the perfect recreational area for all water lovers. Top class facilities support visitors, sporting groups, and conferences regularly arriving in town... more info >>

Methven

Home of Mt Hutt, some beautiful backcountry and a special mix of people.

Methven is located one hour south of Christchurch just off the Inland Scenic Route 72. The thriving rural town is at the heart of a whole host of activities and experiences... more info >>

Mt Somers

The gateway to one of the top ecotourism locations in Canterbury.

Mountains, lakes, endangered birds, vast landscapes, waterfalls, mountain streams, braided rivers, and a LOTR film location makes this a must-see destination... more info >>

Rakaia

One of the world's best examples of a braided river and a great fishing spot.

Rakaia, a rural community 50 kilometres south of Christchurch, sets an immediate impact on its visitors with its landmark salmon and 1.8 kilometre bridge spanning the Rakaia River... more info >>

Antiques Rogue Show
In the tradition of the venerable BBC Classic Patrick Duffy and his equally antiquated side kick once again showcase their artistic and sensitive sides... not!..more info >>

 

"Spell it Out" - 1YR2GO - Rugby World Cup 2011
Come up to Mt Hutt Ski Area today, dressed in black, and be a part of Mid Canterbury's "Spell it Out" event...more info >>

 

Methven Races
Head along to the Methven Races for a memorable day out. Mt Harding Raceway is NZ’s best grass track Harness Racing venue and provides a memorable spectacle for all...more info >>

 

Land of Suprising Contrasts ....

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 area.


Within an hour from Christchurch International Airport 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 lure avid fly fishers, a hot air balloon or heli flight provides a bird’s eye view of a patchwork landscape, 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.


  


 

 

Come Explore With Us

Ashburton Tours is a Private Charter Company.  For visitors who would like to maximise their enjoyment while en-route to or from the airport we suggest that you allow us to share with you our knowledge and experience of this beautiful region.  It is our intention to provide you with an interesting tour that will leave you with magnificent photographs and lasting memories of the diverse scenery of the areas bounded by the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers. 
 

These tours are obviously dependent on your arrival and departure times but could include Akaroa, Lake Coleridge, Lyttelton Harbour, the Gondola or Christchurch itself.  They range from 3-7hours. 
 

At this time of year the scenery is at its most magnificent as shown on the recent photograph, and sight seeing is an integral part of travelling to one’s destination.  It is suggested that four people with luggage would be the maximum.   
 

Ashburton Tours can also be used for one way travel through scenic routes to such places as Arthurs Pass or even Lake Tekapo.  Additionally those visitors who wish to be taken to other attractions such as local horse riding, golfing venues and outlying accommodation will find that we can provide friendly assistance, flexibility and a range of options to suit most budgets.