Ashford's Craft Village & Cafe- 5 minutes walk from Bella Vista Motel 
Ashburton Aviation Museum - not to be missed 
Hot Air Balloon over the Canterbury Plains 
Mt Hutt Ski Area - Be here in one hour. 
Terrace Downs - one of 7 Golf Courses |
Stay an extra night - you won't be disappointed. Our rich agricultural region stretching from the Alps to the Ocean, is the most productive dairy farming district in New Zealand, the heart of New Zealand's arable industry and a major world seed supplier. Enjoy rural hospitality at its best.
Experience stunning scenery in our land of "Land of Surprising Contrasts" while hiking nature trails, enjoying a local golf course or by getting a birds eye view of the patchwork landscape of the Canterbury Plains from a hot air balloon, heli flight or the Southern DC3. Take a 4 WD tour of the magnificent scenery that featured in The Lord of the Rings. Find further information at Ashburton District Activities We can make a booking for you. Email us stay@bellavistaashburton.co.nz
Passing through Ashburton on your way to the southern slopes of Wanaka & Queenstown, why not spend an extra night or two and visit Mt Hutt - one of New Zealands best ski areas. Check the latest snow report
If your passion is golf the choice is endless - 6 golf courses most within 30 minutes drive from Ashburton. A fresh challenge each day and only a 5 - 35 minute drive.
Just minutes from Ashburton is Lake Hood, a paradise for water sport enthusiasts or a great destination for a coffee or to dine. A visit to the back country lakes is a must. Ask your hosts for their recommendations.
The mighty Rakaia and Rangitata rivers, two of New Zealand's best salmon fishing rivers form the Ashburton District's boundaries. While for the trout enthusiasts the high country lakes and streams are home to brown & rainbow trout. Professional guides can be arranged or get some tips from Evan - he's got the gear but still perfecting the art.
Recreational hunting for red stags, fallow bucks, thar or chamois...Specialized guides can be organised for those wanting a take home a trophy.
Throughout the district there are a variety of walks for everyone. The Hakatere Conservation Park area offers from 2 day tramps on the Mt Somers track to numerous other short scenic walks in the Mt Hutt Conservation area. Email us for further information on local walks.
Be sure to collect the Mid Canterbury heritage trail brochure before you go. It is full of suggestions, maps and local history. Times below represent approximate driving times
Travel to Methven, then on to the Rakaia Gorge (jet boating/walkway/horse trekking) Continue to Terrace Downs International Golf Course, then on to Lake Coleridge.
From Bella Vista Ashburton head to Mt Somers (30 min) via Ashburton Forks, on to Hakatere (historic buildings) through to Lake Camp & Clearwater, then on to Mt Sunday (Lord of the Rings site Edoras) on the road to Erewhon Station.
Take a leisurely drive to Staveley, then on to Sharplin Falls for a short bush walk before returning for refreshments at the Staveley Store & Cafe. Argo Tours / Horse Treks / Curling / Staveley Museum and more by arrangement
Visit Salmon World at Rakaia to learn more about local salmon or experience the 4D movie.
We are happy to help you plan your drive and have many other suggestions to offer.
Bella Vista Motel Ashburton to
