Route 1 between Ashburton and Christchurch is flat. Driving through dairy land is an exercise in counting cows - but that doesn’t mean there’s nowhere interesting to stop and explore.
The drive between Ashburton and Christchurch takes just over an hour and is about 87km.
Even though it’s a relatively short drive, it’s worth making the most of it to explore some of the lesser-known places to stop between Ashburton and Christchurch.
Here are our top picks of places to visit between Ashburton and Christchurch:
Best stops if you love exploring the outdoors
Best stops when you want to see something different
Best stops for the foodies
Best stops for the shoppers
Best stops if you love exploring the outdoors
Make a day of your journey with these worthwhile outdoor adventures along the way between Christchurch and Ashburton.
Lake hood
Lake Hood is a picturesque man-made lake located just south of Ashburton. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a range of water activities, including swimming, boating, and water skiing. The lake is surrounded by an 8km walking and cycling track, perfect for those looking to stretch their legs during a road trip. With its beautiful views, Lake Hood provides an ideal place to relax, have a break, or enjoy some outdoor recreation. It's a great stop for families, water sports enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a peaceful break from driving. Pick up some home baking to go from the Chertsey Cafe and have a picnic!
Rakaia River Terrace Walkway
If you don’t want to detour all the way up Route 77 to the Rakaia Gorge, we’d recommend sticking to Route 1 and stopping at Rakaia for the Rakaia River Terrace walk. It’s a lovely, flat, dog-friendly walk along the river and back. The walkway is approximately 6km (about 1.5 hours) there and back, but as with all there-and-back walks, you can turn around whenever you want.
Coes Ford Reserve Recreation Centre
Turn right off Route 1 at Dunsandel, and 15 minutes later, you’ll rock up at Coes Ford Reserve Recreation Centre - the perfect spot for a summer dip or a spot of fishing. With ample parking, camping and toilet facilities, it’s a great place to stay overnight.
For the foodies
A road trip isn’t the same without finding a great place to sample local food and drink.
Long drives need coffee—and if you can enjoy some homemade classic Kiwi food, too, then all the better! Just 20 minutes north of Ashburton, just south of Rakaia, is where you’ll find us—the Chertsey Cafe! We offer a range of home—and locally-made comfort food and great coffee (we’re licensed, too) from a newly renovated historical 1877 tavern. Check out our menu. We’re open opening hours and days and offer a range of vegan other allergy/food preference options. See you soon!
If you want to stock up on some great NZ honey, just down the road is Ashburton Apiaries. Ashburton Apiaries harvests and sells mild and sweet-tasting clover and rich woody honeydew honey. Visit their shop as you’re passing by at 205 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton.
For the curious
Throughout New Zealand, you’ll find hidden gems—museums, gardens, and private homes with tours—that give you an insight into life in the country.
The Ashburton Aviation Museum is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs. Located at Ashburton Airport, it houses an impressive collection of vintage aircraft, including rare models like the de Havilland Mosquito. Visitors can explore well-preserved planes, aviation memorabilia, and interactive displays. The museum offers a hands-on experience, allowing you to sit in cockpits and learn about New Zealand's aviation history. It's a fascinating stop for all ages that provides insight into the country's aeronautical heritage and the role of aviation in Mid Canterbury.
Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum
Situated in Tinwald, just a few minutes drive south of Ashburton, the Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum is a living tribute to New Zealand's railway history. The museum features a collection of meticulously restored vintage trains and railway equipment. On operating days, visitors can go for a short journey on a steam train. The site also includes historical buildings and exhibits that showcase rural life in Canterbury's past. It's an excellent stop for train enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in experiencing a slice of New Zealand's transport history.
Ashburton Domain
Ashburton Domain is a big public park in the heart of Ashburton and is packed with suprises. The domain features not only beautifully maintained gardens (including a notable rose garden) but also a bird aviary. Walking paths wind through the park, perfect for stretching your legs after a long drive. The domain also houses several sports facilities and a great children's playground.
Longbeach Estate Garden & Farm Tours
If you’re able to plan and prebook your tour, Longbeach Estate, located near Ashburton, offers a unique glimpse into New Zealand's rural heritage. Open by appointment only, this historic farm estate, dating back to the 1860s, provides guided tours of its beautiful gardens and working farm. Visitors can explore the stunning grounds, which include formal gardens, native plantings, and impressive trees. The farm tour offers insight into modern New Zealand farming practices. With its combination of historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and agricultural education, Longbeach Estate is a great stop for those interested in horticulture, farming, or New Zealand's rural history.
For the shopper
Right opposite the Chertsey Cafe is the Chertsey Book Barn—one of the largest second-hand book stores in South Island, New Zealand! If you’re a book-a-holic, then the Book Barn is definitely worth a few hours of your time to stop and explore (and buy). They’ve got everything from fiction to non-fiction, vintage books, classics and modern books - and more.
