Loading
- Central Locations
- 27Motels nationwide
- Free WIFI
- Free Parking
- Book Now, Pay Later
Bella Vista's Blog
Check-in on our New Zealand travel blog for latest news, events and updates - along with a splash of personality from the whole team at Bella Vista!
#TrustBellaVista
Fun Ashburton Attractions for a Great Short Break
Posted by Bella Vista on
Ashburton is not just a gateway to Christchurch or Tekapo. It’s a stunning mid-Canterbury destination in its own right, boasting great restaurants, fly fishing, the beautiful Ashburton lakes and the spectacular Rakaia Gorge for thrill seekers. Check out this short break guide for the best things to do in Ashburton and the mid-Canterbury area when you stay with us in our motel accommodation in Ashburton.
Get Active on the Bike Trails in Ashburton
There are many mountain biking options, for every level of expertise and confidence in Mid Canterbury, You can stay and play for days on our trails. Mt Hutt Bike Park, 30 minutes drive from our Ashburton motels from downhill to cross-country trails. Cycle through some of the most spectacular high country of Hakatere Conservation Park or a short sweet ride along the banks of the Ashburton River.
Enjoy a Scenic Drive and a Cuppa
From our Ashburton motel take a 30-minute drive on the Inland Scenic Route out to the Staveley Store and Café nestled in the shadow of Mount Somers and close to some superb walks. Rumoured to serve the best coffee in the region, the sausage rolls, home-baked goods, and bacon butties make this one of the more popular places to eat Ashburton-style fare. Established in 1876 as a general store servicing the surrounding timber mills and farms, the shop showcases goods from nearby Mt Somers Station - seasonal farm produce, lamb, venison, veal, honey and olive oil.
But it’s the coffee that’s the real McCoy. Sit on the veranda, admire Mt Somers, and watch local life pass by over the rim of a coffee cup.
Take a Hike in Ashburton
If you love to walk, pop up to Sharplin Falls car park and enjoy the fresh air walking through the mountain beech forest alongside Bowyers Stream. If you like a bit of huffing and puffing a climb up to Hookey’s Knob will treat you with spectacular views. My favourite is the Rhyolite Ridge Track on the Mount Somers walkway. The route takes in dynamic scenery within a landscape of waterfalls, beach forest, deep icy pools and rocky tors.
Head for the nearby Lake Clearwater Circuit Track. The 10km hike will take around 3 hours and is considered one of the best walks in Ashburton and beyond, its an hour's drive back to put your feet up again at your Ashburton accommodation
Discover Classic Planes at the Ashburton Aviation Museum
Located just a 5-minute drive from the Ashburton Motel, this is one of the great hidden things to do in Ashburton and a magnet for young and old aviation enthusiasts, as it’s free for kids. Did you know that Ashburton was a major air force training base in World War Two accommodating 50 Tiger Moths and military personnel? Not many people do! The museum is now home to beautifully restored planes in its shiny new hanger and has recently acquired a retired RNZAF Skyhawk. You can easily spend an interesting afternoon here, especially on a rainy day.
Have a Blast at the Rakaia Gorge
There is no better way to explore the Rakaia Gorge, than with Discovery Jet, one of the more adventurous things to do in Ashburton and the surrounding area. Drive 40 minutes inland towards Mount Hutt from the motel accommodation in Ashburton then take a thrilling jet boat ride through the Gorge and enjoy the 10 km walking track that follows the rim of the Gorge through spectacular geological areas. At the Car park overlooking the Gorge and its crystal clear blue water is a Sculpture that highlights the story of the Taniwha. It’s such a cool story about the Northwest wind and the Taniwha.
While learning about its history and unique features, from your knowledgeable local guide.
Chill Out in the Ashburton Domain
Well known for its large adventure playground, this is one of the free things to do in Ashburton enjoyed by local families.Great for a bit of fresh air, take a run on the fitness track, feed the ducks on the lake, enjoy the gardens or picnic in the park and a junior bike track provides training-wheels fun for beginner riders. Only 2 minutes drive from Bella Vista Ashburton.
Savour a Taste of the Orient
After a day in the outdoors, you’ve probably drummed up a hearty appetite. For the best Asian food in Ashburton, book dinner at The Formosa, a tasty twist on Taiwanese cuisine and close to the motel. One of my favourite restaurant in Ashburton, its sweet and sour chicken, orange pork, and Kumara fries tossed in plum powder are enduring local favourites. Small plates include Teriyaki sushi, Spicy chicken bao or pulled pork buns.
With so many things to do in Ashburton, ask our team at the Bella Vista Motel for local recommendations, especially the best places to eat in Ashburton. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out.
Recent posts
Archives
- April 2024
- May 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- December 2018
- August 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- May 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
Categories
- A Good Read!
- Events & Activities
- Bella Vista Top 10
- Bella Vista News
- Bella Vista Ashburton
- Bella Vista Blenheim
- Bella Vista Christchurch
- Bella Vista Dunedin
- Bella Vista Fox Glacier
- Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier
- Bella Vista Gisborne
- Bella Vista Greymouth
- Bella Vista Hamilton
- Bella Vista Hanmer Springs
- Bella Vista Hokitika
- Bella Vista Invercargill
- Bella Vista Kaikoura
- Bella Vista Mosgiel
- Bella Vista Napier
- Bella Vista Nelson
- Bella Vista New Plymouth
- Bella Vista Oamaru
- Bella Vista Palmerston North
- Bella Vista Queenstown
- Bella Vista Rotorua
- Bella Vista Taupo
- Bella Vista Te Anau
- Bella Vista Wanaka
- Bella Vista Wellington
- Bella Vista Westport
- Bella Vista Whangarei