Best things to see and do in Ashburton

Trott's Garden has 3ha of formal plantings, including this knot design. Photo / Supplied

For rural friendliness and city fun, this gem has it all, finds Elisabeth Easther.

Where is it? In Mid Canterbury on the East Coast of the South Island, just one hour south of Christchurch.

Origin of name? The region is known in Maori as Hakatere, which translates as "flowing river". The name Ashburton was given in colonial days in honour of Lord Ashburton, a member of the Canterbury Association.

Nickname? Ashvegas — needs no explanation.

Population? 18,950 in the urban areas with a total of 32,300 throughout the mid-Canterbury district.

Town slogan? Ashburton — whatever it takes.

Town icon? The Ashburton town clock, with its base of fountains, is most impressive, great for getting your bearings and telling the time.

Famous locals? Simon Barnett, Jenny Shipley, Hayden Roulston, (cyclist) Simon O'Neill (operatic tenor) and the delightful Robyn Malcolm. And although she wasn't born in the area, Lynda Topp (of Topp Twins fame) runs a B&B called Topp Lodge in Staveley.

Best website? midcanterburynz.com.

Big business? Canterbury Meat Packers, Silver Fern Farms and Talley's; a lot of good eating starts here.

Sources of pride? Lake Hood is also a ripper and, as for the locals, they'll make you feel right at home.

Blooming marvellous: Trott's Garden, a Garden of National Significance, features 3ha of glorious formal plantings. Coniston Gardens are also magnificent, featuring a range of accommodation, a mini farmlet and historic chapel, a Motor Garage and Granary Museum, which houses a collection of vintage and classic cars, and a collection of farm machinery and memorabilia.

Town fiestas? The Multi Cultural Bite, held beneath the clock tower, boasts delicious food, performances and family fun; the next one is on February 6. Ashburton's annual A&P Show is great fun and for Boulevard Day (held every Timaru Anniversary Day) the whole town comes out to enjoy food, entertainment and markets. Wheels Week is, as you'd imagine, a week of events that focuses on wheels, past and present.

Here for a short time? Visit the Ashburton Domain & Gardens, they're so pretty and from October to April there are more wedding parties posing for pictures than you can shake a stick at. Photo-bombing paradise.

Best reason to stop? Ashburton is a super combination of city facilities and rural friendliness, with a wide range of shopping and eating.

Best place to take the kids? The Ashburton Aviation Museum has a mind-boggling array of classic planes, including a Skyhawk. The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum is an historic village built on an old segment of the Mt Somers branch line, good fun for rides and viewing riveting exhibits.

Best park? The Ashburton Domain, often described as the jewel in Ashburton's crown, is 37.5ha of wonderful green space to explore.

Best playground? You'll find it in the domain, aside from the usual swings and slides there's also a flying fox, a paddling pool, a duck pond, an aviary and networks of wonderful walkways.

Skate bored? The skate park just off State Highway One is where the older kids go to hang out.

Best walk? The Lake Hood Walkway is a charming 7.5km stroll along the banks of the Ashburton River from Ashburton Township to man-made Lake Hood. To reward yourself for your efforts, quench your thirst with a little light refreshment at the Lake House Restaurant and Bar before heading back to town.

Best view? Take the access road to Mt Hutt for amazing views across the Canterbury Plains all the way out to sea.

Best place to pull over? Ashford Village has 10 sweet shops clustered around the historic Mill House. This village is the home of the Ashford Spinning Wheel, selling more spinning wheels than any other place in the world.

Best swim? The EA Networks Centre is expected to open next year and it's going to be massive. But for now try Lake Hood, with 7km of shoreline, a water-ski tournament park and an international class rowing course.

Best museums? The Aviation Museum and Plains Museum. The Art Gallery and Heritage Centre is expected to open soon.

Cream of the coffee? Somerset Grocer sells a huge range of tasty delights.

Baked goods? Sim's Bakery makes freshly baked pies, breads, slices, cakes as well as all the lunchtime favourites - ask anyone where to find the place and they'll say "follow your nose over the bridge to Tinwald".

Best food? Nosh is an award-winning eatery that impresses with fresh regional cuisine.

Wet your whistle? Braided Rivers Restaurant + Bar has a relaxed atmosphere and a fantastic beverage selection - it's named after the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers that weave through the region.

Best mountain biking? The Ashburton River Trail is a purpose-built mountain-bike track that suits all levels of expertise.

Best adventure? Skydiving Kiwis - try free falling at 200km/h with a bird's-eye view of Ashburton - adrenalin rush guaranteed.

Best kept secret? Visit Bruce McIlroy and admire the huge range of restored Bentley and Rolls Royce cars.

When a local has visitors staying? Take them to the stunning Rakaia Gorge Ashburton Lakes, Clearwater and Lake Camp, up in the foothills of Mt Hutt.

Visitors say: What a little treasure.

Locals say: What took you so long?

Thanks to the lovely people at the Ashburton i-Site proud to share Ashburton's charms.