Just south of Ashburton is the hidden treasure of the Tinwald Domain, located on the northwest side of Tinwald. Although part of the Ashburton township, Tinwald is physically separated by the Ashburton River.

Photo courtesy of "The Courier"

Overall the domain is about 4.45 hectares of green open space, with a small children's playground and a picturesque manmade lake which has become a focal point for many picnickers. The lake is enclosed within tall stately trees. Two large oak trees that mark the entrance to the lake were planted by the Duke and Duchess of York (later to be crowned King George V and Queen Mary) to mark their visit in 1901.

The domain is well suited to its current passive recreational usage. Surrounding the domain are areas devoted to more active recreational pursuits such as cycling and rugby. Also situated within the domain is a well supported caravan park. The original picnic shelter, from 1917, is still in use today by the many picnickers.