Since the early 1970s, Mt Hutt has been a major winter recreational focus in the district. The skifield provides the longest runs and longest season in the Southern Hemisphere and entices skiers, snowboarders and bungy jumpers to its slopes.

The Rakaia and Rangitata are classified as nationally important angling rivers and while they play host to thousands of salmon anglers each year, they also provide thrill seekers with world renown rafting and jetboating experiences.

Beautiful back country lakes have a magic of their own and are possibly the best kept secret of the district. Lake Heron is arguably the most important wetland wildlife habitat left in the South Island. Lake Clearwater is home for the famous New Zealand Rainbow Trout and a mecca for wind-assisted sail boats. Lake Camp is a favourite for boaties and water skiers of all ages.

These pursuits, along with trails for walking, tramping, mountaineering and mountain biking, wonderful updrafts for paragliding and picturesque spots for safe picnicking, provide the very best of Kiwi outdoor adventure. Methven Golf Course is but one of five attractive courses in the district.

Ashburton District also offers unique experiences such as Horsepower Sulky Horseracing as well as the tranquil and enthralling experience of Hot Air Ballooning. Mt Somers Walkway is considered one of New Zealand’s top five walks.

Lake Hood, an aquatic park sited on the edge of Ashburton is a major asset to the whole district, boasting international standard rowing and waterskiing courses. The large recreational lake provides unbounding leisure opportunities coupled with a large residential development with canal and lake frontage. Lake Hood is being developed to include bar/restaurant and gymnasium facilities, apartments, tennis courts and more.

Ashburton District Tourism is the organisation responsible for the support and development of the tourism industry. Its mission is “to assist the visitor industry to successfully promote and market the Ashburton District”. The Board has been in existence since 1995 and has 298 tourism operators registered on its database.