Ashburton Domain, Canterbury
The Largest Ashburton Playground.
My kids love the Ashburton Domain. It has Ashburtons largest playground and really has a lot of variety for all ages. It isn’t a brand new modern playground, but it definitely has a lot of things to explore (a tractor, mouse wheel, multiple swing sets, small climbing wall, huge rope climbing frame etc) So if you are heading down the East Coast, its definitely an easy stop.
Bike Track
There is a wee concrete bike track that is best suited from approximately 3-10 years old. My kids will go around this for hours.
Outdoor splash pool
There is also an outdoor splash pool. Its completely free and is as deep as my two year olds waist, so is a great option for the little ones. There’s a small amount of shade over the seating but the pool itself is exposed.
Other domain activities
What most people don’t know about, are the wee hidden gems in the domain. Across the road from the playground is an outdoor aviary, with our favourites – the peacocks. You can wander down to the other end of the domain to the duck pond (corner of Wills and West Street) You can also find beautiful gardens, a water wheel and even a fitness track that runs around the outer of the domain.
Easy to access on a road trip
If you are travelling through, there are toilets here by the main State Highway 1 (near the roundabout) as well as at the playground, so this is an easy stop en route without having to deviate too far.
Other Activities in the Area
Jennifer
Founder of Backyard Travel Family
Jen is a super organiser when it comes to travel. Having travelled extensively in Europe and Africa, has lived in London and the USA and holidayed in many parts of Asia, she is not a newbie to the travel space
Jen has three young children, 5 and under and travels around New Zealand with them.
what you need to know
Travel
Parking access right near the roundabout on the corner of Walnut Ave and West St/State Highway 1
The playground
- Fun for all ages
- Slides
- Swings
- Hamster Wheel
- Climbing frames
- Duck pond
- Aviary
- Mini bike track
- Splash pad/pool
Facilities
- Toilets and water near the playground and splash pool
- No shade at the playground unless under the trees surrounding it
What to bring
Swimsuit in the summer, picnic, bikes for the track, food for the ducks, sunscreen and sunhats
Food options
None in the domain, but you are 2 minutes from town. Our favs are:
- Cleavers Corner (Restaurant/Coffee) Corner of West St and Tancred St
- Somerset Grocer (Cafe) 165 Burnett Street
- Harveys Bakehouse (Bakery) 56 Creek Road
Further information
Map of Ashburton Domain
What the critics thought
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