Lake Hood and the Ashburton Aquatic Park is an extraordinary community project.

Brought together by the efforts of a group of visionary local people, Lake Hood was initially designed to provide an aquatic recreational resource for the people of mid-Canterbury. After 14 years in planning and development, the park was officially opened 2002, becoming a key asset for the people of the region.

Today, the combined recreational and residential development provides an incredible range of amenities established around the unique aquatic playground – combining affordable lakeside living with an unbeatable lifestyle.

Part of a long-term plan for the community, the park’s governing body, the Ashburton Aquatic Park Charitable Trust continues to contribute to Lake Hood’s recreational resources and the local area.

The next stage of the park’s development – the Lake Hood Extension Project – will add significantly more land to the reserve. In particular, the lake’s area will be doubled, with planned beaches, canals and islands; dedicated water-sports areas; walking and riding trails and public promenades; complimenting parklands and access to the multitude of facilities on your doorstep.

The Ashburton Domain is 37 hectares of open space, lawns, gardens and recreational facilities. It is the jewel in Ashburton's crown. In  2020, Council adopted the Domain Development Plan, which covers improvements that will be made to the domain over the next 30 years.

The domain is located within walking distance from the Ashburton town centre and most of our schools. A wide range of sports are played at the domain, including cricket, football, bowls, tennis, hockey and croquet.

It has a paddling pool which is open during the warmer months. The paddling pool is covered with a shade sail to protect from the harsh summer sun.  Next to the paddling pool is a small playground for pre-schoolers.  We also have a track which can be used by small children learning to ride their bikes or older children on skateboards or roller skates.

The Ashburton Domain also has a playground with multiple pieces of equipment including children's favourites such as slides, swings, and an old fashioned tractor. There is also a fitness track around the domain with set exercises at different points.

Many events have taken place at the Ashburton Domain including:

• ​Circuses
• Fairs
• School sports
• Young Farmers Contest
• Fonterra Big Day Out
• Fun runs
• Concerts

We are able to cater for most events big or small.

We have a beautiful rose garden which is often used for wedding ceremonies. The domain also has many mature exotic trees, some planted to mark extraordinary people or a time in history.  Our flower beds are always worth a visit with bedding plants planted for the spring and summer colours.

The domain also has a designated area for picnics with two barbecues and a kiosk offering hot water, this area can be hired for a fee

The Ashburton Art Gallery which began life as a volunteer driven and operated art gallery has developed in leaps and bounds over the course of the last 23 years. Through its ambitious vision and dedication to the cultural well-being of its community, the Gallery has in recent years become a small hub of creative and diverse activity. The Gallery maintains a full programme of exhibitions throughout the year which promote and exemplify the works of local and national artists for the public. Exhibitions range from solo to group compositions and are sourced through the Gallery collection, the artists and other institutions.

With its location in the heart of Canterbury, the new Ashburton Art Gallery and Heritage Centre is proudly situated on West Street and overlooks the magnificent Ashburton Domain. The new facility contains improved storage and working areas and houses the Gallery, District Archives, Museum, Family History Group and Learning Centre.