Things to Do in Ashburton: Where to Eat, Shop & Explore (2026)

A slice of USA in the heart of Ashburton, Smoke Restaurant & Butchery is all about low & slow barbeque. A cornerstone of the restaurant scene of The Triangle Precinct, the restored barn-turned-restaurant with a steampunk-inspired bar is sure to transport you to the roots of the style of cooking heroed here. Smoke’s expansive outdoor courtyard is positioned perfectly for afternoon and early evening sun, ideal for a pint and a bite to eat on a summer’s day. Walk through the restaurant to its onsite butchery to appreciate the craft and grab a piece of meat for later.

The Rabbit sits neatly on the corner of Victoria and Cass Streets, offering a playfully luxurious spot for daytime coffee and ready-to-grab sushi or nighttime cocktails and dessert, bringing a new after-dark experience to town. This spot caters to various occasions and is filled with little details to discover, cosy nooks and large tables fit for big groups. Whether you need a lunch-on-the-run or a quiet spot for out-of-the-office-work during the daylight hours or somewhere special to enjoy a drink or two after dark, the Rabbit should be your destination.

Drop into Triangle Espresso for quality coffee crafted from Allpress beans and an impressive variety of cafe food. A friendly local coffee shop, this is the heart of The Triangle Precinct and where you’ll see locals catching up on a daily basis. Fill up on gorgeous food, made on site of course, which caters to most dietary needs. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to suit your needs, and on hot summer days, the windows open right up, and customers spill out on the footpath, creating a vibe fitting for a bigger town.

Ashburton Civic Building & Library Te Whare Whakatere is just a stone’s throw away from The Triangle Precinct and well worth discovering. The brand-new, purpose-built building and grounds are a massive asset to the town, offering locals and visitors alike an experience with plenty to discover within the state-of-the-art library facility. A ground-floor cafe keeps visitors caffeinated, and the green spaces around the building work as wonderful spots to wind down for a moment and take in the newfound enhancement of Ashburton town centre. 

A block south of Te Whare Whakatere, you’ll find Somerset Grocer, a gourmet grocer and cafe filled with local and international produce. This is where you’ll discover specialty pantry fillers, exotic sweets, quality kitchenware, deli items, plus great coffee and kai. Settle down for a coffee and lunch, or wander through and take in all this special store offers. A locally loved spot, there’s often a hive of activity within the store, and it’s hard to walk out its doors without picking up a little something special to take home with you.

Across the road and up the stairs from the Somerset Grocer, you’ll find The Fine Lion. A culinary oasis, this is a destination for experiencing a taste of Ashburton. Stunning interiors set the bar high, and expectations matched with amicable service and high-quality dishes. Find a space on the balcony and watch the world go by with your drink of choice in hand, or settle into a private nook for a romantic dinner over a glass of wine and delicious food. Whether you’re after a full meal or a few drinks amongst friends, Fine Lion will look after you.

Named after Thailand’s capital city as the locals know it, Krung Thep serves authentic Thai street food to the lucky locals of Hakatere. Serving the country’s most famous on-the-go dishes filled with flavour and fresh ingredients, a visit to Krung Thep will satisfy a craving for quality Thai food. The colourful interiors and quality dishes whipped up in the busy kitchen make a visit to this restaurant a cheerful one every time – bring along a BYO bottle and make it an extra cheerful occasion.

Cleavers Corner is the locals’ go-to in Ashburton, and for good reason. From early morning coffee through to lunch, after-work drinks and dinner with friends, this corner spot on West Street does it all. The atmosphere is relaxed – come in your work boots or dressed to impress – but the service and hearty gastropub fare are always top notch.

For decades, Ashburtonians have furnished their homes with help from Homestead Store in the brick-lined arcade on Tancred Street. Its window displays are genuinely award-worthy, and inside you’ll find kitchenware, homewares, collectables, clothing and gifts made to last. Don’t leave without a bag of fudge.

Look for the white building with ochre features on West Street and you’ve found Rokowhiria Art & Heritage, home to both Ashburton’s art gallery and its museum. Take your time with the gallery’s exhibitions and the stories of the district in the museum on the ground floor, then browse the Rokowhiria shop for books, jewellery and gifts.

Heading further afield? Plan your day with our 12 Hours in Mid Canterbury guide, or discover the region’s best country hospitality in Good Places, Great Owners.