Good Places, Great Owners: Where to Find Real Rural Hospo in Mid Canterbury
We've all heard of the warmth and deliciousness of good old-fashioned rural hospitality. What we might not know is that it can be found in abundance at the end of a long straight leaving Christchurch.
Out in Mid Canterbury there's no luxury of consistent foot traffic or big city lights to draw in hungry patrons. It takes work, consistency and usually a hands-on approach. But once they're established in the community, the regulars remain loyal, and visitors pop by for a legend known throughout the land.
Between the plains and the Southern Alps, a run of cafes, pubs and restaurants are doing the unglamorous work of feeding their towns properly all year round. Some have been at it for decades, others for a season or two. Here are ten worth the drive, starting in Ashburton and winding inland to Methven.
Ashburton is the New Black - A New Look Guide to this Mid Canterbury Town
Just over an hour south of Ōtautahi Christchurch sits the rural township of Hakatere Ashburton. Servicing a greater area of Mid Canterbury, this is where the coast, the mountains, the rivers and the rural landscape meet. For many Cantabrians, this is a town you pass through along journeys north or south, but scratch the surface, and you’ll find much more to Ashburton than you see along the highway.
How to Slow Down in Ashburton: A Guide to Elevating The Drive Through
From gua buns to boutiques, artistry and espresso, there’s more to Ashburton than meets the eye. So next time you pass through this Mid Canterbury town, put your foot on the brakes and try some curated exploration. You’ll leave feeling better off for it.
Mid-Canterbury Adventures & Where to Treat Yourself Afterwards
Mid Canterbury is made for adventure, with everything from scenic tramping trails and thermal pools to motorsport and outdoor experiences.
To Methven & Beyond: A Weekend Getaway Guide
Methven is an outdoor playground, and thanks to some recent additions to the town scene, there's even more reason to visit this mountainside community on the western edge of the Canterbury Plains.
