Hinds on the Hinds River

Hinds is located on the Canterbury Plains on the banks of the Hinds River. The plains and the river are two clear points of reference for a stay. There is also a war memorial, the Canterbury Pacific Highway, and a recommended stop for classic cars. This offers a way to get to know the town through its landscape, history and location on a driving route.

River, memorial and road in Hinds

The Hinds War Memorial consists of two black granite plaques set into concrete block walls at the entrance to the swimming pool. They honour those who served in the Second World War and those who fell. The material, form and location make the dedication a tangible place of remembrance. If you plan to visit the memorial, check current access in advance.

The Canterbury Pacific Highway route follows State Highway One from Kaikoura to Timaru and passes through places including Hinds. This makes Hinds part of the road link between the two towns. If you are driving this route, check current road conditions before you travel.

On the main road, Hinds Classics is recommended as a stop to see classic cars in varying working conditions. The visit focuses on the vehicles and their different conditions. If you plan to make this a set stop, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

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More to discover in Ashburton District

In the wider destination of Ashburton District, themes range from gardens and family activities to cultural history, mountain landscapes and water. The different places offer a variety of starting points for planning your trip.

Ashburton Domain is a 37-hectare open space with lawns, gardens and recreational facilities. Its features include a rose garden, mature exotic trees and seasonal flower beds. Activities for children include a paddling pool, a small playground for preschoolers, a track for children learning to ride bikes, and facilities for older children with skateboards or rollerblades. The activities therefore vary both by type and age group.

The area of Awa Awa Rata Reserve is known as Mahitahi and was a kāinga mahika kai, a place for gathering food. Two walking tracks lead to Scott's Saddle or up to the ridgeline. The reserve is also a picnic area and a destination for day trips. Alongside the tracks, the area's cultural significance provides another point of reference for a visit.

Hakatere Conservation Park covers almost 60,000 hectares of rugged high country, tussock grassland, beech forest, rivers and lakes. At the Ashburton Lakes, activities range from swimming, boating and fishing to birdwatching, camping and picnicking. For an outdoor stay, you can choose between water activities, nature watching and time at a picnic spot.

Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa in Methven also offers a range of experiences. The Discovery offering includes family-friendly thermal pools with a lazy river and water-play features. The adults-only Tranquility offering combines a swim-up bar with a restaurant featuring regional flavours. The distinction between the family offering and the adults-only area can help you choose the right kind of thermal bathing experience for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Mount Hutt, Mayfield, Ashburton, Methven.

See the wider travel guide: Ashburton District.