Mayfield: Shows, local history and surrounding landscapes

Mayfield lies on the Inland Scenic Route, which crosses Mid Canterbury, about 35 km from Ashburton. The Mayfield A & P Show, the history of the first post office and nearby recreational areas give the town different points of interest. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing Mayfield’s own history from nearby facilities and other destinations in the Ashburton District.

The Mayfield A & P Show

The Mayfield A & P Show was established in 1926. Its programme includes livestock judging and equestrian events, as well as home industries, arts and crafts, and family entertainment. Pig racing and tractor pulling add to the mix of agricultural competitions, crafts and activities for families.

The show can offer different highlights depending on your interests: livestock judging and equestrian events sit alongside craft displays and family entertainment, while pig racing and tractor pulling are further programme items. Activities may vary from one edition to the next, so check the dates and programme for the edition that coincides with your trip.

Local history and Mayfield Domain

Mayfield’s history dates back to 1879, when the first post office was established. Another historical point of interest is nearby Mayfield Domain: the first Domain Board was appointed in 1926. The connection between the show and the Domain also includes the Mayfield A & P Show beginning to use land at the Domain.

Green spaces and recreational areas nearby

Mayfield Domain lies northeast of Mayfield on Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road (Inland Scenic Route 72). The grounds are mostly flat and largely covered in open grass, with a few mature plantings adding to the scenery. The Domain has tennis and netball courts, a swimming pool, rugby fields and touch rugby fields. Next to the Mayfield Playcentre is a small playground designed mainly for preschoolers.

Walking, mountain biking and golf

The Tenahaun Conservation Area is nearby and includes the highest peak in the Moorhouse Range. Above the Rangitata Gorge, there are public access rights for walking and mountain biking. Road conditions and access rules can change; check the latest information from the Department of Conservation before setting out.

Mayfield Golf Club, with its rural nine-hole course, lies north of the town. For an 18-hole round, play the course twice. The activities are clearly distinct: here, the focus is on a defined round of golf, while the Tenahaun Conservation Area is centred on walking and mountain biking on public access rights.

Mayfield and the Ashburton District

The Ashburton Lakes in the Ashburton District offer opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, camping and picnicking. Also in the Ashburton District, the Ashburton / Hakatere River Trail is an easy walking or cycling route along the Ashburton River, from Melrose Road to the sea at Hakatere. These regional destinations complement Mayfield’s local points of interest with lakes and a route reaching the coast.

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

For the main travel overview: Ashburton District.