Ashburton Domain
★★★★
The Ashburton Domain and Gardens is located at 337 West Street (State Highway 1), to the north and west of the Ashburton CBD. The Domain is considered the most regionally significant reserve within the Ashburton District. Many consider it as the ‘jewel in the crown’ for the Ashburton District. Ashburton Hospital borders the park to the west. The Domain has a Reserve Category of Public Garden Sport and Recreation. It’s total size is 37.6147 ha in area. The Domain provides public open space with sport and recreation facilities, situated in beautiful gardens of botanical significance lined by mature trees.
The Domain development dates back to 1864. The organised sporting facilities in the Domain provide for football, hockey, cricket, tennis and athletics and include sports fields and ovals, tennis courts, as well as ancillary facilities. The Domain also features expansive play areas in the south-east, with a playground, paddling pool and pump track.
The Domain has many botanically diverse plantings. It contains both formal and informal areas, with a broad range of horticultural and garden interest provided throughout the seasons via floral and leaf colour. A large number of commemorative trees have been planted throughout the Domain to commemorate significant events and people.
From an English country-style gardens and extensive rose gardens planted around a sundial in the south, to the many waterways and ponds that provide habitat for birds and aquatic life and add to the amenity value of the park. It now includes butterfly and invertebrate-friendly gardens, where the aviaries once stood. There are aquifers located under the Domain and several wells are located here which supply water for use in the Domain and for the reticulated town water supply for Ashburton.
The amenity value of the Domain extends far beyond its boundaries with its prominence in the centre of Ashburton. The amenity character throughout the Domain varies significantly, with the south-west dominated by dense plantings and ponds that provide for relaxation and solitude and the north-east dominated by open grassed areas and sports fields.
There are free BBQ’s and seating near the playground, picnic tables on the Royal Lawn and public conveniences are located throughout the Domain. The main car parking area is in the centre of the reserve and can be accessed from the main park entrance off West Street/SH1. The Domain is regularly host to events. Circuses and Fairs occasionally use the south-eastern side of the Domain.
Reserve Management Plan: https://www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/103565/ADC_Vol-2_30.Ashburton-Domain_FINAL.pdf
Facilities and Amenities
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Wedding facilities
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FREE
Open every day - all day
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Physical Address: 337 West Street, Ashburton
www.ashburtondc.govt.nz
