Welcome to our riverside camping ground and picnic reserve here in North Canterbury, only 45 minutes from Christchurch.

Set beside the cool clear Ashley River, the ideal spot for swimming on a hot North Canterbury day.

Surrounded by handsome bush and plants, its beauty is organic and unspoiled and will ease your mind and spirit. Be warned - if you come here, you may never want to leave.

Specialising in family camping & relaxation we have:

For the young

• 2 playgrounds, small ropes course
• Space for children to run, ride bikes, play games
• Shop with a great selection including ice. lollies, drinks and ice creams
• Great swimming in the river with swimming holes for the older children

For the young at heart

• Good clean facilities
• Lots of hot water for showers
• Enough space for some peace and quiet
• Fishing in the river
• Native and exotic bush and trees
• Gentle bird song
• Walking, hiking and mountain bike tracks near by

 Why stay at Ashley Gorge?

Exceptional Environment 

• Just 45 mins from Christchurch
• Close to the mountains and ski fields

Spacious

• Large sites - 12 acres of camping area 
• Beside 13 acres of picnic area
• So much room and so many attractive trees about. Just blissful!

Great Climate

• Our own unique climate
• Tucked away in a sheltered valley we miss many of the winds and temperatures can soar
• NO cold Christchurch easterlies.

Fantastic River

 

The AshleyRiver offers lots of opportunities

• Over half of the riverbed are shallows, ideal for littlies
• Great deep swimming holes for the swimmers and the soakers
• Walk along the river and find your own hole to enjoy!
• Take your fishing rod for a walk and try to catch our clever fish (ask at the office if you forgot your licence)

 Short Break or Longer Holiday

• Close to Christchurch
• Just a short trip to get away from it all
• Good stop off on the way somewhere else

Ashley Gorge offers the ideal relaxation stop

• Located in a spacious and beautiful setting

New to Camping?

• Ashley Gorge is the ideal place to start
• Test your new equipment in a friendly safe environment
• Helpful knowlegable owners always on hand

 

If you're travelling then:

Why not take a break within your holiday

• Relax and enjoy the river or explore our natural areas
• Do nothing but sit back and enjoy the clean fresh air and birdsong

Pivot point

• Just off the beautiful Inland Scenic Route 72
• A peaceful trip with less traffic than the main routes
• Easy Drive to Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, West Coast, Methven and Geraldine
• On this route you can enjoy the scenery 

Tranz Alpine Train Trip
Ashley Gorge Holiday Park is a great overnight stay before you enjoy the fantastic ride that is the Tranz Alpine Train Trip. You can sleep in a bit longer and join the train at Springfield, just a short drive from Ashley Gorge, Enjoy the best bits of the train trip, then pick up your car on the way back and stay another night with us or hook back into Inland Scenic Route 72 and continue your journey. Just ask at the office if you wish to book the train.

Not just a camp ground

Ashley Gorge Holiday Park is an excellent venue for your group, club or organisation to hold meetings, workshops, retreats and functions. With 2 x 26 bed dorms and a fully equiped kitchen/dining room we have you covered whatever the occasion.

 St Pauls Trinity Pacific Church

Hi Sally & Wayne

Thanks so much for hosting our group from St Pauls Trinity Pacific Church. Our young people absolutely loved their time. The adults who were first timers to Ashley Gorge Holiday Park were amazed with the facilities. 

My family are regulars at the Ashley Gorge having stayed in the dorms and camping in tents since 2007. We were all very impressed with the subtle changes you guys have made to improve the experience for campers. Our group are already planning our next visit to your place in the very near future. 

Again on behalf of our young people and leaders, thanks for supporting us with our retreat!!

Mark

Engineers Without Borders New Zealand" Retreat 
"We recently held our national retreat at Ashley Gorge Holiday Park. The location was great, allowing our members from around the country and overseas to fly in to Christchurch and get there within 50 minutes. The place felt really secluded and was a great chance to give our team a taste of the South Island without having to drive for hours and hours. The facilities were tidy, well priced and being able to self cater meant we were able to keep costs down. All in all a great experience. Thanks guys!"

Sam Davies
Executive Director

Daimler Enthusiasts ClubThe Daimler Enthusiasts Club AGM
The Daimler Enthusiasts Club of Canterbury recently used our function room for their A.G.M. Have you ever thought of having your club meetings at a different venue? Just under an hour from Christchurch, plenty of parking, why not make a weekend of it. At some times of year you would almost have the place to your selves, Try thinking outside the city... come and enjoy Ashley Gorge.

Mountain Bike Race
In November 2011 we welcomed competitors and support crew for the Lees Valley Challenge Mountain Bike Race. Click here for details on the race. Next Lees Valley Challenge happening the first weekend in March 2013, time to start training now!