Ashburton District

Canterbury

Lord of the Rings country! From the rocky outcrop of Mount Sunday (used as the location of Edoras - home of the Rohan) there's a 360-degree view of the Southern Alps. This was a highlight of our trip to New Zealand and is an easy walk from the Mount Sunday car park. The "Mount" itself is more of a hill really so don't be put off! Access is via a long, gravel track off State Highway 72 at Mount Somers (signposted Mt Potts). Whether you're a LOTR fan or not, if you enjoy raw, spectacular scenery you shouldn't miss it. Read more at http://www.aboveusonlyskies.com/mount-sunday-rohan/
Lord of the Rings country! From the rocky outcrop of Mount Sunday (used as the location of Edoras - home of the Rohan) there's a 360-degree view of the Southern Alps. This was a highlight of our trip to New Zealand and is an easy walk from the Mount Sunday car park. The "Mount" itself is more of a hill really so don't be put off! Access is via a long, gravel track off State Highway 72 at Mount Somers (signposted Mt Potts). Whether you're a LOTR fan or not, if you enjoy raw, spectacular scenery you shouldn't miss it. Read more at http://www.aboveusonlyskies.com/mount-sunday-rohan/
Wonderful place on Earth
Mt. Sunday which you might recognize as Edoras in the Lord of the Rings - took them 11 months to build the set here, absolutely epic place! It's a 2.5 hr drive from Christchurch down gravel roads, usually ok in a regular 2WD car with an 1.5 hour return hike to the summit. Absolutely stunning, best visited in winter when there's snow on the mountains. It's a couple minutes past Mt. Potts Station where you can dine or sleep, no phone service anywhere near here
Rakaia Gorge showing a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes

Popular cities in Ashburton District

picturesque Rakaia Gorge and Rakaia River on the South Island of New Zealand
Methven
Known for Skiing, Bars and Mountains
Trip time! Discover the skiing, mountains, and spas in Methven.
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Mount Sunday is Edoras, capital city of Rohan in Lord of the Rings film, Ashburton, New Zealand.
Ashburton
Known for Friendly people, Spas and Gardens
Relaxing Ashburton is calling! Discover its parks, spas, island views, and more.
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One of the most serene valleys I've ever visited, the Rangitata Valley on the south island of New Zealand. This was a big filming location in The Lord of the Rings The Two Towers film. This was the site for Edoras.
Ashburton Lakes
Head to sights like Mt Sunday Summit as you discover the local area in Ashburton Lakes.
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Rakaia
Rakaia
Known for Gardens, Friendly people and Dining
Escape to Rakaia! Enjoy its gardens, food, and history.
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Valetta
Valetta
Head to Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa and Ashburton Domain—just two of the sights around Valetta.
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Mount Somers
Mount Somers
Known for Natural parks
Escape to Mount Somers! Enjoy its parks.
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