Find an exceptional environment here in North Canterbury, only 45 minutes from Christchurch.

Nestled at the base of Mount Thomas forest and set amidst beautiful bush and woodland surroundings, the Ashley Gorge Holiday Park offers both adventure and relaxation for holidaymakers in the Christchurch and Canterbury regions of New Zealand.

Camping is a tremendous and memorable adventure for all to enjoy, both on longer holidays and on special short breaks. We are less than one hour from the city so it's just a short trip to get away from it all. Ashley Gorge offers the ideal relaxation stop.

The fully serviced park contains tent sites, power sites, a bunkhouse complex and cabins, as well as a large communal kitchen and dining area, wonderful bright ablutions and a laundry. The Camp Shop provides all your daily camping requirements.

A Seasonal Note from Your Hosts...
Summer fun in the swimming hole at Ashley Gorge Holiday Park, December 2011.
Summer is here and we have a fabulous new SWIMMING HOLE, at the gorge. A few weeks ago the river flooded due to heavy rain in the foot hills and when the flood water had cleared away, low and behold, the old swimming hole that had been gradually filling up, had been scoured away to reveal a new and improved model about 50mtrs long and over 6ft deep. Even if you do not come camping, the Ashley Gorge is still a great place to picnic and cool off. No Easterly winds to spoil your day out here, just hot lazy days. Remember to bring the sunscreen and insect repellent, (if you forget we have it for sale in the shop). Some people have already discovered our new treasure, make sure you come and check it out sometime. Remember just because it is not nice in Christchurch it could still be very nice at Ashley Gorge.

If you're new to camping then we offer a place not far from Christchurch with good facilities so you can come and test out your new adventure in a friendly and safe environment!

During the day you can sit back, relax and listen to the birdsong, or enjoy some local activities which include exploring the tranquil bushwalks, swimming in the safe Ashley Gorge river, bike riding and fishing. There is also an on-site playground.

Whether you are picnicking for a day or staying for a week, hosts Dave and Jan Shelton look forward to welcoming you to their park and sharing this beautiful piece of native bush, birds and river in the heart of the Oxford district.

Why Stay At Ashley Gorge?

Exceptional Environment
Find an exceptional environment here in North Canterbury, only 45 minutes from Christchurch.

Spacious
Our sites are large and there's 12 acres of camping area, beside 13 acres of picnic area. Blissful is how I would have to describe having so much room and so many attractive trees about.

Beautiful bush and surroundings for camping and picnics. Photo © Jim Helsel.

Good Climate
Christchurch may have grey skies but here at Ashley Gorge we have our own unique climate. Tucked away in a sheltered valley we miss many of the winds and temperatures can soar.

Fantastic River
The Ashley River offers lots of opportunities. Its soothing sound and wide riverbed provide scenic areas to explore. Kids of all ages enjoy river play and can spend hours splashing about as over half of the riverbed are shallows. For the swimmers and the soakers there are great deep swimming holes. You can walk along the river and find your own hole to enjoy!

Short Break or Longer Holiday
Our distance to Christchurch - less than one hour from the city, makes it just a short trip to get away from it all.

Ashley Gorge offers the Ideal Relaxation Stop
Located in a spacious and beautiful setting.

New To Camping?
If you're new to camping then we offer a place not far from home but with good facilities so you can come and test out your new adventure in a friendly and safe environment!

Camp sites at Ashley Gorge. Photo © Jim Helsel.

If You're Travelling Then:

Why Not Take A Break Within Your Holiday?
Are you travelling? Travelling gets to us all. Take a day or two out to relax and enjoy the river and explore our natural areas.

First or Last Stop
Our distance to Christchurch makes us an ideal place for your first or last night in a spacious and beautiful setting.

Pivot Point
We are not far off the beautiful Inland Scenic Route 72. On this route you can enjoy the scenery and have a peaceful trip with less traffic than the main routes. From us you can head to Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, West Coast, Methven and Geraldine.

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.

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!

"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

The 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.

Click here to find out more about the Camp Facilities

Recommended Links:

www.leesvallychallenge.co.nz
Lees Valley Bike Race, November 2011

Kiwi Camping Company : Backpacking Tents
Kiwi Camping Co. is a 100% New Zealand owned and operated camping company that designs and develops tents and camping equipment especially for New Zealand's unique climate and conditions. We are a proud company with a solid foundation built on over 20 years experience in the camping and outdoors market..

Hokianga Campervans - Travel New Zealand by RV motor home, camper van hire or rental car. Vehicles can be hired from Auckland and Christchurch.

Motorhome, RV and Campervan Rental - New Zealand

Britz Campervan, 4WD & Car Rentals
Britz Rentals is the largest specialised leisure vehicle operator in Australasia,
offering the most extensive range of Campervans, Motorhomes, 4WD's and Rental Cars,
giving you the flexibility to choose the right vehicle for your holiday!

Maui Motorhome & Car Rentals - New Zealand & Australia
A Maui Motorhome, offers transport and accommodation all in one.
Our large range of RV's, 2 - 6 berth Motorhomes, Campervans, and quality rental cars
offer affordable holidays from a romantic break for two, to a fun-filled vacation for six.

We are also a member of HAPNZ , New Zealand's Information Network , NewZealandSites.com and www.Jasons.com