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Ashburton is based at the crossing point of State Highways 1 and 73 and the Ashburton River. An hour to the north-east is Christchurch, while an hour south-west is Timaru. Up the Ashburton River is Mt Somers, and Methven and Mt Hutt are inland to the north. A road to the south-east followsing the Ashburton River to Hakatere Huts and the seaside.
The town was formed as a river crossing and William Turton's ferry and hotel are signified by a plaque on the main road on the northern side of the bridge. The river was originally called Hakatere River, but was named Ashburton to remember Baron of Ashburton, Hon. Thomas Baring. The fertile surrounding land has made Ashburton a major agricultural centre, as it remains today.
Visitors are primarily attracted to Ashburton by the district's outdoor attractions, but the local attractions include the Lake Hood Ashburton Aquatic Park, which offers a variety of water-based recreational activities, the local crafts galleries, the well-kept parks and gardens, the Ashburton Museum and the Plans Vintage Railway and Historical Museum.
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