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HISTORY
with HEART
WELCOME TO
THE ASHBURTON
MUSEUM
Dig into the past...and discover what created your future. Engage in educational experiences and uncover the cultural and social heritage of Mid Canterbury and Aotearoa.
What's On
Explore our exhibitions and activity programmes.
Cultural Awareness Talk | Afghanistan
In this Cultural Awareness session, you will learn about Afghan culture and discuss basic social protocols to help you interact with clients, whānau, and friends. The session will…
Summer Holiday Activities 2025/26
This summer, we have free activities running every day! Drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm to get involved. Check out our list of activities below, or see…
Workshop | Treasured Threads
At this practical workshop, learn how to protect and preserve your special garments for future generations. Bring along a special garment such as a wedding dress, Christening gown…
Heritage Talk | Dr. Jane Malthus
In western fashion, the white wedding dress came into vogue with Queen Victoria. For various reasons, though, brides have chosen to wear other colours. At this special talk…
Documenting our Heritage: Mid & South Canterbury
The diverse and beautiful Mid & South Canterbury regions are home to 223 entries on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Over the summer, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere…
Dearly Beloved | 100 Years of the Wedding Dress
Weddings are a traditional rite of passage; ceremony overlaid with religious significance and cultural expectations. Befitting the occasion, bridal clothing may be ceremonially symbolic in colour, textile, or…
Island Breeze
Join us for our monthly Pasifika wāhine art and craft session in Ashburton! If singing, chatting, and art sounds like your cup of tea, come along on the…
Art Addicts
Art Addicts (AA) is Rokowhiria’s weekly art space for kids during the school term. Wrap up your Wednesday school day and head to the Gallery and Museum to…
Able Art Collective
Able Art Collective is a supportive space for individuals with disabilities to explore, learn, create, connect and express themselves through art. Sessions are held on the second Wednesday…
Kōwhai Kids
Kōwhai Kids is our monthly art group for children aged 0-5 years. Join us once a month for a relaxed session where kids can engage with fun sensory…
Sunday Studio
Sunday Studio is our weekend art group for adults! Join us once a month to explore a new art technique and socialise on a Sunday afternoon. Each month…
Two O’Clock Tours
Every Sunday, our wonderful Front of House assistant Jacqui will be running tours of Rokowhiria. Whether it’s showing you around the building, or providing insight into a specific…