Grandly named The Grange on Ashburton’s first map in 1864, this fenced off area designated for recreation was largely indistinguishable from the untouched countryside around it. It wasn’t until 1877 when a newly appointed gardener began a systematic programme of planting that the area began to develop. Today known as the Ashburton Domain, it has evolved into a versatile and much loved recreational area for our town.

Explore objects, archives, photographs and tales associated with the Domain’s 160 year history in our exhibition Domain Tales: 160 years of Ashburton Domain, and then find out more about how it is managed today at this special talk with ADC Open Spaces Manager Ian Soper.

As a career professional with over 48 years’ experience working in various sectors of the New Zealand Horticultural industry, Ian has a passion for creating wonderful places and spaces for communities to use.