About
Plan your visit
Rokowhiria is open 10am – 4pm daily,
and is located at 327 West Street, Ashburton, 7700.
Entry is free.
How to get here
By car
Our car park, including accessible parks, is located off Cameron Street, next to our building. There is additional free street parking on either side of our building.
By bus
Ashburton’s local bus service stops on Baring Square East, a two minute walk from our entrance.
By bike
Bike racks are available at the West Street entrance, under cover and close to reception.
Access
Wharepaku / toilets
There are two accessible, gender-neutral bathrooms with baby change facilities located on the ground floor and the first floor. There are also gendered bathroom facilities on the first floor.
Wheelchairs
A wheelchair is available to borrow from reception at no charge. The building has step-free entry and lift access to all floors.
Hāpai Access Cards
We welcome Hāpai Access Card holders and their support people. Please show your card at reception.
Visitor guidelines
Rokowhiria is a welcoming and inclusive space. Our friendly front-of-house staff can help with any queries. To ensure the safety of our visitors, spaces, and collections, please note the below. You can also view our Council Visitor Experience Guide.
Items to leave at reception
Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, food and drink are left at reception. Lockers are available at no charge.
Parental Supervision
Children remain under the supervision of a parent or caregiver at all times. Please walk, and keep a safe distance from the artworks and objects on display.
Photography
Photography for personal use is welcome in most spaces, without flash or tripods. Some exhibitions carry lender restrictions, which are signed at the entrance.
Research Enquiries
Our collection and archive are available for research by appointment. Contact us with your enquiry and we will arrange a time.
History
Serving the growing population of Mid-Canterbury and Aotearoa New Zealand at large, Rokowhiria is a vibrant cultural facility operated by the Ashburton District Council, located in Whakatere Ashburton. We care for extensive art and heritage collections, and offer a wide range of exhibitions, programmes, and events that promote innovation and cultural engagement.
Rokowhiria has a rich history that evolved from two separate, community-led operations – the Ashburton Museum (established 1972) and the Ashburton Art Gallery (established 1995). The Gallery and the Museum moved into a new purpose-built facility in 2015 and merged into a single organisation under the Ashburton District Council in 2021. The name Rokowhiria was gifted to the facility by local iwi in 2025.
Home also to the Ashburton Family History Group, Rokowhiria has become a hub of creative and diverse activity, maintaining a busy programme of exhibitions that promote and exemplify the works of local and national artists and explore local and national histories.
Rokowhiria has a rich history that evolved from two separate, community-led operations – the Ashburton Museum (established 1972) and the Ashburton Art Gallery (established 1995). The Gallery and the Museum moved into a new purpose-built facility in 2015 and merged into a single organisation under the Ashburton District Council in 2021. The name Rokowhiria was gifted to the facility by local iwi in 2025.
Home also to the Ashburton Family History Group, Rokowhiria has become a hub of creative and diverse activity, maintaining a busy programme of exhibitions that promote and exemplify the works of local and national artists and explore local and national histories.
Our name, Rokowhiria
Our facility was gifted the name Rokowhiria in 2025 by Ūpoko of Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua, Tewera King.
Roko is the Kāi Tahu spelling of the word ‘Rongo’, which is the name of a Māori god, Rongomātāne, who was the god of agriculture, abundance, creativity and peace.
‘Whiria’ comes from the word ‘whiri’ which means to twist, weave or spin. The words ‘he awa whiria’ refer to the concept of a braided river and, as a metaphor, extends to the ways in which different knowledge streams may come together.
Ashburton District Council
Rokowhiria, Art & Heritage is proudly part of Ashburton District Council. Together, we deliver facilities and programmes that celebrate our district’s heritage and creativity. We work in partnership with community groups and organisations, supporting a strong and connected cultural sector. While rooted in our local community, our work contributes to the wider Canterbury arts and heritage story.
